Voice Over IP (VoIP)

Voice Over IP (VOIP) is one of the fastest growing technologies within the business environment today – and that's probably because it's not entirely new. Your regular data transmissions work by compressing information, chopping it into smaller packets, and sending those packets over your company's computer network. VOIP works in much the same way. In fact, many companies across the U.S. are finding that it can be integrated into their existing data network - including analog, leased line, frame relay, ISDN, and wireless.

The Growth of VOIP

As a relatively new technology, VOIP is experiencing phenomenal growth. One of the recent assessments of VOIP usage proved that investment in North America grew from $71 million to a over $2 billion in just four years. A Gartner survey of 300 IT executives revealed that 80% of the companies surveyed are in the process of deploying VOIP technology. It is expected that investment will skyrocket within the next few years.

The most common VOIP applications among business are:

• VOIP hardware (IP phones)
• Voice connection between worldwide offices
• Productivity features (such as IP conferencing)

Benefits of VOIP

The most obvious and significant benefit from using VOIP is reduced telephony costs. More than 80% of the companies planning to deploy VOIP expect payback within the first three years. In reality, companies that have deployed the technology are experiencing complete return on investment within the first year.

If the cost savings wasn't enough, businesses that deployed VOIP are experiencing other long-term benefits such as:

• Improved individual productivity
• Improved team collaboration
• Faster responsiveness to customers
• Better quality of service to customers
• Better support for globalization efforts

For more information about VOIP, please Contact Us.