VoIP and IP telephony
A strong unified communications strategy starts with voice technology. Explore all facets of enterprise telephony, including hardware and devices, architecture, and standards and protocols like SIP and H.323.
Top Stories
-
Feature
07 Jun 2024
The history of telephones explained
The telephone, once a marvel for the rich, became a household necessity. Now, mobile phones and web calls have relegated landlines to near-forgotten relics. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 May 2024
What's the difference between SIP trunking, PRI and BRI?
SIP trunking is preferred over PRI and BRI telecommunications lines because it offers more savings, better flexibility and more integrations with newer technologies. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Nov 2019
Is your organization prepared to deploy SIP trunking services?
Before deploying SIP trunking services, organizations need to make sure they are prepared. Read this FAQ to learn how to prepare and protect SIP trunks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Nov 2019
4 SIP trunking benefits for cloud migration
SIP adoption continues to grow, even as more organizations migrate their communications to the cloud. Learn the benefits that come from bringing SIP trunking to UCaaS. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Nov 2019
How do you plan for replacing a business phone system?
A few factors can indicate it's time to replace a business phone system. Learn when it may be time to switch and how to decide on a course of action. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Nov 2019
What are the benefits of 5G VoIP?
5G VoIP will have some noticeable benefits over its earlier 4G iteration. Learn how 5G rollouts could improve the VoIP experience with high capacity and low latency. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2019
New telephony controls coming to Microsoft Teams admin center
More controls are coming to the Microsoft Teams admin center, but enterprises will have to wait a bit longer for the large-scale configuration tools they need. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Oct 2019
UCaaS vendor Intermedia adds Telax CCaaS to portfolio
Intermedia, cloud-based unified communications vendor, has added CCaaS to its portfolio through its acquisition of Telax. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Oct 2019
Test your PBX and phone system for Kari's Law compliance
Starting in 2020, multiline phone systems must comply with Kari's Law. Learn what requirements your phone system must meet and how to test for Kari's Law compliance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Sep 2019
Comparing H.323 vs. SIP: What's the difference?
Discover the similarities and differences of H.323 vs. SIP standards, and learn why SIP has become the de facto standard for voice and video communications. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Sep 2019
Should you keep your SIP trunk carrier when migrating to UCaaS?
Migrating UC to the cloud doesn't mean leaving your SIP trunk carrier behind. Learn how bringing your own SIP to cloud services can benefit your business. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Sep 2019
Poly targets huddle rooms with Trio 8300
Poly has designed the Trio 8300 for huddle rooms that fit no more than five people. The vendor released a video system targeted at the same market earlier this year. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Aug 2019
Cisco adds UC headset management to IT console
Cisco is accelerating its push into the UC headset market with the release of new analytics and management tools for IT administrators. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Aug 2019
VoIP migration requires telephony network planning, security scrutiny
A PBX to VoIP migration requires careful planning to ensure call quality. Learn how to ready the network, evaluate architecture options and set the right security policies. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jul 2019
8x8 launches small-business phone system 8x8 Express
Designed for businesses without an IT team, 8x8 Express offers unlimited calling and gives access to 8x8 Meetings, a platform for collaborative video conferencing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Jul 2019
Microsoft Teams voice lacks 5 key cloud calling features
While Microsoft Teams voice capabilities have improved, organizations are still lacking certain calling features, such as dial-by-extension and advanced call activity reports. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Jun 2019
Understand UC quality issues and which QoS tools can solve them
Improving UC quality means knowing what causes problems and which QoS tools are available. This mini-glossary will help you navigate the terms related to QoS. Continue Reading
-
News
31 May 2019
AWS could disrupt cloud UC with aggressive voice pricing
Amazon Web Services is offering usage-based pricing for its new business calling plan, a pricing model that could shake up the cloud UC industry if successful. Continue Reading
-
News
30 May 2019
Avaya-Google integration targets SMBs with cloud UC
Avaya is giving partners the ability to deliver cloud UC through containers running on the Google Cloud, a cheaper and simpler deployment model. Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 May 2019
Go back to the basics with a glossary of VoIP terms
This mini glossary defines essential vocabulary associated with VoIP. Read through these VoIP terms to refresh your knowledge of IP-based telephony. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 May 2019
How to structure a VoIP budget when moving to the cloud
When migrating to cloud communications, reevaluate your budgets to consolidate overlapping collaboration features, retire hardware and transition to an Opex model. Continue Reading
-
News
17 May 2019
PDP Gaming seeks immediate ban on Poly's use of logo
PDP Gaming is seeking an immediate injunction against Poly's use of a disputed logo. The escalation comes despite the two companies initially pursuing a settlement. Continue Reading
-
News
15 May 2019
Call queue, auto attendant enhanced in Microsoft Teams calling
The latest enhancements to Microsoft Teams calling improve auto attendants and call queues, but both features still lack some key capabilities. Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2019
Cloud Skype phones require firmware update by July 1
Businesses face a July 1 deadline for updating the firmware and permissions of cloud Skype phones. Continue Reading
-
Answer
24 Apr 2019
How does cloud SIP trunking differ from traditional SIP trunking?
