Five Technical Requirements for a Successful VoIP Installation
Once the planning phase of the VoIP rollout is complete, the real technical work begins. A successful VoIP installation causes minimal disruption to the organization. For a seamless transition from legacy to next-generation IP communications, keep in mind the following five technical requirements.
1. Perform a Network Assessment
First, take steps to ensure that the network infrastructure can support the new IP communications system. A thorough network assessment includes a status check of current capacity and an analysis of the network’s ability to meet future bandwidth needs. Take inventory of hardware and software, load-test the network, and assess power and equipment cooling sources.
2. Integrate New and Legacy Equipment
VoIP technology allows you to leverage your existing networking and communications equipment in the new system. Integrating different devices and business applications does call for some technical finesse, however. IP telephony consultants recommend establishing an open-standard rather than a proprietary session initiation protocol (SIP) system to promote seamless interoperability. Many VoIP vendors and hosted services are willing to work with clients to establish an integrated solution.
3. Diagram the New Network
Next, map out the network architecture in detail. Network and system analysts can work with the VoIP service provider to determine the best configuration of network devices. The network diagram indicates which components need to be added or upgraded, and which can be incorporated into the new telephone system.
4. Set up the Network
IT staff use the new network diagram as a blueprint, installing hardware and configuring the system according to specifications. VoIP-specific installation requirements include prioritizing voice traffic on the network, establishing network security and data backup measures, and integrating voice data into CRM and other business applications. In addition, the installation team sets up routing rules, programs the voice attendant, inputs user information, and performs other basic telephone system setup tasks.
5. Deploy a Pilot Program
Before you take the new telephone system live, run a pilot program. A test run helps IT staff iron out the kinks before rolling out the new communications system to the entire organization. You can also minimize disruption by transitioning departments to the new system one by one, beginning with internally-facing departments with less critical communications needs (not sales or customer care).
A seamless IP communications rollout calls for a step-by-step approach.These five phases streamline the behind-the-scenes technical work, helping VoIP users migrate effortlessly to the new telephone system.
Sources
PC Advisor, VoIP Implementation
TechTarget, How to Design and Implement a Business VoIP Network