CDW White Paper Sample

You know that, traditionally, a company has two communications systems: a TCP/IP network and a private branch exchange (PBX). Running business management software, connecting to the Internet, e-mailing and performing computing and data storage on the TCP/IP network while making phone calls, teleconferencing and sending fax transmissions over the PBX means that one company runs on, maintains and pays for two networks. Consolidating from two networks to one is at the heart of both the cost savings and the technological advantages of IP communications.

By bringing voice and video transmission from the PBX to the IP network, companies save money. Nemertes Research (Nemertes.com) says companies that adopt IP communications are able to save 25 – 40 percent on long distance and eliminate monthly telecom fees, typically cutting overall telecom costs by 25 – 60 percent. For IT departments, maintaining phone networks over the IP network means less hassle performing installations and personnel moves, as well as the elimination of the reconfiguration costs that can run $75 – $125 per employee. Cost reductions made possible by IP communications can be so great, in fact, that most organizations see a return on their investment in 4 to 12 months.

The operational advantages that IP convergence gives companies are just as important as the cost savings. When data, voice and video communications are brought together on one network, voicemail, e-mail and text messages can all collect in the same in-boxes; call centers can transfer customer records along with customer calls; and videoconferences can have simultaneous access to files. In short, companies with converged communications on the IP network have countless opportunities to help their employees become more efficient and productive, rounding out the services they can offer customers — all while cutting costs and fees.