Telephony and VoIP Basics
by Steven Taylor and Larry Hettick

Abstract:

Managers of small and medium businesses (SMBs) have, by necessity, learned about data networking and desktop computing because few businesses can operate without computers and access to data networks like the Internet. Medium-sized businesses have probably even hired or outsourced an information technology (IT) staff to help set up their computers and data networks.

While many of these small and medium businesses (SMBs) have tackled the management of their own basic data communications systems, most rely on “the phone company” to take care of their voice communications. However, as the worlds of voice and data communications converge, bringing the two networks together dictates that SMB managers now understand some basics about both networks and how they operate. And if a SMB wants to enjoy the business benefits that a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution brings to the workplace, understanding both phone systems and VoIP is especially important. This backgrounder will provide some basics about telephony and VoIP.

About the Authors:

Steven Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials.

Larry Hettick is Vice President, Wireline Solutions at Current Analysis.

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