With the current growth rate in telephone system technology, it can be overwhelming
at times trying to sort out all of the information and make a well informed decision
as to what is really in the best interests of your organization. We offer this as
a guide with the expectation that it can help you make the decisions that work best
for you.
Step One: Determine your qualifications
The very first step is for you to determine just what it is your phone system is
supposed to accomplish. Do some internal research and identify the sore spots. Get
to know the technology that is available and start getting ideas as to how the newest
advancements can help you improve your bottom line.
Some Resources to Help You Get Started:
- Benefits of
IP Telephony by Mark Wadnizak. An article to help you understand some of the
latest technology and what it can do for your organization.
- Visit Our Resources Page for access to some
independent research and reports to help get better informed about communications
technology.
Step Two: Identify a Quality Vendor
Like a lot of technology, todays phone systems are sophisticated pieces of technology.
If your vendor does not understand the technology and fails to understand your business
as well, they will be unable to help you get the maximum benefit out of your phone
system.
Voice Smart Networks is active on the advisory boards for a number of their manufacturers.
Do you want someone who just installs the phone system for you? Or do you want someone
who has an active role with the manufacturer helping develop the products to match
the needs of todays market?
Step Three: Identify Quality Products
As you do your research, you will find certain products that will rise to the top.
Does the product meet the needs you identified in step 1? As you identify a quality
vendor in Step 2, you get to understand their expertise, and through that expertise
start to recognize applications and solutions that meet those criteria, and very
possibly meet needs you had not even identified yet.
- The Nemertes Report. An independent report evaluating
several IP Telephony Systems.
Step Four: Determine The Best Implementation of your New Technology.
There are several things involved here. Decisions about how to purchase a system
(or even whether to purchase, or if there is a better option). Working with your
vendor to create an installation schedule and process that works best for your organization.
- To Buy or
Not to Buy by Mark Wadnizak. An article evaluating purchase options and exploring
the advantages of a managed communications system.
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Take a Testdrive of the Shoretel IP Telephony Solution.