Traditional and cloud SIP trunking perform the same tasks of initiating and ending call sessions, but the method and costs of access create distinct differences in these services. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2019
G Suite for business adds enterprise voice, IT controls
Google released an enterprise phone system and plans to add new IT controls to G Suite for business in an effort to attract larger companies. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2019
Mitel partners with Talkdesk for cloud contact center
Mitel this month will begin selling the Talkdesk cloud contact center under the brand MiCloud Connect CX. The companies are working to integrate their UC and contact center products. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2019
Microsoft Teams media bypass comes with limitations
Microsoft Teams media bypass for direct routing customers is now available, but the configuration may be less beneficial to enterprises than an equivalent feature in Skype for Business. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Apr 2019
Webex Teams vs. Microsoft Teams: Comparing telephony options
Are you evaluating Webex Teams and Microsoft Teams telephony options? Learn how to decide which calling capabilities meet your organization's needs in the Webex Teams vs. Microsoft Teams debate. Continue Reading
-
Answer
03 Apr 2019
How do you prepare for porting business phone numbers?
Porting business phone numbers to your UCaaS provider may be more complicated than you realize. Learn three ways you can prepare your organization for porting. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Mar 2019
SIP protocol primer: Learn the SIP basics
With the rise of IP communications, SIP has become the standard for initiating communication across a network. Learn the basics of SIP, including how it works and why you need it. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Mar 2019
VoIP systems deliver advanced telephony and UC features
Learn what 10 leading on-premises, SaaS and hybrid VoIP platforms offer in terms of features, unified communication functionality, phone hardware compatibility and technical support. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2019
Zoom Phone cloud PBX expands features, partnerships
Zoom Phone works with desk phones from Polycom and Yealink and integrates with contact center products from Five9 and Twilio. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Mar 2019
VoIP platforms offer a wide range of benefits to the enterprise
Companies can choose from one of three VoIP architectures -- on-premises, SaaS VoIP or hybrid cloud. Learn what features and functionality each deployment model offers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Mar 2019
ATB Financial banks on cloud communications platform
For ATB Financial, RingCentral's cloud communications platform offered mobility, integration and legacy support to help modernize its dated telephony infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Mar 2019
Talkdesk cloud contact center integrates with on-premises PBXes
Talkdesk is opening its cloud contact center to on-premises PBX systems from vendors, including Avaya and Cisco -- a move that should help the company win larger customers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Feb 2019
Compare offerings from 8 leading cloud and hybrid VoIP vendors
Learn how organizations can select the enterprise VoIP vendor that offers the platform with the best mix of functionality, interoperability, reliability and ongoing support. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Feb 2019
How 5 leading on-premises and hybrid VoIP platforms compare
Learn how four use case scenarios can help organizations differentiate between the leading on-premises and hybrid VoIP systems so they can select the best platform for their needs. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Feb 2019
How are SIP trunking vendors differentiating their services?
