Voice Services

Every business requires telephone service. However, some need more than just the basics. Just to name a few: multiple lines, call forwarding, conference calling, caller ID, mobility, and possible integration with business applications. Unfortunately, getting the right package of features and services at the right price can be a challenging problem for businesses to overcome.

  • Is public telephone service enough?
  • Do you need your own on-premise telephone system, or should you consider a cloud-based option?
  • How much will it cost to maintain?
  • Do you have the data and network infrastructure needed to support it?
  • Will it scale to keep pace as your business grows?

For sure, the choices were fewer and simpler in the old days. But modern technology can help facilitate huge gains in productivity and efficiency. So, how do you make the right choice from available options for your particular needs? Start by giving TelDesigns a call for a consultation. Below, you can read about some of the technologies available to help your business connect.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP (voice over IP) is a catch-all term for technology used to manage the delivery of voice information—that is, conducting phone calls—over Internet Protocol (IP). Voice information is sent digitally in discrete “packets” of data, rather than by using the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN).

One of the major advantages of VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone services. Another big advantage? Having the option for your telephony system to be hosted in the “cloud,” which creates an added level of flexibility. For example: All system administration is handled in one centralized location, which allows for remote users anywhere in the world, and provides for easy route calling to another location in the event of a failure.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunks

SIP trunking is the use of voice over IP (VoIP) to connect a private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system to the Internet. In effect, the Internet replaces the conventional telephone network trunk, allowing an enterprise to communicate with both fixed and mobile telephone subscribers worldwide.

With SIP trunking, you bypass the public switched telephone network (PSTN) with one IP-based network for both data and voice, instead of operating and maintaining separate networks. This not only saves money and hassle, but it also greatly improves scalability—instead of buying new hardware, you just upgrade your bandwidth.

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Integrated TI

Integrated T1 (also called channelized T1) is a digital carrier modulation method in which a T1 line is divided into 24 channels, each having a maximum data speed of 64 thousand bits per second (Kbps), and each capable of supporting a unique application that can run concurrently with, but independently of, other applications on different channels.

Integrated T1 has become popular with businesses because of its flexibility. It allows an enterprise to run several services, such as local telephone, long-distance telephone, Internet, and voice over IP (VoIP) over a single circuit at the same time. Because channels can be assigned and reprogrammed at will, you can easily make service adjustments as the needs of your business change and grow.

Primary Rate Interface (PRI)

The Primary Rate Interface channels are carried on a T-carrier system line (in the U.S., Canada, and Japan) and are typically used by medium to large enterprises. The 23 B-channels can be used flexibly and reassigned when necessary to meet special needs, such as video conferences. The Primary Rate user is hooked up directly to the telephone company central office.

PRI is very similar to an integrated T1—they are variations on the same basic technology. However, PRI reserves a separate channel for signaling information. This means that you only have 23 channels to use for voice rather than 24; however, you gain additional advantages, such as automatic number identification (ANI) and caller ID.

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

POTS is short-hand for the old-school telephone network, based on technology dating back to 1876. Analog voice signals are sent over copper wires, and rely on the landlines of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to transmit and receive calls.

POTS is still widely used for residential landlines and some small businesses. Additionally, many larger businesses still use POTS for fax, postage machines and alarm systems. However, the lack of features and low value per dollar usually make POTS unsuitable for other telecommunications purposes for most enterprises, at least when compared to newer technologies.

Choosing the Best Voice Services for Your Business

If you’re still confused and none of the technical jargon above made much sense, don’t worry. This stuff is complicated! That’s why we’re here to help.

Our goal is not to simply sell you the slickest or most expense technology on the market. Our goal is to match your company with the voice services and technology that offers the best fit for your needs, budget, resources, and long-term growth. Your company is unique, and our recommendations and package options will reflect that. We’ll also continue to serve as your partner, point of contact, and support long after the initial sale.

To learn more or to set up a consultation, give us a call today at (616) 965-2030.

Need help determining the best VOIP service for your company? We can help!

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