Voice Over IP (VoIP) was introduced in 1996 and quickly proved that calls could be transmitted over the internet at a fraction of the cost of traditional telephone networks.  This was great news, but…

Until recently we at Cory Communications could not in good conscience endorse VoIP as a reliable communications option for the workplace.

Now, with the emergence of Managed VoIP service, Cory believes that VoIP is an attractive and entirely viable business tool.  Managed VoIP has reshaped VoIP into a truly business class option.

A brief and very simple definition of Voice Over IP

IP telephony is the transmission of telephone calls over a data network.  This technology has been used for some time now by telephone companies. VoIP is the process of sending voice ‘packets’ – parts of telephone conversations – over the internet, rather than over the traditional telephone network.  Analogous to the flow of data over the internet, VoIP breaks voice communications into ‘voice packets.’ These ‘packets’ are transmitted along with many other ‘packets’ over the best available routes along the public internet.  Then they are re-connected when they are received at their destination. 

Traditional VoIP services utilize the computer or other devices connected to your traditional telephone to make calls.  This equipment is really geared for residential service, but is needed to convert voice communications into a format that can be transmitted to the public internet.

Biggest Challenge of Traditional VoIP

The cost of conversion equipment aside, Cory’s biggest concern with traditional VoIP has been the periodic short lags in the flow of information in a VoIP environment – similar to the slow opening of an email or downloading of a web page.  These lags often create many multiple-second delays in mid-sentence during a conversation.  In Cory’s opinion, this single flaw has made traditional VoIP ineffective for business communications. 

In addition, traditional VoIP was subject to 911 emergency issues as well as vulnerability to loss of internet service or power.

Introducing Managed VoIP

Today, Managed VoIP sometimes called Hosted VoIP, is the approach of choice for businesses, and we at Cory endorse this service as a real alternative to traditional telephone service, when applicable (see questions below). 

Unlike traditional VoIP, Managed VoIP relies on a dedicated connection for calls, and does not use the public internet to originate your calls.  It delivers a clarity and quality of service (QOS) on the par with talking over the traditional telephone network, without the lag time and mid-sentence delays. Importantly, the Managed VoIP service is affordable to any company.

VoIP telecom companies, not each individual business or household, convert the voice communication to ‘packets’ for transmission.  And, the telecom companies (known as hosting companies) also provide a web-based Call Manager capability that allows firms to use their PC’s to activate calling features identical to a traditional telecommunication carrier.  Many additional services are also available.  Here is a listing of traditional and extra services available with VoIP:

• Call Forwarding
• Caller ID
• Calling ID Blocking
• Microsoft Outlook Integration
• Priority Alert
• Simultaneous Ring (to your cell phone)
• Call Accounting
• Auto Attendant
• Call Query
• Location Independent 911
• Unified Messaging (Voice, email, data)

Cory Communications has developed the list below to help our clients determine whether Managed VoIP is something your company should consider:

• Are you planning to upgrade or purchase a phone system in the near future, or are you re-locating?

If the answer is yes, Cory strongly recommends your firm’s consideration of VoIP. Your firm will need to replace your existing internal phone system with a VoIP network.  But, this internal VoIP network will help you significantly cut costs, simplify administration and improve collaboration among fax, email and the telephone. 

• Do you have multiple offices or remote tele-workers?

If your organization spans across multiple locations or relies on tele-workers, it might be wise for you to consider Managed VoIP, to reduce ongoing telecom expenses.

• Do you have an existing LAN or CAT5 Ethernet cabling at your facility? And does your firm have high-speed internet?

The network must be sufficiently robust to support the transmission load while providing an adequate level of service. Most firms today have already invested in a high speed internet and LAN.

The Yankee Group, a research and consulting group, estimates that by 2008, one quarter of all telephone calls will be initiated or terminated utilizing VoIP.  Similarly, The Gartner Group anticipates that VoIP or cellular will be the only telephony in use for 30% of US homes by 2010. 

Cory Communications is pleased to announce that Christy Green, one of our outside sales representatives, has become one of only two students to receive the first passing scores on a new national telecommunications course.  The CEO of Henkels Holdings in Idaho was the other graduate. 

Converged Solutions Provider (CSP) launched this six-module telecommunication program in the fall 2005 and Christy’s graduation was officially announced on March 1 at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. 

We at Cory Communications recognize how quickly our industry is changing and therefore strongly support the need to stay ahead of the learning curve.  The CSP Certification was a great refresher for Christy and will give her an advantage in the telecom field. 

The CSP Certified Professional designation demonstrates Christy’s mastery of essential skills in converged technology and telemanagement.  She has worked for Cory Communications in inside sales and customer service for more than two years.  Recently, Christy was promoted to her outside sales position. 

If you are interested in finding out more about what Cory Communications can offer your business, give Christy a call at 1-877-489-8186 or email her at cgreen@corycommunications.com