News that voice communication over an IP managed network or virtual private network (VPN) will be legal from February is still reverberating around the local ICT market. However, as specialist network integrators and infrastructure management specialist Integr8 IT has stipulated, companies need to understand the benefits, criteria and implications fully before impulsive action results in bitter disappointment.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) refers to the delivery of voice information in digital format using the Internet Protocol instead of over traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network.
In the past, such transmission of voice packets over a VPN was illegal according to legislation governing telecommunication. It was always possible for companies to transmit voice in encapsulated IP packets, but regulation resulted in a restriction of this practice over VPNs.
The latest development changes the telecommunications landscape. The excitement levels are fuelled by an understanding that VOIP translates into substantial cost savings because calls are not charged according to tolls set by telephone service providers.
"But companies need to understand that a decision to take the VOIP route is largely dependent on the quality and quantity of available bandwidth because this will dictate the overall quality of calls and end pricing," cautions Robert Sussman, joint-MD of Integr8 IT.
The process of setting up VOIP is not complicated. The prerequisite is full Internet connectivity and correctly positioning the interface in order to correlate data and voice systems.
"The data network must be interfaced into an existing telephone system. In the end, the decision is put down to the quantity and quality of available bandwidth versus the costs associated with the current system," adds Sussman.
As a technology integrator and infrastructure management specialist Integr8 IT has, over the years, established solid relationships with top tier telecommunication companies. The national ICT service provider and Microsoft Gold Partner of the Year, has extensive experience in data networks and is geared to provide VOIP services through its relationship with fully meshed MPLS VPNs.
According to Sussman, there exists a tremendous opportunity for ISPs to leverage off this trend and expand their service offerings. But, the market should exercise caution and conduct a thorough cost analysis and business evaluation before embarking on an investment in VOIP.
"There is no `one size fits all` with this technology. Businesses must seriously consider procedures, the nature of business and how this impacts on the dependency level of inter-branch communications."
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Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a network technology services and solutions company. A recognised leader in the field of system integration, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled, best of breed, certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
The company`s core focus is on network infrastructures specialising in design, planning, deployment, management and maintenance. With offices located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London and nationally across the southern Africa region.
Integr8 IT is a Microsoft Gold Partner for Enterprise Systems. The company has been accredited as the Mid-Market Infrastructure Integrator of the Year for the last two consecutive years. The company is also strategic partners with CA, 3Com, Citrix and MTN Network Solutions, and has been honoured with a position among SA`s Technology Top 100 Companies.
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