Voice over Internet Protocol

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Voice over Internet Protocol

• VML Annual Conference

Mike Goetz Director Information Technology City
of Lynchburg
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VoIP What is it?

• VoIP is a technology for voice communications
• but the term VoIP is sometimes used to
  describe a service
• VoIP ? Phone over the Internet
• (although phone calls over the Internet use
  VoIP technology)
• Is a technology alternative to traditional
  telephone technologies
• PBX or a telephone switch that you own
• Telephone company provided services, such as
  Centrex or leased lines

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VoIP What does it require?

• If you subscribe to a VoIP service who cares
  what it requires!?!
• Probably need an adequate broadband connection
• Its just a matter of money can you afford the
  monthly charges?
• If you use VoIP over your own facilities
• A broadband data network between your facilities,
  preferably fiberoptic-based
• One youve built?
• Access to fiber via a cable franchise?
• Leased dark fiber?
• Broadband networking equipment (switches,
  probably one in each major facility)
• Expertise on your staff (although this can be
  contracted)
• Major connections to the telephone company
  (sometimes called trunks)

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VoIP Lynchburg
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VoIP What are possible benefits?

• Cost savings
• Eliminate leased lines from the telephone company
• Reduce administrative time for Moves, Adds,
  Changes
• Functionality could be a differentiator, if
  currently using old system
• 4-digit dialing
• Integrated Voice Mail
• Caller ID, teleconferencing, etc.
• Integrated data applications accessible from the
  phone if youre really advanced!

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VoIP What are your drivers?

• Could be
• Antiquated phone and voice systems are at
  end-of-life. (cant get parts, etc.)
• Disparate systems across your enterprise.
  (Lynchburg had 31!)
• Youd like access to functions you dont have
  today. (4-digit dialing everyone on one voice
  mail system the ability to do a conference call
  right from your desk, etc.)
• But odds are
• You dont think about telephones much as long
  as they work!
• Youve heard about this VoIP thing, and youve
  heard stories about how it has helped
  organizations save money.
• And you need to save money!

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VoIP How well do you know your costs?

• This is the key question!
• Do you know whats on your phone bill?
• The number of lines youre paying for?
• Some assurance that the lines even exist!?
• Are your rates as as low as they can be?
• Understand your bill! Get help if necessary!
• Lynchburg
• Saved over 77K/year thru bill scrubbing and VoIP
• Payback period about 4 years
• Plus all the soft benefits
• Web-based admin, one voice mail system, new
  functionality, etc.