Unisys Africa is helping local companies take care of network performance issues when running voice over data, as well as keeping costs in line and maximising return on investment (ROI).
The company is doing this through two new services: Network Performance Analysis and Convergence Readiness Survey.
"CIOs understand the benefits of converged voice and data networks, but they might never see the return they expect if their networks cannot handle the extra load," says Geoff Tuck, regional sales director for global network services at Unisys Africa. "Also, it may have been more cost-effective for them all along simply to use the public switched telephone network, but they would not know unless they analysed the state of their infrastructure."
The Convergence Readiness Survey is normally used as part of the pre-installation phase of a convergence implementation.
Another approach is for a CIO to use the survey to determine the feasibility of implementing convergence in their company, and constructing a technology roadmap to achieve convergence readiness. "Businesses are pressed to save on operational expenditure, but are hesitant to throw money at technology to realise the cost savings. Using the survey at a fraction of the cost of implementing convergence technology will assist CIOs to make an informed decision on whether or not to consider voice and data convergence," says Bertus Lam'e, network consultant for Global Infrastructure Services at Unisys Africa.
"It is not just about a company saving on monthly national phone bills, but also identifying the gaps and developing an action plan to achieve convergence readiness; even if it is part of the company`s medium- to long-term strategy to go this route. This will allow the CFO and CIO to plan for the investment to migrate from traditional voice and data to converged voice and data," says Lam'e.
Gartner Dataquest suggests that a single, advanced IP network will handle most of the world`s communication needs by 2010. The emerging network will extend beyond voice, data and local and long distance; it will support an ever-widening array of services.
Choosing the most appropriate solution is as important, since it must support the business. The solution must be architected in conjunction with the business process to support, improve and integrate into the overall process. This should then add to return on investment.
The two services also tie in with the day-to-day operations of the converged infrastructure. Regular assessments determine the status of convergence readiness measured against the original baseline and proactively highlight areas of concern or improvement. "A stable network is vital when voice is running on the data network, as network downtime affects voice communications that could include conversations to customers," says Lam'e. Network Performance Analysis also applies to companies running traditional environments which may want to investigate cost-saving opportunities in the data network.
Converging voice and data is one of the latest trends in providing information services to corporations; implementing the technology right the first time affords great cost savings through inter-company calls and consolidated switchboards. It allows IT managers to focus their resources on their core business, instead of having to implement, maintain, support and manage the tools necessary to provide end-to-end management of their information systems.
According to Gartner Dataquest, voice, data and video applications raise unique issues for high-availability networking. Companies must determine their network needs and implement the service levels, designs and monitoring capabilities to address these needs.
"Not getting a converged network right the first time can mean additional expenses, leading to delayed ROI periods or no ROI at all," says Tuck. The Convergence Readiness Survey helps companies to run an efficient network and manage their network remotely.
Tuck says correctly implemented voice-over-data systems will quickly recoup their cost. Companies will also experience ROI on operational costs, increased network productivity, and smoother running applications.
Christine Tenneson, senior research analyst for IDC`s Network Lifecycle Services research, says: "To take advantage of the fastest growing network consulting and integration areas, services firms should investigate expanding capabilities in the following service areas: security consulting and implementation, wireless consulting and implementation, network optimisation, operations assessment and convergence services."
Share
Editorial contacts