Voice over IP (VOIP) is an established technology, enabling voice and data to be carried over a common networking infrastructure. The advantages are clear cut, starting with the ability to do away with the need for separate voice and data networks. VOIP also offers the bonus of simplified management, in terms of adding, moving or changing phone users, on top of which it offers savings by using the Internet for long-distance calls and remote working. However, IP-based telephony solutions, built on VOIP, are just starting to come of age. Traditional TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) products still dominate the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) market. But interest in IP telephony is growing, with around five per cent of all new exchanges now IP-based - and lots of companies looking to add IP facilities to existing TDM solutions. For this group test, we've looked at eight IP-based telephony solutions. In particular we've concentrated on products aimed at medium-sized companies, with 200 or more phone users. Most include a full IP-based PBX to manage calls, provide voicemail and other services, but we've also included a solution from Boscom which can be used to add VOIP facilities to existing TDM exchanges.
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