Are you ready for converged IP? Many companies choose to outsource the management of their networks to a solutions provider.

IT managers know the headaches of dealing with separate voice, data and video networks that are inflexible, expensive and complex to manage. When disparate networks cannot communicate with each other, control and visibility are limited. Multiple hardware and software vendors with multiple support and maintenance contracts add to the management cost and complexity.

An important driver for enterprise adoption of voice over IP (VoIP) is the ease of managing moves, additions and changes. VoIP yields easier Web-based management and the ability for end-users to control their calling features from a Web browser. In addition, geographically distributed enterprises can connect branch and field offices using a voice system with the same look and feel as the headquarters system, and one that includes features such as short-digit dialing between locations.

Moving to VoIP and converged networking can be challenging, however. Organizations should take care to choose the right systems, processes and partners. Finding the right solutions provider, however, can be a time-consuming task. Requests for proposals help assess the range of options available in the marketplace, what individual suppliers can offer and at what cost, but this process can take a year or more to complete.

Many companies choose to outsource the management of their networks and on-premise routers to a solutions provider, rather than bear the burden of network support, management and maintenance (and interaction with multiple vendors).

Engaging a solutions provider can lead to open consultation about a business' existing network infrastructure, a discussion of end-user requirements and an assessment of potential challenges the business may face during the transition. Enterprises also should consider other requirements before inviting a solutions provider to become a fundamental part of their day-to-day business.

Is the systems integrator or communications network provider financially stable? Does its network offer sufficient geographic coverage? Has it developed a forward-looking product roadmap and strategy that provides flexible IP solutions? Are those IP solutions supported by a comprehensive portfolio of services that address the business' needs?

The selected solutions provider should develop a comprehensive implementation and installation plan for the entire VoIP solution, including all IP PBX and SIP trunking requirements.

Full-service solutions can include equipment selection, procurement and installation; local, long-distance, international and toll-free calling; private numbering plans, collaboration tools and other advanced features; on-site technical assistance; and remote support. The cutover also can include switching from existing services to VoIP and conducting employee training. After implementation, the solution can include technical support for parts replacement, real-time alarm monitoring, remote technical support, on-site assistance and application performance monitoring to help ensure that optimum performance is maintained across the network.

Solutions can be implemented on the enterprise premises or hosted in the provider's collocation facility. Implementation managers will oversee the installation and ensure all aspects of the network are operational end to end.

Hosted and managed services also offer enterprise users a migration path from time division multiplexing (TDM) to IP that enables them to maintain a hybrid environment while providing operational expense savings, new features and flexible call-management options. A VoIP solutions provider can build the solution that best fits the customer's business needs and optimizes existing equipment, networking resources and applications.

Implementing a migration to VoIP-whether to replace old equipment, connect a new location, reduce costs or roll out new functionality-requires thought and planning. Whatever the objective, viewing the problem holistically is important to ensure the solution meets the broader objectives of the business. Some important questions to ask:

* How do staff members interact with one another on a daily basis?

* Are they office-based or do they work remotely?

* Does the business operate multiple offices across multiple geographies?

* What forms of communication are used to interact with customers?

* Do staff members typically face specific logistical issues, such as parcels or parts tracking?

A VoIP network readiness assessment by the solutions provider before equipment selection will help an enterprise analyze whether or not it is ready to migrate from a traditional TDM voice network environment to a converged IP network. The assessment measures network performance factors that can affect VoIP quality, such as delay, jitter, packet loss, reliability, availability, scalability, packet prioritization and overall network design.

Before performing the assessment, the enterprise IT manager should know the following:

* peak traffic times and the natural calling patterns of the voice network today;

* what proportion of voice calls are internal, external and between corporate locations;

* if there is sufficient bandwidth in the LAN/WAN to handle peak periods of calling activity;

* simultaneous calling requirements for each location;

* business application prioritization;

* which VoIP access methods will be allowed and supported for the network (e.g., public Internet, private IP, wireless); and

* what security measures the company and the service provider will operate under to protect the IP network.

Having established these parameters, the next step is to design a network that will support the applications necessary not only to bolster the business today, but help it move forward into tomorrow.

Al DiGabriele is vice president, voice services product management, Global Crossing, Florham Park, N.J.

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