Voice and data convergence — the merging of telephony and data networks into a single, multi-service network — is becoming increasingly attractive to many enterprises. The new convergence technologies promise to combine the reliability and simplicity of voice networks with the power and cost-effectiveness of data networks. Convergence will also allow new applications to transform the way companies do business. Such applications as voice-enabled Web call centers, unified voice, fax, and e-mail messaging, workgroup collaboration via multimedia conferencing, and application sharing can increase sales, improve productivity, speed time-to-market, and build customer loyalty. Putting voice and data on the same network is also attractive for service providers. By offering reduced rates and new applications, service providers can differentiate themselves from the competition and increase market share. For service providers, the challenge of implementing convergent technologies is especially urgent. With deregulation and the rush of competitors into this market, service providers who are the first to meet their enterprise customers’ growing demand for cost-effective and reliable converged services will be the ones who prevail. With PILEUM proven expertise in both data and voice networking, we can help enterprises and service providers realize the full potential of convergence through our Voice and Data Convergence Consulting services.

Services
PILEUM Voice and Data Convergence methodology consists of three distinct phases: Assessment, Design, and Implementation.

• Assessment is the essential first step in a voice and data network convergence
  project required to gain a baseline understanding of your present voice and
  data networks and a plan for moving forward. Includes:

> Network audit
> Network and business objectives
> Technology and services review
> Technical guidelines
> Capacity planning and performance management
> Financial analysis

> Identification of telecommunications network components that overlap
    data network components
> Identification of specialized voice application requirements
> Recommendations for telecommunications hardware upgrades
> Development of a standardized dial plan for the entire organization
> Identification and recommendation of current long-distance access
   providers and associated dialing procedures
> Recommended facilities upgrades associated with PBX/KSU
> Router configuration updates to enable converged network capabilities
> Development of RFPs and vendor evaluation
> Review of main facility, branches, stand-alone sites, and data centers

> Project planning and management
> Creation of a lab environment
> Preparation of the site(s)
> Ordering, configuration, testing of equipment
> VoIP, VoFR, or VoATM network implementation
> Dial plan implementation
> Alarm system integration
> Testing, configuration, and training on network management systems
> Implementation and evaluation of a pilot phase
> Site implementations

Benefits
Converged networks interweave voice and data traffic to make better use of the underlying bandwidth and reduce costs. A private packet-switched network can cut a typical voice call cost by up to 65-85% as compared to a voice-based virtual private network (V-VPN) call. Reducing the number of networks also cuts operational costs because fewer staff and network management stations are required. At the same time, enterprises can boost performance by transporting higher traffic volumes over the same infrastructure. Both staff and customers can benefit from the more efficient communication made possible by converged voice/data applications. As one of the largest independent providers of network services, PILEUM can help both service providers and enterprises more quickly realize the promise of voice and data convergence. We bring the experience of all our documented solutions to our services with proven experience in designing and implementing VoIP, VoFR, and VoATM networks.