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NETS VoIP recommendations

The NCAR NETS IPT team is often asked what we would recommend to others considering a move to a VoIP-based system. Here are at least some items we'd recommend you give consideration (in no particular order of importance):

  1. Make your testbed as realistic as possible. Test everything you hope to deploy (including all analog components). Scale it as much as you can.
  2. Spend a lot of time up front working through your Quality of Service (QoS) plan. Start with the high level service definitions, then work through several levels of detail down to the individual device setting level (e.g., switch port settings, potential router configurations, etc.).
  3. When working on cost models, don't forget to include licensing for all components (e.g., do specific software packages require individual phone and user licenses?).
  4. What is your existing level of system administration support? Ensure you will have adequate staff to deal with the system administration load that will be introduced by the VoIP system you select.
  5. Work on your disaster recovery plan as early as possible. VoIP offers many advantages in this area. Consider backup strategies, physical separation of various system elements, and so on.
  6. Carefully consider your deployment options. Would a phased conversion or a "forklift upgrade" make more sense?
  7. Do not forget legacy application support issues (this might include things like existing analog line support; paging systems, recording options, security needs, etc.).
  8. Be sure to include ongoing support and maintenance costs for all your hardware and software components. This is a crucial and often not an inexpensive category. Unless your maintenance covers this, you may need to consider having various spare components on site--factor these into your budget as well.
  9. Do not forget security considerations: implement all recommended best practices of your vendors (e.g., IPT provider; OS provider; network equipment provider, etc.). Test and then implement ACLs on your network as early and thoroughly as possible.

Here are Cisco's "Tips for Adopting IP Communications":

If your company is in the planning stages of IP communications implementation, consider these four important guidelines.

1. Form a Multidisciplinary IP Communications Planning/Evaluation/Implementation Team
Create a small, hands-on IP communications program team that includes representatives of the IT, finance, and purchasing organizations, as well as strategic business units. A team composed of qualified representatives from these organizations will provide a good balance of business, economic and technical goals, objectives, benefits and issues.

2. Align IP Communications-Enabling Capabilities and Costs with Business Goals and Objectives
Identify and quantify the near and longer-term benefits that can be delivered by effective IP telephony implementation and support. These should include productivity gains that can be achieved through improved applications access and sharing for mobile and remote staff members--plus expense reduction, containment, and avoidance opportunities. Weigh these benefits against the immediate and ongoing IP telephony expenses in order to determine the return on investment.

3. Conduct a Thorough Network Readiness Audit
Determine the readiness of your network infrastructure to efficiently and effectively accommodate IP communications. Identify and quantify the costs associated with the required upgrades to the network infrastructure. Recognize that the upgrades will also facilitate a broad range of other necessary applications (beyond just IP telephony), so allocate the costs appropriately.

4. Evaluate Technology and Support Models
Focus on the ability of the channel to provide meaningful support in the planning, implementation, and ongoing operational phases. Thoroughly examine the experience and capabilities in the areas of planning, diagnostics, responsiveness, and problem solving. The technology and applications are important, but world-class service and support are essential.

For more information visit Cisco IP Communications Services

For assistance please open a NETS work request. Page last modified Monday, 12-Dec-2005 14:59
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