Voice over IP should be high on the infrastructure agenda

Voice over IP (VOIP) – the converged data and voice network – is no longer just for large, futuristic greenfield sites. It’s an affordable reality, and it means the path is open to stripping out duplication of infrastructure, resources and skill sets. Consultants are agreed: it’s no longer difficult to cost justify a move to VOIP, either on a greenfield site, or where an existing system is concerned if PABX renewal time has arrived, or it has been fully written off, or there are significant projects that necessitate expansion. And with many firms admitting telephony usage down at the 10% level, while the data comms is at 90—100%, it does make sense to combine the networks. Ruth Kirby, director with IT infrastructure services organisation Systar, says network convergence projects can show ROI in 18 months. “When full account is taken of the business case – including the size of IT department, skill sets as well as the duplication of people and the physical plumbing, that becomes clear.” The only outstanding issues are those of voice quality and standards. Mike Lucas, technology manager for software services company Compuware, recommends ‘stress testing’, but concurs with industry analysts who insist this will be solved before the end of this year, with dominant player Cisco launching products.