The terms “IP Telephony” and “VoIP” are often used interchangeably. But there is a difference you need to be aware of when making a purchase decision.

Businesses are now using “IP Phone Systems” − sometimes called an IP PBX − that leverage the Internet Protocol to replace traditional phone systems in their offices. This does not necessarily mean the phone system is linked to the public Internet. An IP Phone System uses IP technology within the private data network in a single location or across a private network to reach remote locations.

“VoIP” refers to using the public Internet to carry voice traffic. When the public Internet is used, you don’t have the same direct control over the quality of the service as you do over your own network, so it is more likely that voice quality over the Internet could suffer. However, when properly engineered, voice quality over the public Internet can be as good as traditional phone lines. Invite us in to discuss the details.

Bottom line: You can use IP Telephony over your data network to connect remote sites with multiple workers or reach remote workers in home offices. If you don’t have a private network, you can use the public Internet to access them. And you don’t need to make a total swap out of your current phone system; it’s possible to gradually introduce an IP Phone System into your organization and interface it to legacy systems.

Contact the experts at Chesapeake for assistance in leveraging the advantages of IP Phone Systems or VoIP for your organization: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.