Business Telephone Systems - Selecting an IP Phone System

This article explores the advantages of an IP phone system for business needs. We consider the possible systems that are available today, including PC phone systems. We then cover some considerations for small to medium business needs analysis when upgrading to an IP phone system. One extremely crucial feature important to understand is the advantages IP interfaces provide to a business telephone system.

IP connections will improve the flexibility of a business telephone system, particularly in managing extensions. This greatly facilitates moving phones easily within the office. An IP interface also provides support for locating compatible phones in home offices and making connections when travelling. In addition, systems with a built-in Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) feature allow connecting over the Internet without any additional hardware for analog to digital conversion.

Pluscom VOIP SIP IP Phone With Three Way Calling Conference

Some of the most popular commercially available systems today are Panasonic, Avaya Partner, Lucent, Merlin, Nortel Norstar, Comdial and Vodavi (from Vertical), NEC, Toshiba, Mitel, and Shoretel phone systems. Not all of these systems support IP features, so we suggest consulting your local provider for the latest offered features. In addition to a "traditional" phone system, any PC or computer can be used as an IP phone system with downloadable free software.

Keep in mind that "free" systems will require a significantly greater level of skill on your staff (or from your local provider).How can you most effectively choose from among these available business telephone systems? In fact, most any of these systems would be an acceptable choice for the average small business. If you already have experience with one or more systems, then you can make a list of important features that your business cannot live without, should you change systems.

But for most, the key selection criterion will be choosing a good local dealer who can sufficiently support your business needs. Also, keep in mind that directing your voice traffic over the Internet may necessitate an upgrade of the company's Internet connection, in order to support voice as well as data. Integrated voice/data services are useful for this, particularly if provided with a Quality of Service (QOS) attribute, which efficiently prioritizes voice traffic over less critical data traffic.

Make An International Conference Call

Thus when employees are downloading large files or watching online videos, business telephone conversations will not be affected.If the business must have a very consistent phone service, then you should consider a T1 connection, which is delivered with a Service Level Agreement (SLA), to minimize downtime.

Since T1 lines have come down significantly in price from only a few years ago, when the average monthly cost would have been over $1000 to at present often under $300, a T1 has become a much more realistic solution. The available features and number of vendors supplying T1 services have also increased dramatically in recent years. A telecommunications broker can assist with choosing the best T1 service provider according to your needs.

Read Full Article, Click Here Now ....

Nortel IP Telephones and Telephone Systems

Nortel Networks is a well-established and popular telecommunications company. Nortel are known for their computer and network software however they pride themselves in manufacturing vast amounts of telephone equipment for the home and office space. Their most successful products are those within the communication carriers such as mobile phone devices and landlines.

A popular type of phone system produced by Nortel is the IP Telephone. They have a range of features that are very beneficial and productive to offices thus making them a popular choice of equipment. The fist thing we need to outline is exactly what an IP phone is. The answer to this is simple. It is a system that uses voice over technology that allows you to make and receive calls across your network provider thus eliminating the need for your existing PSTN line.

Nortel IP telephones come fitted with loudspeaker and microphone allowing you to carry out conference calls with ease. Of course there is a keypad that allows you to dial numbers and enter text for caller ID and in some cases text messages and emails. There is a display screen usually in LCD with a clear backlit light to help you see incoming caller names, numbers as well as navigating through various menus.

The IP products from Nortel use state of the art technology. This is seen in the IP audio conference phone 2033, which has a superb hands free option as well as 360-degree room coverage. There is the option to add in two extra microphones whenever you need. As with most Nortel telephone systems there is a large, clear LCD screen that has 246 x 68 resolution.

There is a wide range of different models manufactured by Nortel. One that uses a great deal of technology is the IP 1535 videophone. This phone can be connected to your Internet connection (LAN) though an Ethernet cable or via a wireless connection. The IP 1535 has many features that include multimedia tools, selection of melodies, full video conversation function and a clear personalized LCD screen. This system would be great in an office environment, as it would allow yourself and others to browse the web and check emails effortlessly.

Another feature of the system is that is cost effective which would benefit many companies looking to save on a top purchase. Nortel's IP telephone systems can be easily set up along side your existing digital set up at work. Nortel have developed slick and sleek designs for their phones to keep them looking contemporary and up to date with today's changing fashion while at the same time still looking very professional.

This is seen in the Nortel IP Phone 1210 desk set. The system is easy to set up and easy to use. There are multiple soft keys that allow you and those working in your office to work through the menus with speed and ease. Like the majority of Nortel's phones there is an integrated handset and speakerphone, which would be great for your company when you need to multi task.

A high level of technology is used in terms of the audio output. When put on loudspeaker the phone system emits a clean crisp sound allowing your conversation to be fluent, almost as though you were talking face to face. With many Nortel telephone systems there is also a built in Ethernet port which allows you to easily connect your phone to your PC, digital system as well as still having the ability to be plugged into a ISDN line if you wished to do so.

Overall it can be said that Nortel IP telephone systems are well worth purchasing in order to optimize your office set up. The ranges of benefits are endless which is something all potential buyers look for when browsing for a new telephone system. So if you are in need of a stylish, trusted and well developed phone system for your office look no further. There are many different models available in today's market each having its own unique purpose, however every system from Nortel does exactly as it says it will. There are no shocks, cons or disappointment with the trusted Nortel telephone system.

Read Full Article, Click Here Now ....