Enterprises that are facing the communication and training challenges associated with a growing, distributed workforce can benefit from having the ability to stream diverse video content to the user desktop. IT leaders should be aware of the potential benefits and important network implications that are coupled with the deployment of a video streaming infrastructure.

As dual mode devices and platforms continue to mature, Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) is becoming an increasingly feasible enterprise technology. IT leaders facing the challenges of a growing mobile workforce should explore the technology and its possible applications.

It is imperative that small enterprises evaluating IP Telephony (IPT) for cost and logistical reasons also understand the strategic business advantages that can accompany IPT.

Because of the critical importance of a resilient enterprise voice solution, small enterprises that will soon proceed with an IP Telephony (IPT) deployment need to begin planning for high availability. Understand and prepare to address the key IPT service availability risk areas.

IT leaders in small enterprises need to look beyond financial factors when evaluation the adoption of IP softphones. Understand the scope of benefits and tradeoffs associated with softphones.

Disparities between the feature sets offered by leading IP Telephony (IPT) solution providers are shrinking. The examination of a vendor’s ability to help the enterprise meet future business objectives must be part of the enterprise’s IPT evaluation process.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), 3Com’s NBX V3000 represents a proven, if unspectacular, solution from a reputable vendor. However, the company’s recent struggles in the space are a cause of concern for potential enterprise customers.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Alcatel-Lucent’s OmniPCX Office represents a solid SME solution. However, the company’s historically weak North American presence and concerns over the long term results of the recent Alcatel-Lucent merger limit its applicability.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Avaya’s IP Office represents an industry-leading product from a foremost enterprise telephony solution provider. IP Office is a complete IPT solution that will meet the current and future needs of a broad segment of enterprises.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Cisco’s Unified CallManager Express represents a very compelling product. As a fully integrated network infrastructure solution, it offers enterprises the value of both leading edge features and equipment consolidation.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Mitel’s 3300 ICP represents a very competitive solution, especially for vertical-specific features designed to serve the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), NEC’s Univerge SV7000 MPS represents a very competitive offering with solid vertical applications.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Nortel’s CS 1000S represents a very strong all-around solution with an impressive application portfolio.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), ShoreTel’s 6.1 represents a highly scalable and cost effective solution.

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluating IP Telephony (IPT), Siemens’ HiPath 3500 represents a versatile product. However, the uncertain future of the company’s Enterprise Networks division introduces moderate risks with respect to long term SME support.

Hosted VoIP represents a compelling enterprise IP Telephony (IPT) option that is being increasingly explored by smaller organizations. Considering the current bloat within the hosted VoIP market and the risks associated with outsourcing telephony services, IT decision makers need to be particularly prudent when evaluating potential service providers and offerings.

Enterprises are often reluctant to enter into long-term contracts with telecom carriers. The price volatility of carrier services over the past five years has left many enterprises feeling as though short-term contracts would have been more economical. Knowing how to negotiate long-term carrier contracts is beneficial for the enterprise, and can result in competitive price assurance.

Hosted VoIP services allow enterprises to capture the powerful productivity advantages of IP telephony without a significant administrative burden or upfront capital expenditure. To ensure the success of a hosted VoIP deployment, enterprises must verify network readiness prior to implementation and make plans to immediately integrate new VoIP features into business operations.

Converging voice with the existing data network requires due care to ensure voice quality. To achieve quality voice performance, enterprises must be diligent in assessing the readiness of their existing networks for IPT. Use this checklist to determine if your enterprise network is ready for an IPT implementation. Follow up on any outstanding items before proceeding with IPT plans.

While IP Telephony (IPT) offers a range of operational and strategic advantages, converging voice with the existing data network requires due care to ensure voice quality. To achieve optimal voice performance, enterprises must be diligent in assessing the readiness of their existing networks for IPT and making the necessary improvements prior to implementation.

Enterprises with IPT environments must recognize the importance of effective software maintenance, particularly the regular and streamlined deployment of critical fixes and updates, to ongoing security and stability. Protect against IPT vulnerabilities with a comprehensive patch management plan.

An IP Telephony deployment imposes wide-ranging security risks. Enterprises must understand and implement appropriate LAN security measures to mitigate these risks.

Small enterprises deploying IP Telephony (IPT) face many planning and implementation challenges, one of which is end-user training. Ensuring that users are comfortable using the new system and are able to leverage new productivity features is an important project component. Take a formal approach to end-user instruction and follow these recommended IPT training methods.