There has been a great deal of speculation about the benefits of MPLS, VPN's, Broadband and converging voice and data with products such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and IP Telephony (IPT).

There are an extensive range of IP based voice products available from Avaya, Cisco, Nortel, Mitel and many others.  All of these products have their strengths and weaknesses and there is no obvious product for all projects.  The most appropriate product will depend on the customer and the business requirement.  Our skill is in ensuring the correct product is obtained and that it is from a suitable reseller and at the good price.

BBW specialise in providing independent consultancy advice on these types of services.  For example, in the last few months we have undertaken the following projects:

• Designed a number of Converged Voice and Data strategies

• Advised multiple clients on the potential for VoIP and convergence

• Managed Tenders for Broadband (ADSL) services

• Managed Tenders processes for multiple MPLS VPN's

• Managed the implementation of both small and large IPT solutions across many sites including distributed contact centres

These technologies have a number of potential benefits including:

• Reducing costs

• Improve telephone features and services

• Extending HQ services to small sites and mobile staff

• Allowing small/remote workers to be included in corporate policies such as virus detection

• Allowing staff to work flexibly from multiple locations and when mobile

• Increasing options for Disaster Recovery

• Allowing the service to change quickly and cheaply as needs develop

That said, there are also a number of significant limitations and the ability of different products and suppliers vary substantially.  We would strongly recommend that careful consideration is taken before implementing any converged solution, and that all the issues are fully considered.

There is great potential for these services

but the solutions need careful planning and a strategic approach