Switching to VoIP

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Chapter 8: VoIP Readiness

• Is the company adding a new building or office location that does not yet have a

PBX? This could be called a “green field” rollout—it’s a great opportunity to

introduce VoIP technology to your network.

• Have you been planning an upgrade to a new PBX because you’re looking for

new features? At this point, it would be rather convenient to make sure that new

PBX is VoIP-enabled.

• Has your company been looking for ways to expand your existing PBX net-

work? Adding VoIP trunks to a conventional PBX by way of ATAs and media

gateways is a convenient way to begin the transition of the greater network to

Voice over IP.

• Is your existing PBX lease up for renewal or buyout? Now would be a good time

to step up to an IP-enabled softPBX.

• Are you looking at integrating CTI applications? Soft-based telephone systems,

particularly Asterisk and other open source projects, can result in a less-

expensive CTI development cycle than traditional equipment.

• Does your current telephone system pose a risk to your organization? Is it so out-

of-date that, even though you’re completely dependent upon it, it would be diffi-

cult to find replacement parts in the event of failure? Now’s the time to upgrade

to VoIP.

Network Environment

As a part of arguing the business case for