VOIP PRICING MODEL
What elements need to be specified in an RFP/RFI for an IP Communications System, in order to obtain a reasonable price quote?
There are 9 key ones:
1. Call capacity. Specify a connection-set-up volume equal to one call per minute per user. And add reasonably expected growth for the next few years.
2. Number and type of endpoints. In most cases you can just specify a mid-range IP hard phone (like, 8 buttons, 2 or 4-line LCD display, and extra Ethernet port). And don’t forget softphones and/or soft attendant consoles.
3. Number of call controllers and level of failover/survivability. This is key especially when it comes to distributed office call control. There are many fail-over/survivability options for distributed offices offered by vendors.
4. Number and capacity of gateways. These are the links to the PSTN, what were called “trunk circuits” in last-generation PBXs.
5. Management wares. Not for basic admin processes; that’s usually thrown in. You need to specify any additional tools for monitoring QoS and call quality, and usually also management reports.
6. Service and support. Specify a consistent, but realistic level of service and support that addresses: spare parts on-site inventory, major and minor software upgrades, and on-site response time (4 hours, next day. etc.).
7. Specify voicemail accounts and voice conferencing capacity.
8. Enhanced, advanced applications (UC suites, other productivity applications, videoconferencing, etc.), including server hardware, video cameras, MCUs, and extra desktop/laptop client software.
9. All licenses—whether for users, seats, PCs, right to use, etc.