IP Telephony, or voice over Internet protocol (VOIP), is nothing short of a communication revolution. In the past, separate networks were required to handle both voice and data communications. IP Telephony uses a common network for both, supplying the framework for a range of new integrated services like virtual private networks, voice messaging, unified messaging (the integration of voice, fax and e-mail) and Web-enabled calls, while effectively cutting cabling costs by as much as 50%. The new tools and greater flexibility that this brings cannot be underestimated.


the new performance enhancer

A Calgary service company was expanding to a second location in Grande Prairie with approximately 25 employees. As top-notch customer service is central to its business, the company needed to ensure that its employees could communicate between and within offices and to customers as efficiently as possible.

The company called on TELUS for a solution that offered secure voice and data communication between sites, easy manageability and scalability to ensure that they were poised for future expansion and growth. TELUS provided a fully integrated solution using IP telephony. The benefits? Impressive.

more for less

For starters, IP telephony can eliminate long-distance charges between company offices by sending calls through a data network. Data, files, account information, and other operational information are also transmitted this way, increasing operational efficiency. And, since voice and data are combined on a single network, cabling costs in the new building were cut in half.

talk about being well connected...

The company is amazed by its enhanced communication system. Employees can access voice, fax and e-mail messages anytime, anywhere from within the building or from another location like their home using software phones on their personal computer. Employees on the move within the building can stay connected via wireless phone sets so they can respond to inquiries without having to locate a stationary phone. A unique paging system allows employees to be paged across all systems or within a particular zone of the building where the employee is likely to be working.

Phones can be moved around like laptops and they automatically reconfigure, so a technician is no longer required for office moves or new hires, reducing administration costs. Remote or off-site workers can connect to the office via the Internet using the same technology.

The system is primed to meet evolving business needs. Applications such as voice messaging, unified messaging, auto attendant (virtual attendant to answer and manage calls) and fax messaging can quickly and easily be activated by phone. Applications can be tried out and then bought or de-activated, as desired, so money isn't spent on features that you don't need.

the bottom line

TELUS has provided a truly integrated IP telephony solution that has helped the company realize large savings; increase customer satisfaction; and significantly enhance business communication, productivity and operational efficiency in ways it didn't even know were possible.

Interested in finding out how can IP telephony benefit your company? Give your account manager a call today.