TechNO Expo

In phase two, when the enterprise is operating on a consolidated IP network, it can enable communication applications anywhere on the network, including PDAs and cell phones. Adding applications is relatively inexpensive at this point, and the added functionality offers significant return on investment.

It’s in this phase that the real benefits of VOIP becomes apparent. Improving and facilitating communication is of value to every business unit. The phase-one investment may pay off in many departments at the same time or in the same department many times. Some examples of applications enabled by VOIP are:

•  Queuing calls, e-mails, and chat into one, nationwide contact center.
•  Routing callers to both desk and mobile phones, so workers never miss a call.
•  Changing route sales processes so field technicians are constantly in touch.
•  Finding and connecting decision makers on a conference call in response to a critical event. 

The promise of VOIP is in its ability to fundamentally change the way a business operates. The cost savings in one company—likely passed on to customers—puts pressure on competitors and can be a market force driving VOIP adoption. 

We are only on the front end of what VOIP can do for companies and individuals. According to Gartner, Inc., a technology research firm based in Connecticut, “20 percent of all enterprise phones have been converted to IP, but more than 80 percent of enterprises have trialed or tested some IP phones.” It is likely that the last time those businesses upgraded their system was for Y2K, so many current systems are eight years old and ripe for a change.