The telecommunications industry is rebuilding itself around a technology known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP telephone systems operate on your company's data network, allowing for converged solutions that integrate your voice services with your data network. This fundamental shift in VoIP office telephone system has created a lot of confusion for the buyer, because there are a lot more options available for businesses.
First and foremost, it´s important to understand some basic telephone terminology. Knowing the lingo will go a long way towards helping you evaluate competitive proposals. You´ll find that many of Delmarva´s traditional telephone vendors don´t even use industry terms properly when offering their telephone system quotes!
- VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol - This is a method of converting voice signals into data packets, and passing that traffic over a data network (like the Internet). Note that VoIP calling services can be used with IP Telephone Systems or traditional PBX systems – they are not exclusive.
- SIP Trunks – SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. SIP trunks are essentially virtual telephone lines for your business. A SIP Provider offers local and long distance calling services that utilize VoIP technology to lower your calling expenses. SIP hasn´t been popular on the Delmarva Peninsula because it requires large amounts of reliable bandwidth to be effective. The cost of the right Internet services in our region often exceed the cost savings offered by SIP trunks.
- IP Telephony – The use of VoIP technologies within your office is often known as IP Telephony. Some vendors will call IP Telephony Computer Telephony Integration (CTI).
- PBX – Private Branch eXchange – A Telephone Switch used to support an individual organization. Traditional business telephone systems are considered to be a PBX.
