http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/computers/ip-telephony--the-big-wave-of-global-communication-systems.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/ip-telephony--the-big-wave-of-global-communication-systems.html Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500 IP Telephony -the big wave of global communication systems?

IP telephony, or Internet Protocol telephony deploys the Internet infrastructure to transmit voice and fax calls. IP phone systems digitize voice and transmit it in the form of packets to unique IP addresses designated by the user. Slow to get off the blocks, Internet phone systems have gained significant ground in the recent years. This is largely due to the rapid rise of convergence as the ultimate destination for communication technology. In this context, voice over ip phone systems are seen as a crucial first step in the march towards achieving seamless low-cost connectivity by integrating data, voice, and video onto a single Internet based platform.

Enterprise communications at the cross-roads

A recent study by META group, a subsidiary of the global consultancy major Gartner, indicates that convergence is fast catching up among businesses across the globe. As per the study, 26 per cent of the Global 2000 Enterprises are in the process of migrating to converged networks, whereas another 42 per cent will be taking it up in the next one to two years. Impressive figures indeed! In the same vein it predicts that the IP lines deployed by the hybrid 'computer phone systems', are bound to see a 50 per cent growth annually in the coming years. One reason why enterprises are boarding the IP telephony bandwagon is that it enables them to generate substantial cost-savings by using their existing IP infrastructure for voice traffic. Plus, prominent communication equipment vendors, such as UK based Actimax Plc, have clearly cast their mandate in favor of the Internet phone system. Going by the Actimax Web site, the benefits of adopting an IP phone system include:

1. Connecting remote workers at no extra cost

2. Integrating IP applications with telephones to harness the best of two technologies

3. Connecting geographically disparate sites together at no extra call cost

IP telephony - the roadblocks

From the above, the IP phone systems appear simply unstoppable and clearly the future of the global communications. But then why is it still moving at a relatively slow pace? For example, an overwhelming majority of enterprises in upcoming markets still remain unconvinced by its efficacy. In the developed world too the picture is not so rosy. As per estimates put forward by world telecoms major Ericsson, 'pure-play VOIP phone system PBXs account for less than five per cent of customer premises equipment (CPE) shipments' across the globe. Apart from this, businesses implementing VOIP phone systems too prefer to remain on line with the traditional wire line telephony. The reasons are not hard to find. META group studies point towards the a still lingering adverse public perception about reliability, degree of integration with legacy systems, and the money that needs to be pumped into the new applications.

Besides, a number of countries, including India and China, are still to recognize IP telephony, which puts a big question mark over its usability in these fast growing markets. Apart from this, convergence require a high degree of customization for companies in different sectors. Experts also point out that converged networks are still to come up with common technical standards that are essential to make the technology ubiquitous.

An idea whose time is nigh

Despite the remaining hurdles, it clearly emerges that the future belongs to converged networks, which means that we are in for a greater proliferation of voice over IP phone systems both at the workplace and in life away from office. The technology has got too many things going for it. After all how can we turn away a system that offers advantages such as greater efficiency and productivity while lowering your total cost of ownership? Those of you who have had a feel of concepts such as 'Computer Telephone Integration' will know what we are talking about. And, to those still to get a taste of this upcoming communication revolution, we can only say: Go out and try it for yourself. It makes more sense to be an active participant in the technology sweepstakes than to wait and let the convergence wave sweep you off your feet.

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John Massey is the Managing Director of Actimax , who’s background in the communications industry goes back over 30 years is invaluable in the company being one step ahead of the competition.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/putting-productivity-and-economy-to-work-with-intelligent-business-phone-systems.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/putting-productivity-and-economy-to-work-with-intelligent-business-phone-systems.html Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 Is your business communication equipment really working for you? Is it helping you maximize productivity? Are you getting optimum returns on invested capital? Is your business phone system scalable and extensible enough to help you remain in sync with leading-edge convergence technologies?

In highly competitive markets across the globe, answers to these questions often draw the line between the winners and the also rans. And, this is where the role of specialized service-oriented resellers come into play. For the solution here lies in sourcing your business communication equipment from quality suppliers such as the UK based Actimax, Plc., which have created a niche for themselves by adopting a solution - oriented approach. Over the past decade, companies like these have helped a growing number of enterprises to thrive by harnessing the power of leading edge technologies.

Solution oriented approach

Every organization operates in a constant state of flux. With an ever changing business environment that needs to constantly adapt to the transforming competitive landscape, you need an office telephone system that is not only open-ended, robust, and sophisticated but is also affordable and easy to use.

Good business phone systems invariably result from the extra effort made by your supplier to understand your distinct needs. With a customer - centric business model in place, these companies stress upon studying the client's business processes up close. Office telephone system from quality suppliers are designed ground up, which make them almost custom-made to support your mission critical operations, efficiently and cost effectively. The service-oriented resellers not only empower you to choose from a complete range of business communications equipment from the world’s best manufacturers but also provide the whole portfolio of supporting products and services.

Advanced services to suit diverse needs

Over the years, the communication space has changed and evolved constantly. This trend has lead a number of vendors to adopt a business model centered around providing exceptional support and services to beat back the competition. These companies not only provide you the equipment but also research your business, your customers, and the markets to try and identify the weak spots. This is followed by intense brainstorming to arrive at the best possible solution in the shape of communication system that is robust and simple, enhances productivity, and brings about a perceptible change in the way you go about doing your business. Digital phone systems marketed by some of these players is a case in point that truly demonstrates these capabilities.

No nonsense digital phone system

Owing to their accumulated knowledge base, the top line service oriented suppliers now posses proven expertise in installing tailor-made high utility digital phone systems. Shorn of complex features rarely used, these companies focus on equipping your office telephone systems with services such as Caller Line Identification (CLI), Direct Dialing Inwards (DDI), business telephones integration with databases, and Trunk to Trunk technology. Of course, the digital phone system has enough scope to integrate other services as and when the need arises. A simple, and effective voice mail phone system is another example where highly qualified and experienced professionals make it easy for you to adapt new technology.

Voice mail phone system:

Voice mail phone systems offer the answers to your need for streamlining your messaging system. It provides you seamless access to your messages anytime, and from anywhere. You no longer need to scribble notes on pieces of paper, or get onto the e-mail to stay in touch. Every time a call goes unanswered, an efficient voice mail phone system lets you leave messages that are sure to get across to the right person, sooner or later. While Installing a voice mail phone systems the seller should be able to clearly comprehend your unique needs, and install a system that is simple and easy to use. The sellers have a key role to play to get you quickly up to speed from the word go, thus eliminating any stoppages in your work flow.


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John Massey is the Managing Director of Actimax , who’s background in the communications industry goes back over 30 years is invaluable in the company being one step ahead of the competition.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>