IP phones are designed to work within the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) environment, allowing you to make telephone calls over the IP network. This is done by converging both data and voice over the same connection, and works as an alternative to the standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Any call made with an IP phone traverses either the private IP network of a particular corporation, or the Internet.
Today’s market is flooded with hundreds of IP phones, making it extremely difficult to find the best one for your specific needs – but have no fear! We have compiled a list of steps that will help determine exactly what you need to find the ideal IP phone for you.
- First step: Ascertain what VoIP service provider or phone system you currently use. Contrary to what some IP phone retailers might tell you, not all IP phones are compatible with all systems and services. Your incumbent service provider pr phone system vendor should also be able to provide you with a list of compatible IP phones.
- Second step: Establish who will be using your IP phone(s). Each user will have a different set of requirements depending upon their job. For example, while a receptionist may only be concerned about the total number of calls that can be dealt with simultaneously, an executive might be interested in having all of the latest and greatest features and add-ons.
- Third step: Determine what functionality and features each user will require. The majority of users will need basic features, such as call transfer, call waiting, etc. More advanced features include sidecar capability for additional extensions, a large display and speakerphone. Cisco’s Unified IP Phones for example, focus on voice quality, vibrant color displays and other user experience-centric features, and are targeted to meet the needs of a broad range of users.
- Fourth step: Verify how often each IP phone will be used. In the IP phone world, you often get what you pay for in many respects – quality included. If your users are on the phone daily, it would be wise to invest in a set of high-quality IP phone, as they will last longer and offer enhanced call quality.
- Fifth step: Find out how the number of incoming calls each user will entertain at a time. That number will influence the amount of line appearances each user’s IP phone should have. Typically, receptionists, office administrators and operators will require over 10 line appearances, while the average worker will only need 3 to 5.
But that’s not all; in our next post we will continue our list of steps to help you find the ideal IP phone for your needs – stay tuned!