SIP trunking vendors are using security features to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Our expert explains what types of SIP trunking security you can expect. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2019
Upgrades to on-premises Avaya products will be released in bits
Feature upgrades for on-premises Avaya products will roll out in 'very small, manageable' chunks moving forward, the company said. Avaya is looking to more closely align its on-premises and cloud portfolios. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Feb 2019
Why enterprise adoption of cloud UC should accelerate in 2019
Enterprises like Pacific Dental and PTC are adopting cloud UC to get a consistent, reliable experience across various offices and geographies without overextending IT staff. Continue Reading
-
Infographic
18 Feb 2019
What to know before rolling out a SIP deployment
In today's communication world, SIP is a necessary tool. A report from the SIP School reveals what you need to know and how other organizations approach their SIP deployments. Continue Reading
-
Answer
18 Feb 2019
How does embedded communication work with an IP PBX infrastructure?
Adding communications capabilities to your web browsers or mobile apps? Be sure to use the right protocols for successful interoperability with your IP PBX or telephony infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Feb 2019
What are the E911 location tracking requirements for VoIP?
The rules around E911 location tracking have evolved as more businesses move away from traditional wired connections to VoIP. Here's how to stay compliant with FCC regulations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Feb 2019
6 questions to ask before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP system
Before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP vendor, it's important for organizations to create a list of must-have features that can be used to narrow down their selection criteria. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jan 2019
Google Voice for G Suite expected to launch this spring
Google Voice for G Suite, a business version of its cloud calling service, will be available in at least nine countries, and its launch could come as soon as the early spring. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 considerations for selecting an on-premises VoIP platform
Although cloud-based VoIP is popular, organizations are consistently choosing on-premises VoIP systems, as they offer sites more control over their communications environment. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya delivers cloud workforce management for contact center
Users of Avaya's contact center platforms now have access to cloud workforce management software through the vendor's partnership with Verint. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Jan 2019
How AI, machine learning improve real-time communications traffic
Ready to move on from legacy quality-of-service policies for your real-time communications? AI and machine learning offer new ways to simplify and improve real-time traffic management. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Jan 2019
Yealink, Crestron release first Microsoft Teams phones
Yealink and Crestron have received certification for their Microsoft Teams phones. Microsoft is expected to greenlight devices from Polycom and AudioCodes in the near future. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Jan 2019
Enterprise VoIP platforms provide UC functionality in a single system
The shift toward mobile workforces has dramatically changed how VoIP is deployed. Learn about three popular VoIP deployment models and use case scenarios and how VoIP is only a single component in a much larger unified communications strategy. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jan 2019
Amazon contact center now supports real-time voice streaming
The Amazon contact center, Amazon Connect, now supports real-time voice streaming, a feature that opens the door to several emerging applications of AI. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Dec 2018
Understanding MOS for voice quality
Looking to improve the quality of voice calls? Learn which mean-opinion-score models measure and rate the user experience and the factors that influence voice quality. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
12 Dec 2018
Test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals
Do you want to test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals and how VoIP works? Take this VoIP quiz and see what areas of voice technology elude you. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Dec 2018
Online store launched for Avaya cloud products
Organizations can now buy multi-tenant Avaya cloud products through a self-service website targeted at small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Dec 2018
How to prepare for and manage VoIP call quality issues
Do you know how to maintain call quality when deploying VoIP? Get the answers to your VoIP quality concerns, from predeployment assessments to troubleshooting tools. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2018
Oculeus unveils cloud service for toll fraud prevention
Oculeus-Protect, a toll fraud prevention service, automatically ends phone calls determined to be the result of PBX hacking -- a threat that costs businesses billions of dollars annually. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Dec 2018
New Microsoft Teams calling features narrow gap with Skype
Microsoft will complete its Microsoft Teams calling roadmap in the coming weeks, with the release of four advanced call controls targeted at enterprise users. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Nov 2018
7 steps to select the right product for deploying SD-WAN for VoIP
Ready to deploy SD-WAN for VoIP? Networking expert Terry Slattery offers seven tips for selecting the right product to support real-time voice needs. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Nov 2018
BroadSoft cloud calling begins to eclipse Cisco HCS
Cisco is pushing BroadSoft service providers to sell into the midmarket and above, raising questions about the future of Cisco HCS. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2018
Cisco pushes BroadSoft partners to sell Cisco phones, displays
At BroadSoft Connections, the sponsors of which included Polycom and Yealink, Cisco wasn't shy about encouraging BroadSoft partners to begin selling Cisco phones and displays. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Nov 2018
In strategic shift, Avaya expands portfolio of open SIP phones
Avaya is doubling down on a decision to open its hardware to the software of competing UC vendors with the release of more than a dozen new open SIP phones. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Nov 2018
Migrating from PBX to VoIP: A hybrid VoIP approach
A hybrid VoIP system can be the bridge from PBX to VoIP telephony strategies. Our expert helps to highlight the advantages of a hybrid approach. Continue Reading
-
Answer
23 Oct 2018
How do I troubleshoot SIP configurations to solve service issues?
