IP For Dummies

Setting a Standard for Evaluating IP Phone Systems
(even if you have no clue)

Let’s say you’re a business owner that is considering the purchase of an IP Enabled Phone System. What do you look for? This technology is so new, and it keeps evolving, who has the
time to really know what is available and how to compare ……. and who to believe?

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION: All Long Distance Calls will be free.
                                (Everyone associates IP Phone Systems with free long distance)

  • There are TWO types of IP offerings in the market.

    • Hosted line service, billed monthly. (Vonage, etc.)

      • Offers free long distance, choice of area codes, 11 digit dialing

    • IP Enabled Phone System

      • Puts remote sites or teleworkers on the SAME phone system & voice mail.

      • This is what we’re talking about !!!

SECOND BIG MISCONCEPTION: This stuff is very expensive and I don’t need to have very many features.
Just the basic functionality will do "in order to keep it affordable".
                     (You can price your IP system affordably now with all the same features you have in the office)

THINGS TO LOOK FOR ON AN IP BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEM:

  • Will you have line appearances on remote phones? (the ability to see which lines are in use)

  • Will you have station appearances? ( the ability to see which extensions are in use)

  • Will you have message notification? (a blinking light that tells you that you have messages)

  • Will your phone display how many messages you have?

  • Will it have a "soft phone" (on laptop or remote desktop)? ……. with video?

PROTOCOLS

You might encounter talk about "protocols" in your investigation. Here is the short story.

  • H.323 - The old "Telephony Standard" in IP Protocols. (and all it’s equivalents)

    • Feature rich but not favored by IT staff. SIP is more user friendly to them.

  • SIP - The new emerging "Data Standard" is not completely defined but appears the heir apparent.

    • Allows easier integration to computer (data) networks.

We try to make technology understandable. Call us for more information.

Acticor Technologies
612-721-8000
www.acticor.com