This document summarizes key points from a presentation on winning with VoIP technology. It discusses common myths about VoIP, potential horror stories if not implemented properly, and the real benefits of VoIP when done right. The document concludes by providing seven steps to a successful VoIP implementation, including defining goals, assessing capabilities, auditing infrastructure, evaluating providers, and rolling out in phases.

1. Break Out Session #1 Winning With VoIP PRESENTED BY: Carey Jung, IT Freedom

2. Session Overview Myths Horror Stories Real Beauty Getting There

3. Myths

4. Myth 1: VoIP = Voice over the Internet Reality: Many hybrid VoIP configurations VoIP end-to-end (pure VoIP) VoIP to the premises only VoIP on the premises only Be practical; do what works for you!

5. Myth 2: VoIP is Cheaper I can use my existing network I can use my existing Internet connection I save on dial-tone rates I save on taxes and other fees

6. Reality: It Takes Money to Make Money Your network may not be up to snuff Your Internet connection may be poor Your provider has gleaned VoIP benefits Uncle Sam is wise to you So: VoIP will require investment But: It may still be worth it

7. Horror Stories

8. Poor Audio Quality Garble, echo, silence, jitter Bad cabling Missing or inadequate QoS Poor connectivity to VoIP provider

9. Shoddy Providers Dial-tone providers Unreliable, fly-by-night, incompetent, unresponsive System integrators Know phones, but not networks Know networks, but not phones Know both, but service sucks

10. Unanticipated Costs Implementation Support and maintenance Inscrutable and ephemeral quality issues Frequent updates and upgrades Dial-plan changes User adds/moves/deletes

11. Unanticipated Expectations “ It’s a phone, you talk on it!” Uptime expectations much higher Roll out in phases Build in redundancy at the start

12. Real Beauty

13. Open Standards and Protocols Leverages existing IP network Provides location independence Promotes commodity hardware

14. Just Another Network App Flexibility of software Easy to integrate More features for less

15. Getting There

16. 1. Clearly Define Your Goals Cut costs? Expand capacity? Add locations? Add features, capabilities?

17. 2. Assess Your Capabilities Do you have time/money to DIY? Do you have the implementation skills? How about maintenance resources?

18. 3. Audit Existing Infrastructure Network cabling: signal-test Switch fabric: QoS? Power: reliability and backup

19. 4. Determine Costs and Payback Include both Voice and Internet Non-recurring and recurring Compare with current or traditional

20. 5. Evaluate Providers Specific VoIP experience Network skills most important Solid references Service-level commitments

21. 6. Develop a plan Consider possible use-cases Include roll-back options Devil is in the details

22. 7. Roll Out in Phases Initial test environment Functional and load tests Small initial go-live E.g., direct-dial numbers Final cut-over

23. Questions?

24. Thank You! Contact Info: Carey Jung Email: carey.jung@itfreedom.com Direct: 512.351.4963