For the IT team of an organization, migrating to VoIP often leads them to making a calculated choice on the delivery model, i.e. whether it is best to choose the on-premise based systems, cloud systems, or, hybrid systems. Every delivery model has its own advantages and disadvantages; majority of these are accepted by all but there a few that are highly debated. If you too are facing a situation where you have to make a choice for your organization then it is very important to zero-in on the one that suits the communication needs of your company.
Some of the important factors that should guide your decision are:
The on-premise VoIP
If you are opting for the on-premise VoIP delivery model then the IP phones and IP-PBX equipment are all installed, run and maintained in your office. The complete system is connected internally to the LAN, and through your ISP to the Internet. The system receives and sends communication using the PSTN lines or SIP trunks. These are then distributed to the IP or VoIP phones.
The primary advantages of on-premise VoIP are:
The disadvantages of on-premise VoIP are:
Hosted VoIP or Cloud based VoIP:
In case you are inclined towards using the cloud based VoIP model then you need to know that the necessary software hardware and infrastructure is owned and managed by the hosted VoIP service providers. You will just need to have the Integrated Access device, switches and IP phones in your office.
Advantages:
Hybrid VoIP
This is probably the best choice if you want to switch to VoIP yet retain the TDM PBX; actually hosted VoIP is just a TDM PBX that is connected to a VoIP gateway. The gateway is used to connect to the existing devices like lines and handsets. This a delivery model in which the users are able to get the best of both worlds – cloud telephony as well as on-premise hosted systems. This is a great system if you want to switch to VoIP without incurring huge costs as well as interruption in your daily communication.
About Baron Telecommunications
Baron Telecommunications has been offering communication services for over 30 years now. We provide system assessment, installation, and ongoing service. We provide advanced products from Toshiba and Shoretel. Call us today on (360)285-3690 for all your communication needs.
Some of the important factors that should guide your decision are:
- Present and future communication needs of your organization
- The total number of users, including mobile workers as well as temporary staffing
- Calculation of peak time requirements
- Business continuity, redundancy, security and disaster planning
- Existing telephony infrastructure, network capacity and telecom contracts
- Desired time frames, resources and expertise of the in-house team
The on-premise VoIP
If you are opting for the on-premise VoIP delivery model then the IP phones and IP-PBX equipment are all installed, run and maintained in your office. The complete system is connected internally to the LAN, and through your ISP to the Internet. The system receives and sends communication using the PSTN lines or SIP trunks. These are then distributed to the IP or VoIP phones.
The primary advantages of on-premise VoIP are:
- Better control over the system – You will be in complete control of system i.e. all the hardware and software needs to be installed, run and maintained by your organization.
- Improved Customization – The configuration, specifications and applications can be customized to suit the needs of your organization, which is often not possible with hosted solutions.
- TCO – The total cost of ownership of the on-premise VoIP system is one time capital investment. The only recurring costs thereafter include the upgrades and maintenances.
- Better quality of service
- Network convergence – This is easily achieved by using the same network for data and voice communication.
The disadvantages of on-premise VoIP are:
- Needs capital outlay
- In-house team or system technician is required to maintain the system
- Scalability as well as flexibility can be limited
Hosted VoIP or Cloud based VoIP:
In case you are inclined towards using the cloud based VoIP model then you need to know that the necessary software hardware and infrastructure is owned and managed by the hosted VoIP service providers. You will just need to have the Integrated Access device, switches and IP phones in your office.
Advantages:
- Low Up-front costs and quick deployment – The best thing about cloud or hosted VoIP is that you will have to incur only a small up-front costs and the system can be deployed very quickly.
- Advanced functionalities and features can be easily accessed.
- This is a highly scalable and flexible system
- The system is monitored round the clock for optimal performance
- Data redundancy and disaster recovery is easy and secured
- Increase in recurring expenses, which leads to higher operational budgets
- Providers decides on the type and timings of the upgrades
- Customizations are heavily limited
- Service interruption can be frequent as well as the Quality of service might be low
Hybrid VoIP
This is probably the best choice if you want to switch to VoIP yet retain the TDM PBX; actually hosted VoIP is just a TDM PBX that is connected to a VoIP gateway. The gateway is used to connect to the existing devices like lines and handsets. This a delivery model in which the users are able to get the best of both worlds – cloud telephony as well as on-premise hosted systems. This is a great system if you want to switch to VoIP without incurring huge costs as well as interruption in your daily communication.
About Baron Telecommunications
Baron Telecommunications has been offering communication services for over 30 years now. We provide system assessment, installation, and ongoing service. We provide advanced products from Toshiba and Shoretel. Call us today on (360)285-3690 for all your communication needs.
