Top Tips

In looking at the growing number of Voiceover IP providers in the market how do you assess them and cut through the hype? You don't need to be an expert on IP technology but you do need to make sure whoever you deal with can tick certain boxes.

Questions to Ask:

• Does the supplier use a carrier class network for access & to route calls?
• Qualify the term 'fully managed'. What is exactly is managed, is it just the network or is it truly fully managed? You should have one point of contact and one end to end SLA and SLG.
• In the same way as you need to understand the features offered by a PBX, understand the functionality the Hosted Service can offer.
• How many features are included as standard, and how much is treated as optional chargeable extras?
• Commercially how does this all stack up? Can your provider offer both Lease and Capex Options?
• Is a fixed price call package available?
• Does the system let home workers have inexpensive access to the system?
• What training and support is offered? Is this ongoing?
• Can you retain your existing business telephone numbers?