Are You Still On TDM? You Could Be On Death Row

EMERGING APPLICATIONS

With IP-based systems now mainstream and flagship for major manufacturers, the migration to a mature VOIP model has begun.

Below are several IP applications that the enterprise user may benefit from. Note that all of the applications presented are driven by VOIP technologies.

E911 (campus) – E911 services are emerging as baseline services to access key people anytime, perform broadcast during emergencies to the community at large, and track Caller ID to Building and Floor. Such services are fast become a user requirement,

Record Threatening Phone calls – IP-based systems allow for continuous or ad-hoc recording of calls, especially threatening ones,

Mobility (voice and data) – Mobility allows key personnel to connect from anywhere – it can be performed with a single number dialed with follow-me features, and can transfer cell calls to desktop and vice versa,

Business Continuity (second or third site) – VOIP-based systems provide redundant databases and architecture across multiple sites in the event one of the core sites fails,

Unified Messaging – Unified Messaging has been used in TDM environments already, and with IP, it is priced to be acceptable as mainstream. IP-based UM can bring together Voice Mail, e-mail and fax in one e-mail client, leveraging caller ID for voice mails rather than having to listen to messages in a set order (e.g., last in/first out).

Unified Communications – Next-Gen systems now provide a multimedia approach, integrating softphone, IM/Chat, Presence (friends list), IP audio conferencing, IP video conferencing, Web integration and document sharing,

Integrated LDAP Directory – provides electronic directory of all staff, using dial-by-name functionality on phone,

Virtual, Portable office – Allows one to work remotely, “porting” his/her phone electronically at a visiting phone for the day. Workers can make and receive all calls as if they were at their own desk.

Remote Worker – Can use a hard phone or softphone client to make and receive calls as normal from any off site location with a fast DSL or cable modem connection. Works well-to-very well for individuals working from home when needed, or out of town.

Centralized Network Management and Security – Increases the reach of network management by integrating security and QoS tools into the mix.

Wireless LAN – Latest wireless LAN offerings include and integrate both voice and data using a common 802.11xx protocol. Extends mobility reach.

Latest IP Telephone Offerings – The latest IP desktop telephone offerings include many of the technology areas outlined above. Below is a list of those features included from most of the manufacturers:

10/100 NIC cards -> GB cards

Virtual, portable office

Converged desktop w/Unified Communications applications

Softphone integration

Unified Messaging Integration

Mobile integration

Wireless integration

Wireless clients

Desktop interactive applications and alerts

Display Video, Video Streaming, Video

CollaborationUser-programmable keys

Better audio codecs (G.722)

Desktop diagnostics

Color screens

Bluetooth-capable

SIP compliance, capable

Active Directory integration

Web integrated apps

Security keys

I/M support

Downloadable ringers

Customizable GUIs

Touch screens

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

So what does all this mean for you and your organization? With the investment in IP by all CPE manufacturers and carriers and the rapid erosion of TDM market support, it is inevitable that the timeline for TDM support is shrinking. Your TDM environment could very well be on “death row”.

There are several options available for moving forward. They include:

Do nothing - Do not upgrade or replace installed systems,

Upgrade or IP-enable installed systems - Major expenditure and no replacement of existing endpoints/telephones,

Replace current environment with traditional TDM and IP system (hybrid) – heed the warnings as outlined in this article if considering such,

Replace current system with multiple VOIP systems, a centralized VOIP system and gateways/remotes, or combination thereof,

Consider an option for an IP Centrex solution.