VoIP: The value of telephony and unified communications

When considering a voice over IP (VoIP) solution, Bell Business Markets customers are asking: What are the benefits that make this technology more powerful than a traditional telephony system? And is there something more compelling today than in years past, that will make this investment worthwhile?

“The answer,” says Stéphane Boisvert, President, Bell Business, “is yes.”

Over the past four years, he explains, the elements and capabilities which are part of IP telephony have evolved to create a broader technology service which is about unified communications and collaboration. In addition, more employees are working away from their desk on a regular basis and need to collaborate from any location. Today, when people communicate with colleagues and customers they need to have more options than just a desk phone to make or receive a call. Tools such as instant messaging (IM), e-mail and Web conferencing that can work from any one of a number of fixed or mobile devices are becoming increasingly valuable.

“What businesses should be asking themselves is: How do I enable groups and end-users to leverage these communications tools in a more seamless and effective way?” adds Jeremy Wubs, Director of Product Management for voice, data and managed services at Bell.

The improvement and proliferation of high-speed wireless networks and DSL, coupled with the lower cost of laptops, means that many businesses can take advantage of a more flexible style of work. Now, the added value of replacing a traditional desk phone with an IP telephony system can be easily realized.

For phone conversations, an employee can configure single-number reach and plug into a PC in any location in order to make and receive calls. “You can have your office line over any computer, as long as you have a good Internet connection,” says Wubs. “And if you’re not at a computer, that same number can reach you on your mobile phone.” As a result, the potential exists to save on long-distance charges and real-estate costs, while improving work-life balance.

In order to respond to the needs of its business clients, Bell is evolving telephony-based solutions into a more broadly defined unified communications suite of applications, incorporating such features as single number reach, voice mail to e-mail, click to call, IM and presence, voice, and Web and video conferencing.

Bell offers a hosted IP telephony environment available to customers on a pay-per-user basis. Because many customers sacrifice functionality as a result of the upfront equipment costs and lack of IT staff to maintain these complex systems, Bell provides the functionality of a high-end PBX or Key system without the need to purchase, install or maintain equipment, Boisvert explains. Part of this service package includes 24/7 remote monitoring and support.

Businesses with extensive mobile workforces are benefitting from IP telephony features, says Boisvert. Also, large enterprises, such as financial institutions, are making investments in upgrades and moving toward an IP-PBX environment in order to access a range of capabilities and enable their workforce to be more productive and flexible. “Many of our customers are moving in stages toward a unified communications integration strategy, realizing significant benefits and value along the way,” says Boisvert.

For more information visit www.bell.ca 

 

Through the latest features of IP technology, Bell provides a solution that can help increase connectivity and employee productivity using the following tools:

Simultaneous Ring: Provide a single number for clients to reach you; calls up to 10 numbers simultaneously when a caller dials your desk phone

Voicemail to E-mail: Check voicemail from your e-mail inbox and forward messages to co-workers or archive as required

Mobile Integration: Click to switch between your mobile device and desk phone during a live call without interrupting the connection

Soft-Phone: Improve productivity of telecommuters and reduce mobile device expenses by making and receiving calls over the Internet using a PC

Click to Call: Click on any number within Outlook contacts, address book, Web pages or e-mail text to make a call without dialing

Integrated Desktop Toolbar: Manage and configure desk phone features and settings from your PC


PDF version (800KB)