Critical Year for IP Centrex
by Larry Hettick

Published February 2002

Abstract:

The move by enterprises from a traditional telephony to IP is not a question of “if,” but “when.” Voice over IP (VOIP) services offer lower cost, advanced services regardless of the user’s location and productivity enhancements generated by integrating voice systems with desktop computers and other data applications. 

However, one familiar and fundamental choice will continue from the days of circuit-switching: Rent vs. buy. Today, enterprises can choose between a PBX and a Centrex service (or, potentially, some hybrid of the two). Likewise, tomorrow’s voice infrastructure choices will be between an IP-PBX, IP Centrex or a hybrid IP-PBX/IP Centrex combination. 

While the IP-PBX has received wide media and customer attention over the past year, less has been said about IP Centrex services or their availability. This article will review what kind of services can be offered on IP Centrex, look at the pros and cons and examine when IP Centrex services may become widely available.

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