When your SIP service isn't connecting properly, process of elimination will help you determine if the issue lies in your configuration or elsewhere on the network. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Oct 2018
How to check for packet loss to manage call quality
Network managers learn more straightforward techniques to get a more accurate reading when testing for network packet loss in order to manage call quality. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Oct 2018
BlueJeans-Dolby meeting room service focuses on UC audio
In UC news, BlueJeans launches a UC audio offering with Dolby Voice, Talkdesk gets $100 million toward CCaaS, and Silver Peak's SD-WAN platform earns a VoIP performance certification. Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Sep 2018
When do I need to use QoS for VoIP bandwidth support?
Is your call quality suffering? Network bandwidth may be growing, but demands on it are, too. Here's what you need to know to use QoS to help solve VoIP call issues. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Sep 2018
4 ways to prep the network when planning to implement VoIP
Before deploying VoIP platforms, make sure you have the infrastructure to support your communications needs. Learn what factors influence the network technology you'll need to support VoIP. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Sep 2018
How to troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues
Issues with VoIP calls can bring business to a halt, or at least cause headaches and undermine productivity. Learn how to troubleshoot VoIP issues effectively. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Sep 2018
NewVoiceMedia acquisition adds contact center to Vonage cloud
The acquisition of NewVoiceMedia will add a contact center to the Vonage cloud portfolio, which already includes telephony and developer tools. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Aug 2018
Polycom VVX series adds four new desk phones
A new cloud-based device management service will help Polycom partners provision and troubleshoot the vendor's devices, including four new Polycom VVX series phones released this week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Aug 2018
PSTN vs. VoIP: What's best for your business?
Unsure of where your organization stands in the PSTN vs. VoIP debate? Use this feature-by-feature comparison to decide whether VoIP or PSTN services fit your organization's needs. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2018
8x8 X Series combines UC and contact center
The cloud delivery model has made it easier to combine unified communications and contact center technologies into a single platform, as evidenced by the release of the 8x8 X Series this week. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
02 Jul 2018
Voice assistants present new challenges for call clarity
Virtual assistant devices and applications offer ease and convenience when placing phone calls, but they could pose problems in terms of audio quality. Continue Reading
-
News
24 May 2018
Polycom cloud service simplifies device management
A new Polycom cloud service will help businesses manage and monitor Polycom desk and conference room phones. The vendor plans to expand the service to cover video endpoints later this year. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 May 2018
How to monitor application performance in the cloud
As you move real-time applications to the cloud, you might relinquish some network control. However, several mechanisms are available to monitor application performance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
04 May 2018
What are the steps to ensure SIP implementation success?
A robust strategy and several steps are needed to deploy SIP successfully. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the pieces that comprise a SIP strategy, from creating an RFI to documentation. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Apr 2018
Avaya partners with Afiniti for intelligent call routing
Avaya will add intelligent call routing to its contact center platforms. The vendor is partnering with Afiniti, which uses artificial intelligence to match customers with agents. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Apr 2018
AV1 video codec carries clout with royalty-free status
Industry giants, including Cisco and Microsoft, have backed AOMedia's new royalty-free codec. So, what does this mean for royalty-bearing video coding standards? Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2018
BroadSoft diversifies Cisco's cloud contact center portfolio
Cisco's cloud contact center portfolio now includes BroadSoft's CC-One. The vendor will use the multi-tenant platform to target small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
-
Video
05 Apr 2018
New Microsoft Teams features on deck, but more work needed
Microsoft has made progress, as it moves Skype for Business features into Microsoft Teams. But more capabilities, especially enterprise voice features, are needed. Continue Reading
-
Answer
22 Feb 2018
How do you build a disaster recovery communications plan?
