Is all VoIP created equal?

3/20/12 - Votacall Hosted VoIP - Boston, Massachusetts - Is all Hosted VoIP Created equal? The answer is, yes. All Hosted VoIP starts out the same, meaning it is inherently difficult and is susceptible to quality problems due to the onsite environment, bandwidth and the hosted infrastructure. At birth VoIP is like an angry baby. Now, that angry baby can go in 1 of 2 directions... 1. VoIP can be raised by absentee parents, where the environment holds no accountability and behavior spirals out of control or 2. VoIP can be raised in a nuturing environment, respected and managed to reach full maturity and it's inherent potential. These 2 directions VoIP can go in should be a concern for all prospective Business Class Hosted VoIP customers. You must consider what can be done to make VoIP a real communications tool. What environment was that VoIP raised in and continued to be raised in? As a prospect, you should do a background check on the parents (the VoIP provider) and see if their values are in line with yours. Ask your potential provider the following to determine which environment your VoIP was raised in:

1. Is the VoIP Solution a Managed Solution?

2. What tools do you use to manage the solution both onsite and off site?

3. What bandwidth does your solution require?

4. What is the underlying platform? Is it a Class 5 switch?

5. Is your actual platform redundant and geographically diverse?

6. Is your platfrom in a carrier grade data center?

7. Who implements the VoIP solution?

8. What is the Hosted VoIP providers innovation track record?

Yes all VoIP is created equal, but it is the value system it was raised to maturity with that will make the difference for your business.