IP telephony enables voice communication over internet protocol (IP) networks. It combines an organization's many locations - including mobile workers - into a single converged network. It realizes cost savings by combining voice and data on one network that can be centrally managed as well as by eliminating toll costs for calls between locations. IP telephony works by converting voice communications into data packets. Telephones are connected to data ports on the IP network. But the function of a telephone can easily be provided using a device that is already connected to the network - the PC. Terms such as client-server telephony, telephony-enabled LAN, pure IP telephony, converged telephony, and LAN telephony all describe the same fundamental, distributed IP telephony architecture. Simply put, Axess Communications, along with its partners supports both distributed (client-server) IP telephony and IP-enabled PBXs without forcing customers to compromise on either approach. Instead of a separate, multi-line phone beside the PC at each desk, IP telephony allows software on the PC to serve as a "soft" phone. Software, unlike telephone hardware, is easily upgraded and enhanced, without work disruption, without equipment cost… without even visiting every desk.
The concept of transmitting voice over a data network is exciting to companies that are maintaining intranet connections for all of their branch offices, while paying for voice circuits to PBXs in those same locations. The cost savings alone are appealing - although security, reliability, and quality questions can make network managers apprehensive about IP telephony. That's why Axess Communications offers comprehensive solutions for delivering secure, scalable IP telephony across the enterprise. Axess Communications and its partners combine these solutions with services to ensure that the network will handle voice with the utmost quality and reliability. Axess Communications' services help companies select the right solutions, assess the readiness of the LAN to carry voice traffic, implement the solutions, and maintain them after installation.
The question for any business is not whether to migrate to IP Telephony - but how. One path preserves a company's infrastructure investment. Another builds a converged infrastructure from the ground up. It's important to choose a solution that supports the chosen path of migration, while protecting a company's investment. The question for any business is not whether to migrate to IP Telephony - but how. One path preserves a company's infrastructure investment. Another builds a converged infrastructure from the ground up. It's important to choose a solution that supports the chosen path of migration, while protecting a company's investment.
The challenge for IT managers is to leverage existing applications, user training, and infrastructure investments while deploying new solutions that will meet their future needs. With an Avaya fully distributed IP telephony solutions can be completely new, or extend existing investments in applications, servers, gateways, and phones. Avaya provides "stepping-stone" choices for IP-enabling existing PBXs, allowing customers to get started at low risk and cost. All these choices provide flexibility in supporting an organization's path to IP telephony.