Maintaining voice communications is vital to disaster recovery. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to build a disaster recovery communications plan. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Feb 2018
Is the virtual SBC market poised for rapid growth?
Recent market developments and research indicate virtual SBC products could see a significant upswing, as companies find success with virtualized offerings. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Jan 2018
How to configure VoIP on a network
VoIP configuration requires significant preplanning to meet the requirements of voice traffic. Learn the steps to take when configuring VoIP on your network. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2017
Free phone service could boost Dialpad's UCaaS status
UCaaS provider Dialpad is offering a free cloud telephony service that integrates with G Suite, while a new partner program offers Workplace by Facebook support. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Nov 2017
Third-party E911 services expand call management tools
In UC news, organizations are deploying third-party E911 services for additional call management capabilities, while Genesys announces a chatbot integration with Amazon. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Aug 2017
Microsoft Exchange Online UM drops third-party PBX support
Some Microsoft customers must quickly re-evaluate their UC strategy after the vendor announced its intent to end third-party PBX support for Exchange Online Unified Messaging in 2018. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Apr 2017
Unified communications platforms lack security scrutiny
As UC platforms become more open to the outside world, IT leaders need to heed newer threats, including guest-access features, federation capabilities and cloud services. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 May 2016
Voice gateways provide powerful connectivity options
Voice gateways connect VoIP networks to telecom providers and analog phones, while also providing backup call support. But these sensitive devices need proper security. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
11 May 2016
This CCNP Collaboration quiz tests your Cisco UC smarts
The Cisco Collaboration certification covers several technological components from ports to protocols. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of Cisco UC technologies. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Oct 2015
Mitel VoIP 3300 series controllers: Product overview
The Mitel VoIP platform consists of the 3300 series controllers. With support for up to 2,000 SIP trunks, the 3300 series can replace legacy telephony in small or large businesses. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Oct 2015
ShoreTel phone system: Product overview
The ShoreTel VoIP system boasts several voice switches, simplified administration and automated backup. The premises platform is ShoreTel's replacement for PBX telephony. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Oct 2015
Cisco UCM voice over IP system: Product overview
Designed for small and medium businesses, as well as large enterprises, Cisco UCM provides voice over IP technology that can replace a legacy telephone system. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Aug 2015
Comparing the leading VoIP vendors and their products
Before purchasing a VoIP system, enterprises need to carry out careful research as VoIP vendors offer intricate products with varying capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Aug 2015
Toshiba IPedge VoIP System Product Overview
The Toshiba IPedge is a secure software-based VoIP system intended to replace legacy telephony. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Apr 2015
Design redundancy into VoIP communication systems
Implementing redundancy at the VoIP and network infrastructure levels is an integral part of VoIP communication, ensuring call and business continuity. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2015
Five techniques for getting a robust VoIP infrastructure
A VoIP expert stresses the importance of a separate voice VLAN setup, quality-of-service enablement and edge routers for a robust VoIP infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Oct 2014
Calculating VoIP bandwidth needs for SIP trunk services
Part three of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, looks at the amount of VoIP bandwidth you'll need to avoid latency for SIP trunk services via a dedicated line or an Internet connection. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Dec 2013
What is the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?
H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Jul 2013
What are the advantages of SIP trunks versus analog circuits?
SIP trunking is not perfect, but it has more options and features compared to what traditional phone companies offer, says UC expert Matt Brunk. Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 May 2013
What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?
UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Mar 2013
What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?
The types of PBX systems available shifted after the advent of Internet Protocol, according to IP telephony expert Jon Arnold. Continue Reading