Pure IP vs. Converged IP Phone Systems; Which is Right for Me?

Voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems are here to stay. At least until the next breakthrough technology arrives on the scene. Most crystal balls do not have that happening any time soon. Maybe that is a good thing. For those wishing to use premise based equipment, the question comes down whether to choose pure IP or converged IP, sometimes referred to as blended IP. With Toshiba you have the IPedge which is a software-centric unified communications platform for those who want to deploy an all IP network. The benefits of this pure IP solution are:

• You have a single network to manage. Voice is but an application running on your LAN.
• Advanced applications are either included in the software package or licensed. Typically, there is no additional hardware to purchase.

The Strata CIX, on the other hand, is a converged IP system. Benefits being:

• You can mix IP, analog and digital devices. This is important if you are migrating digital sets from an existing Toshiba phone system.
• It uses Cat3 (twisted pair) or dedicated Cat5e cabling . If you have older wiring in your building, converting to Cat5e or higher may not be cost effective.

The good news is that either solution provides a myriad of applications such as:

• IP wireless sets which work off your wireless LAN access points
• SoftIPT soft phones which transform your PC into a telephone providing global access anywhere you can get an internet connection
• Call control from your PC; CRM integration with screen pops
• Presence, Instant Messaging/Chat between extensions
• Meet-me audio conferencing with web collaboration and video
• Browser-based system administration
• uMobilty Fixed Mobile Convergence turning your dual-mode smart phone into your phone extension
• Contact Center capabilities

It really comes down to the premise wiring and the need for either digital or analog sets. Either solution will offer you a portfolio of applications which can be tailored to your company’s specific needs. From a few users to thousands, Toshiba has the right solution for you.

For more information, contact us at sales@selectteltech.com or give us a call at 815-282-5151.