VoIP Business Solutions
VoIP business solutions are rapidly replacing the remaining circuit based TDM PBXs still in use. VoIP has become the default option. It not only reduces the cost of business communication, it is about to become a condition of business survival.
Until just a few years ago TDM was the safe option. The technology was proven and there was no shortage of expertise in the event of a problem. On the the other hand VoIP was a flaky new technology with voice quality and security issues. In the interim billions of dollars have been invested in VoIP. Manufacturers, recognized where the future lay and invested accordingly in the development of the VoIP business phone system.
Most new business phone systems are VoIP phone systems.
They are either in-premise or hosted VoIP:
- VoIP PBX Phone System
- VoIP Business Phone Service
IP is the Future!
The remaining TDM PBXs are literally islands of circuit based technology in an ocean of VoIP business solutions.
Reverse pricing pressures are now being felt by the remaining hold outs. The cost of support services and spare parts is increasing. Its cheaper to fix VoIP PBX software remotely than have a technician go on site with a tool box to fix hard wired technology.
The manufacturers are also tilting the playing field by increasing the cost of maintenance on TDM systems to stimulate interest in upgrading to a new VoIP business phone solution.
Other strategies include the roll out of hybrid VoIP PBX systems.
TDM PBXs are going - going - GONE!
VoiP Business Solutions - why the rush?
1. There are host a business applications that follow on the coat tails of replacing a stand alone voice system with an integrated voice - data network. They address issues that include:
- Automating business processes
- Application integration via real-time communication over IP
- Collaboration
- Convergence
These applications are about working smarter in an increasingly fast paced and competitive business environment. A decision to do nothing but wait and see will be fatal for many businesses.
2. The traditional manufacturers of TDM PBXs are in a race for survival. Their challenge is to not only beat their traditional competitors, but also stave off battle hardened competitors with a profound understanding of how to survive and prosper in IP networking and software markets.
The companies behind the brand names that sold circuit based PBXs for the last 20-30 years must now re-engineer their businesses. They must re-invent themselves as software centric sales and support organizations.
In the early days they used terminology that was familiar and harkened back to the era when TDM switches reigned supreme. Terms such as VoIP PBX or hosted VoIP PBX are now less common on their web sites and sales brochures.
Instead look for terms such as:
- Converged IP networks
- Software Centric Communications
- Service Oriented Architecture or SOA
- Presence
- Multi-media interaction channels
- Communications Enabled Business Processes or CEBP
Instead of a narrow focus on selling access to cheap or free VoIP phone calls, vendors must now sell the benefits of integrated VoIP business solutions.
Who knows where it's it all going? We keep an eye on Cisco for clues, but don't try and buy a "Cisco VoIP PBX ." Cisco has never been in the PBX market. It does however have a road map and it sells an IP based solution called Cisco Unified Communications Manager.
Related Articles
Skype Phone Number - it's your local phone number
VoIP Pros and Cons.
Which 4 Line Cordless Phone System?
Which 2 Line Cordless Phone System?
From VoIP Business Solutions to VoIP Phone Systems
From VoIP Business Solutions to Business Phone Tools
