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As voice, video, and data networks begin to converge, more small-medium size businesses organizations are seeing the value in deploying IP business communications solutions, including IP telephony, unified messaging, voice mail, customer contact solutions, and audio/ video/ Web conferencing.

Both questions and myths about these technologies have arisen. Here, we'll share some of the facts surrounding these myths and provide information that can help you make a more intelligent decision about deploying IP Communications solutions over a converged network.

The Myths

1.) Customers should wait to deploy IP-based business communications until industry standards mature.

2.) An IP-based business communications implementation is more expensive than implementing a traditional time-division multiplexing (TDM) communications system.

3.) There is no single "killer application" for IP-based business communications today.

4.) IP-based business communications systems are less secure than hybrid systems with a mix of IP-based and traditional communications.

5.) Deploying IP-based business communications means throwing away your previous investment in traditional voice solutions.

Myth #1

Customers should wait to deploy IP-based business communications until industry standards mature. The perception here is that standard processes for telecommunications and data networking is complex and mysterious, steeped in decades of tradition and secret voting. As a result, many people are concerned that because of the relative newness of IP Communications, the current standards for these solutions are not yet mature enough to justify an investment in the

technology. The fear is that if you invest in an IP Communications solution now, by next year, everything will change, and your investment will be worthless.

The Reality

Fundamental standards for IP-based communications are already in place; new standards will continue to emerge.
In the world of technology, it can often take far less than a year for a standard to become obsolete. In the case of IP Communications, most of the standards that are critical to the success of the solution have been around for some time. In fact, many people are surprised by the number of standards it takes to place an IP phone call today.

For example, the latest standard-inline power over Ethernet. 802.3af was finalized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in early 2003. Cisco Systems® was one of the first vendors to support the new standard.

Most of the standards used to make an IP phone call are not new. As new protocols become standards, they can be easily added to the total IP Communications system. The investment you make today will be protected for years to come.

Support for many different IP and voice protocols enable the Cisco IP Communications solutions deployed by EveryNetwork to integrate tightly and flexibly into your business communications environment to maximize investment in existing applications and processes. For example, the LDAP directory support enables customers to use their Microsoft Active Directory and Outlook distribution lists to make phone calls and to send or receive voice messages.

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Hardware refresh projects take place for several reasons, including operating system migrations, computer updates, and personnel changes. Regardless of the reasons, hardware refresh projects can present big challenges.

To overcome these challenges it is wise to partner with a company that has proven their expertise in this area time and again.  One who offers a proven, highly-automated and integrated solution providing valuable continuity of information between each step in the process. This unique ability to leverage the overall process improves project quality and reduces the amount of manual time IT administrators typically think of when they anticipate a hardware refresh.

With an integrated solution and best-practice methodology, organizations can expect to see substantial benefits, including:

•  55% cost reduction in PC setup and deployment

• Increased efficiency in IT resources

• Greater control over the IT environment

• Reduction in the amount of time IT personnel must spend performing the refresh

• Marked reduction in end-user downtime

But, having the right tools isn’t enough for a successful hardware refresh. An integrated solution is only as good as the processes surrounding it. You need an effective process based on best practices.

EveryNetwork recommends a six-step process to help you successfully complete your hardware refresh project. With this process, you can plan your hardware refresh project in advance and map through the various tasks and objectives.

The Six Steps:

1.) Hardware/Software Readiness Assessment

2.) Computer Personality Capture

3.) Creating and Deploying Base Images

4.) Installing Software Packages

5.) Restoring Computer Personalities
Status Tracking and Reporting

Depending on the scope and objectives of your refresh project, engaging expert services may be the best route to make sure you do it right the first time. Still, many customers are interested in learning the basic steps that can help them complete the project on their own.

When deciding who to consult for your hardware refresh needs it is best to consider their solutions and best practices.

To learn more about why a hardware refresh is a good decision for your organization contact EveryNetwork at 877.647.2262 or via email at sales@everynetwork.com.