Convergence: IP infrastructure for small business05 July 2006
Converged communications can apparently generate cost-savings, improved efficiency and enhanced flexibility for businesses - and it seems that companies are increasingly realising the benefits of upgrading the way they communicate.
Recent research conducted by TheInfoPro found that, among medium to large enterprises, more than half of those not yet utilising converged communications technology such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) are confident they will be within the next year.
But the advantages of upgrading business infrastructure needn't be felt by big corporate firms alone. Figures from EuropaIT have revealed that the number of convergence and IP telephony-focused resellers in the UK grew by 23 per cent - the highest rate in the industry as a whole. Alan Norman of the company told CreativeMatch: "With 76 per cent of telephony solutions now IP-based and broadband ...the whole communications landscape is being re-shaped."
Utilising one converged network and IP infrastructure to carry voice, data, video and storage applications can:
- Boost business flexibility as using the different applications id easier, more convenient and less liable to disruption.
- Drive down costs as different communications methods are at employees' fingertips over a cost-effective internet connection.
- Enhance customer service, as operations become smoother, disruptions fewer and speed and ease of communication means that client needs are met quicker.
As more traditional communications methods look certain to disappear from our offices, it is important that small businesses start to investigate IP.
IP is...?
IP Infrastructure
Internet protocol, or IP, simply refers to the protocol that allows data to be communicated among computers on a global basis. Converging data, voice and video over one single IP-based platform naturally means that using all of these functions is more efficient and cost effective as the different applications are integrated and interoperable.
VoIP
Becoming increasingly popular among both home users and businesses, this is a telephony solution which allows users to make calls via their existing broadband connection. Because calls are routed in the same way as internet access, users can benefit from reduced costs - in terms of call charges and installation costs. In addition, converging processes through the internet means that call functions are more efficient and convenient to use.
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