Avaya Phone Systems has taken several steps to ensure a smooth transition traditional, circuit- based phone systems to VoIP phone systems. The company views the evolution to converged network as a three- step process:

Install IP architecture, laying the foundation for a wireless network capable of supporting data, voice, and video on a single cable.

Incorporate applications, taking advantage of features that increase your productivity and efficiency.

Employ IP telephony, connecting all branches and locations of your business, making the conversion from an outdated, inefficient network, to an industry- standard one.

Step One: Install IP Architecture

The first step in switching to VoIP phone systems takes one of two routes, depending on whether your company has POTS or a PBX. The route from POTS to VoIP phone systems is longer and more expensive, and is generally not recommended unless the monthly toll charges and fees are so unwieldy as to outweigh the high cost of converting.

However, VoIP phone systems architecture can be installed alongside the existing POTS, preserving your earlier investment. Over time, you can phase out your POTS and replace circuit- based telephones with IP- enabled ones, as you embrace IP telephony.

The process is much simpler with a PBX: The computer data network is expanded to support IP telephony on the LAN and VoIP and the WAN, creating a common infrastructure connecting all locations.

Step Two: Incorporate Applications

After a foundation for IP telephony has been built, and a converged network is in place, your company is ready to take the next step to VoIP phone systems: incorporating applications, taking advantage of integrated voice, data, and video.

VoIP phone systems enhance business communications by allowing for critical applications that improve productivity and efficiency: many applications and features that allow you to stay connected and accessible. Cell phone connect and remote call forwarding let your receive business calls when youre out of the office, and Unified messaging gives you greater control over your voice and email messages.

VoIP phone systems keep you informed: the network has proactive monitoring programs that alert you when it needs repairs before something breaks down.

Step Three: Deploy IP Telephony

The final step in the transition to VoIP phone systems is to deploy IP telephony, creating converged communications. Deploying IP telephony and realizing the full potential of VoIP phone systems allows your company to flourish in an adaptive environment, easily integrating with multiple configurations.

This is possible because of modularization; VoIP phone systems have modular applications and components, increasing flexibility while making it a cost- effective solution.

As a completely optimized and integrated infrastructure, VoIP phone systems can save your business thousands upon thousands of dollars. VoIP phone systems eliminate fees for leasing phone lines, and greatly reduce monthly regulatory fees.