Voice over Internet Protocol - Questions and Answers

  Q What is Voice-over IP (VoIP)?
  Q Why the change?
  Q Will my phone number change?
  Q Will my telephone set be changed?
  Q What features will be available on my new IP phone?
  Q Will my fax number remain the same?
  Q Will I still be able to access my voice-mail outside the system?
  Q Will long distance calling remain the same?
  Q Will this new system affect my computer?
  Q Will help and training be available for this new system?
  Q Will my phone work during a power failure?
   
         
  Q   What is Voice-over IP (VoIP)?
  A     VoIP, or IP Telephony, is a converged voice/data technology that uses the data network to carry voice (telephone) traffic.
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  Q     Why should my company make the change?
         
  A     There are numerous compelling reasons. The need to support advanced network applications and emerging technologies with converged technology has become a reality in the business community. This state-of-the-art system will enable your business to build a strong foundation for the future as the trend continues torwards the digital conversion of business. By taking these steps you can be ahead and gain a competitive advantage.

In order to meet the growing demands of the growing digital firm, your current data network may require major upgrading. TierOne can help. We will review provide a more cost effective infrastructure by incorporating the voice requirements into this new converged technology. Costs will be reduced as the number of lines rented through your local phone company will be greatly reduced. By sharing a common infrastructure, voice and data cabling and relocation charges will also be lowered.

The change will also give you the ability to better manage your phone system, enabling you to have access to more features and more applications (i.e., employees will be able to configure various features, such as speed dial, directly on the phone. They will also have the ability to program other changes, such as call forwarding, on the web). The upgrade will allow for more reliability and improved performance.
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  Q     Will my phone number change?
         
  A     No. TierOne will will assit you with porting over your exisiting phone numbers, including all local phone numbers, and your toll free numbers. For the most part this will be a seamless change for your business.
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  Q     Will my telephone equipment have to change?
         
  A     Depending on the selected option you may continue to use your exisiting telephone equipment, or you can upgrade exisiting equipment to a VoIP phone. We recommend using a Cisco VoIP phone or another manufacturer of VoIP equipment. TierOne can assit you with making the right choice for specific business application.

• Cisco IP Phone 7910: This single-line phone is equipped with various easy-to-use features, including call display and on-hook dialing.

• Cisco IP Phone 7940: This two-line set has a large, pixel-based LCD display which identifies incoming messages and categorizes them for users on the screen. Numerous other features, such as call display and an integrated directory service, are also standard on this impressive phone.

• Cisco IP Phone 7960: This six-line phone also features a large, pixel-based LCD display. This set is dynamic and designed to grow with system capabilities. Features will keep pace with new changes via software updates to the phone’s flash memory.
Most departments will also have several analog phones (i.e., in part-time offices and labs). Users remaining on an analog phone will be upgraded to an M9009 Meridian phone. This is a single line set, with call display, a message waiting lamp for voice-mail, and other enhanced programmable features.
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  Q     What features will be available on my new IP phone?
         
  A     Basic features on every phone line are can be programmed into the new system in advance of the installation. Optional features such as speed dial, call display, or distinctive ringing, can be customized by the end user. Other, more enhanced features, can be accessed directly through a web portal.
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  Q     Will my fax number remain the same?
         
  A    
Yes. Yes. All fax numbers will remain the same.
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  Q     Will I still be able to access my voice-mail outside the system?
         
  A     Yes, the procedure for accessing voice mail will be improved, allowing you to check messages by calling in, or viewing and listening to messages through your email.
         
  Q     Will local and long distance calling remain the same?
         
  A    

All those with calling privileges are able to place a call in the same manner. Your assigned adminstrator will can decide who can or can't make long distance calls or local calls.

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  Q     Will this new system affect my computer?
         
  A     No. Even though your new phone will be connected to your computer, using the same computer jack, the transmission of your phone calls will be carried on a separate channel (VLAN).
         
  Q     Will help and training be available for this new system?
         
  A     Yes. TierOne will respond to all of your questions/concerns. On-line tutorials are available and classroom sessions will be offered through TierOne Training. Pamphlets and instruction guides will also be distributed or available from our web site.
  Q    

Will my phone work during a power failure?

         
  A     Yes.