VoIP or Traditional PBX Telephone Systems – Which is Right for Me?

The telecommunications industry is rebuilding itself around a technology known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP telephone systems operate on your company's data network, allowing for converged solutions that integrate your voice services with your data network. This fundamental shift in business telephone systems has created a lot of confusion for the buyer, because there are a lot more options available for businesses.

First and foremost, it´s important to understand some basic telephone terminology. Knowing the lingo will go a long way towards helping you evaluate competitive proposals. You´ll find that many of Delmarva´s traditional telephone vendors don´t even use industry terms properly when offering their telephone system quotes!

• VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol - This is a method of converting voice signals into data packets, and passing that traffic over a data network (like the Internet). Note that VoIP calling services can be used with IP Telephone Systems or traditional PBX systems – they are not exclusive.
• SIP Trunks – SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. SIP trunks are essentially virtual telephone lines for your business. A SIP Provider offers local and long distance calling services that utilize VoIP technology to lower your calling expenses. SIP hasn´t been popular on the Delmarva Peninsula because it requires large amounts of reliable bandwidth to be effective. The cost of the right Internet services in our region often exceed the cost savings offered by SIP trunks.
• IP Telephony – The use of VoIP technologies within your office is often known as IP Telephony. Some vendors will call IP Telephony Computer Telephony Integration (CTI).
• PBX – Private Branch eXchange – A Telephone Switch used to support an individual organization. Traditional business telephone systems are considered to be a PBX.

IP telephone systems AVAYA - IP Office provides you with the opportunity to network your telephones with your computer network. By converging the two networks together, your telephone and data networks can become an integrated communications system. This helps your organization to reduce telephone bills, improve customer service, and provide for more efficient communications between staff members.

IP Telephone Systems are usually appropriate in the following environments:

• Organizations with Multiple Locations and/or Home Offices
• Call Centers
• Organizations with sophisticated calling requirements
• Larger Offices

PBX AVAYA PARTNER systems are the traditional business telephone systems that you have seen in your office for years. They are more affordable, and are still the best fit for a smaller organization who is looking for basic features like dial tone, voice mail, and limited integration with your computer networks.

PBX Systems are typically the best fit for the following environments:

• Smaller organizations with one business location.
• Organizations with modest budgets.
• Organizations that have relatively small call volumes.
• Operations that only need basic telephone features.

 Sometimes, it´s a clear decision whether IP or PBX business telephone systems are the best solution for your organization. In other instances, the benefits of either solution are not easily seen. To find the best business telephone system for your organization, schedule a free consultation with Inacom today. As Delmarva´s leading installer of IP and PBX based telephone systems, we´re here to help you make the best decision for your business, non-profit, medical office, or government agency. If you would prefer to speak with a Communications Manager right away, call our office at 800.346.1225. Otherwise, please complete the contact request form below.