IBM has created
evolutionary solutions for data networks in anticipation of the dynamic trends
and business advantages of integrating voice onto data networks. IBM's strategy
is to provide high quality equipment and services with cost saving implementations
that enable networks either to be upgraded using the installed base or architected
to start simple and grow fast in cost-effective steps while accommodating new
technologies or standards.
Voice
and data integration is currently a hot topic within the business community, with
its promise of major cost savings and consolidation of data and voice infrastructures.
But there remains some skepticism and the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't
fix it' certainly has a few adherents. However, while PBX based telephone systems
have certainly proved their worth in the past, there is growing evidence that
the demands of modern business will increasingly necessitate the implementation
of integrated voice and data systems. Up to now, small sites were the ones that
showed themselves willing to adopt the new standard, but now it is the large enterprise
sites with existing PBX based systems that are beginning to be seduced by the
significant business and cost benefits that a migration to VoIP technology can
bring.
Voice and data integration,
or convergence, is the next mission-critical, must-have technology, according
to many telecommunications experts. As businesses upgrade their networks or build
new infrastructure, many are turning to integrated networking solutions that use
packet-switched networks to accommodate voice and video in addition to data. Examples
of integrated solutions include Frame Relay, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
and voice over IP. From a pure business perspective, moving toward integration
seems wise, especially as com-petition becomes more fierce and operating costs
continue to rise. Networking voice and data can help your business to be more
productive and efficient, enabling you to use the same technology and personnel
for different operations.
