Come together. Is it time to combine your voice and data networks? We've got the latest buzz on IP-PBX phone systems

Entrepreneur, Jan, 2005 by Amanda C. Kooser

IS IT TIME TO COMBINE YOUR VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS? WE'VE GOT THE LATEST BUZZ ON IP-PBX PHONE SYSTEMS.

YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SEPARATE network stuff, you've heard about the savings and convenience that accrue when voice and data traffic travel over the same in-house IP PBX and then out over the internet or traditional phone lines.

Maybe it's time to upgrade your old analog phone system anyway. If you're tired of supporting separate voice and data networks, a well-implemented IP PBX promises savings in hardware, training and maintenance. There's also the potential for additional productivity from unique and easy-to-use calling features.

Finding the right IP PBX for you, though, can be a little work. You're bound to run into a wall of terminology like "circuit-switched trunks," "stand-alone gateway" and "TDM support." That's why your in-house IT expert, or an outside IT consultant, should handle most of the qualifying and installation. You still need a good idea of what systems are out there and how they differ.

PBX refers to Private Branch Exchange, the traditional small-business phone system that allows for direct internal dialing. The digital version is, essentially, a heavy-duty server that sends voice and data packets over Ethernet cable. IP refers to VoIP--the ability of these phone systems to send calls over the internet as well as traditional phone lines. So far, so good.

Pricing varies widely. Larger installations have a lower per-employee cost, but the feature set you choose will have an impact on your price tag. Saied Seghatoleslami, vice president and general manager of the Small and Medium Business Solutions Group for Avaya, says that Avaya system pricing generally ranges between $500 and $800 per seat. Those prices, which include the cost of adding IP phones, are fairly typical for IP-PBX installations.

Unique features of an IP-PBX system include find me/follow me, teleconferencing, in-office extensions for remote workers, and unified messaging--a shared mailbox for voice mail and e-mail. Some other feature sets are geared to call centers, and mobile workers can take advantage of IP softphones when they're on the road or working from a home office. A major cost savings with IP PBXs is that they can be easily scaled up without technical help if you want to add users or features as your company grows.

Manufacturers like Cisco Systems specialize in the software side of IP PBX, while others like Avaya provide the whole system. The actual hardware you'll need to invest in can vary. Smart network design and attending to details like purchasing a proper UPS battery backup are important to tackle from the outset. A good, local VAR can offer a variety of solutions that fit your needs.

Checking into an IP-PBX system makes sense for businesses that are opening a new office or upgrading an established one. Fast-growing businesses, especially those with more than one location, can take advantage of the flexibility of an IP PBX.

Our "Shopping List" features some major IP-PBX players, how to get in touch with them, and one product from their lines that's geared specifically to growing businesses. Visit their websites, or check in with your VAR or IT staff to get up to speed on the nitty-gritty. If you're set on a particular manufacturer, they'll be able to point you to a reseller in your area. With a little background knowledge, you can help steer your company to a smart IP-PBX purchase.

Shopping List

TO FIND THE BEST IP PBX, THINK ABOUT HOW
MANY USERS YOU'LL HAVE TO SUPPORT.

MANUFACTURER             CONTACT                PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

ALCATEL        www.alcatel.com               OmniPCX Office comes
               (800) 995-2612                in a variety of
                                             configurations, depending
                                             on your needs.

ALTIGEN        www.altigen.com               The AltiServ1 IP is
               (888) ALTIGEN                 geared for 8 to 50 users.

AVAYA          www.avaya.com                 IP Office serves 2 to 360
               (866) GO-AVAYA                stations; Small Office
                                             Edition for up to 28
                                             users is also available.

NEC            www.necunifiedsolutions.com   NEAX 2000 IPS supports
               (800) 2400-NEC                up to 500 users.

NORTEL         www.nortelnetworks.com        Business Communications
NETWORKS       (800) 4NORTEL                 Manager handles 10 to
                                             200 stations.

SIEMENS        www.siemens.com               HiPath 3300 Real-Time IP
               (800) 765-6123                System supports up to 96
                                             IP users.

3Com           www.3com.com                  The NBX 100 supports up
               (800) NET-3COm                to 200 devices.