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Migrating to an IP telephony solution can be smooth and effective when done right, and doesn’t have to cause any downtime or disruption. Take a look at this list of tips to help make the transition as smooth and easy as possible:
- Develop a Business Strategy
It is important to develop a strategy based on what you really want to achieve, aside from lower costs, improved service, and the ability to replace out of date equipment and hardware. It’s critical to stay focused on the business challenges you want to address.
- Establish a Team
A team should be developed where each member will represent the key users, with their needs being fed into the overall strategy. The primary role of the team will be to manage the change and should consist of IT/telecom specialists, as well as users.
- Choose the Process That Suits You Best
At the beginning of the project, it is important to decide if you wish to approach the process in staged increments or all at once. Both approaches have benefits and drawbacks so it is an important decision.
- Select the Right Supplier
Select a supplier that not only understands the individual needs of the business, but is able to fully deliver on them. Look for a stable organization that offers best of breed technologies while giving you a complete solution, including support and management of the systems.
- Be Prepared for Typical Concerns
It is absolutely critical to prepare accordingly for end user expectations. Clearly outline what should be expected. Be prepared for other concerns that are likely to arise, including the security, resilience of the -platform, as well as the overall quality of voice calls.
- Establish a Clear Technical and Functional Design
Use your supplier’s knowledge and expertise to your advantage by learning about ideas that have proven successful in the past. Ensure that the plan is achievable for the business, and that the responsibilities are clearly understood.
- Understand How the Phone System Functions
VoIP telephone systems come equipped with a huge number of features, many of which you will never need. Only pay for the features that you can use to your benefit. Look at suppliers that are able to offer modular applications, making it possible to select only what is required.
- Take Your Time and Do It Right
Take the necessary time to implement the changes properly. The phone system is your primary means of communication with customers, meaning the migration from legacy to a new IP phone system will need to be closely watched, even more than other IT projects.
- Learn from the Deployment and Apply That Knowledge in the Future
After deployment, take time to evaluate the success. Look carefully at areas that could have been improved, and revise the plan as necessary. If you are undergoing a multi-site roll out than these adjustments will help create a smoother deployment.
Discover what makes VoIP phone systems the right choice. Compunet InfoTech is here to help. Call (604) 986-8170 or email us at info@compunet.ca to find out about our managed IT services wherein we handle ALL of your technology at a flat-rate monthly fee.
