Understand VoIP

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Understand VoIP
Posted Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:39
I am trying to understand the differences between the great many voip vendors. We are looking for a complete in-house solution. For instance I see the terms IP, IP PBX, Hybrid PBX, etc... In an effort to explain my confusion; I understand (I think) that Cisco has a true IP only solution, while Avaya does not and runs on top of a more traditional PBX system. I have been charged with finding a list of vendors that offer a pure/true ip telephony solution. Can anyone help me to understand the differences if any of IP, IP PBX, Hybrid, etc...? In my reading/searching I have not been able to find a clear explanation. This would help me tremendously to create my list of vendors. Thank You!
‹ installing VoIP in a small office? hi all, ›

Comments

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:40 — Archives
Shan, So you are looking for a complete "in house solution" that is true IP. To be clear, are you looking for true voice over internet phone service in/out of the office? Are you looking for the system/PBX to reside in your office and be maintained by your company? iPBX is an IP (internet) based version of a conventional Private branch exchange or PBX, also called IP PBX. Most of the features (e.g. free calls between the connected subscribers, call forwarding, parking) people know from their traditional based system are now processed on a Server. A Hybrid system would use VOIP in the office and then communicate out of the office via a traditional phone line. A "normal" setup would include an in house PBX and a T1 data connection. The term hybrid is used becuase it uses a mix of both old and new technology. Any particular reason why you are looking for an in house solution? Depending on the size of your company, a hosted solution could be a better route for you to go. Hosted solutions tend to bundle features together and offer a lower start up cost. Best, Runkel

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:40 — Archives
Runkel, Thanks for responding. We are a bank that spans 6 counties in our state with 22 branches. Some of the main points of looking for a in house solution is because we want the control. Setup, configure unified communications, integrate apps, etc.... Any thoughts on my example for the difference between Cisco and Avaya? We will run VoIP on the LAN and WAN between our branches, but that the calls when leaving the network will be switched to analog through the POTS. Cisco uses a gateway device to convert the signal from digital to analaog. If I were to explain my understanding of the difference it would be that Cisco runs entirley digital until it hits the gateway and there are no old technologies. However, Avaya IP runs on top of a more traditional type pbx across the network and not just when a call hits the POTS line. Am I confused or what? Thanks again.

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:41 — Archives
Shan, It is my understanding that Cisco and Avaya both offer a full SIP PBX. Both will run digital all the way to the gateway. While I have not done a full comparison of Cisco vrs. Avaya vrs. everyone else, my experience with banks tells me that a Hosted model would most likely be more cost effective and reliable. While you can have a lot of control with an in house unit, you can have the same amount of control with a Hosted solution. Most of the add-ons that users are looking for are already bundled into a hosted solution. While an in house solution would require that every bolt on come at an additional charge. Second, if your network goes down with an in house solution, you are unable to recieve calls. With a Hosted solution, the application is hosted on multiple servers across multiple locations. This allows for fail over protection and the ability to still access calls by having them point automatically to POTS lines or cell phones.

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:41 — Archives
Thank You very much for the info and your recommendation. I will definitely look into the hosted solution.

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:42 — Archives
IP (Internet Protocol): How information is passed between systems across the Internet or other data networks. IP PBX: A Private Branch eXchange that supports IP technology using proprietary protocols. IP Phone: A telephone that supports IP Telephony. This device maybe software or hardware-based. Hybrid PBX: A Private Branch eXchange that supports both IP and TDM technologies using proprietary protocols.

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:42 — Archives
Great posts everyone! If I could chime in too. Shan, since you have multiple locations a hosted PBX is most definitely your best bet.

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:43 — Archives
Would a Hosted PBX always be the best bet for a business with multiple locations? Would an on premise solution ever be a better option for saving money in that instance?

Re: Understand VoIP

Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:43 — Archives
Jeff, It all depends on the number of users. Over 200 users an on site premise might be the best option in terms of a TCO/ROI. I am with a company called VSGI and can run out the options for you. Best, Robert

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