Practical IT Research that Drives Measurable Results Make the Case for IP Telephony 1Info-Tech Research Group

Introduction Info-Tech Research Group2 IP Telephony (IPT) is now firmly established as a viable business communications technology. Enterprises face inevitable upgrade scenarios and must get up-to-speed with the technology to understand key decision factors. Still, IT leaders struggle with preparing the case for transition. Peers are widely realizing benefits such as improved collaboration and streamlined administration – but the cost to implement IPT remains high. This solution set will help you: Gauge IP Telephony Appropriateness Understand Costs, Benefits & Risks Move Forward with the Proposal

IPT is ready for business. Most enterprises have started the transition. Info-Tech Research Group3 Over two-thirds of enterprises have begun to implement IPT – but deployment across the enterprise typically occurs in phases Next Steps: Accept IPT as a reality and develop an organizational roadmap for IP-based communications.

Replacement of expiring infrastructure is the primary reason for IPT implementation. Info-Tech Research Group4 “ Our PBX vendor had withdrawn not only product, but also support. So the platform we were on was going to be unsupported before long. We had to make a change and the only option offered by vendors was VoIP. - IS Manager, Municipal Government ” 1. End-of-Life Equipment 2. Enterprise Move or Expansion 3. Improved Collaboration 4. Financial Savings Replacement of outdated equipment is the most common driver for IPT due to a lack of alternate options. Move or expansion provides an opportunity to prevent re- cabling and upgrading infrastructure at a later date. Investment in IPT supports an enterprise collaboration strategy but this can be difficult to justify financially. Very few choose IPT as a primary means for cost savings due to a lack of short term ROI.

Gauge critical infrastructure, business and user factors to determine IPT appropriateness. Info-Tech Research Group5 Use the IP Telephony Appropriateness Assessment Tool to get a clear picture of Infrastructure, Business and User appropriateness and determine your course of action: Go/No GoIP Telephony Appropriateness Assessment Tool

Immediate savings are not in the cards – but don’t be caught without crunching the numbers. Info-Tech Research Group6 Despite the lack of near-term ROI, decision makers still require full financial analysis. Accurately assemble cost comparisons, IPT total cost of ownership, and three-year projected ROI using the Info-Tech IP Telephony TCO and ROI Calculator.IP Telephony TCO and ROI Calculator

The risks of implementing IPT are less than not implementing IPT at all. Info-Tech Research Group7 Limited access to support Difficulty obtaining replacement parts Business cost of extended downtime Loss of mission-critical service “ We had an antiquated phone system – we could not even get parts on eBay. We had to do something. - CIO, Insurance Firm ”

Get started on your proposal; here’s a great example. Present decision makers with the business justification. Use Info- Tech’s Sample IP Telephony Proposal.Sample IP Telephony Proposal Leveraging this written example will save time and effort in developing the following areas: – Executive Summary – Situational Analysis – Project Description – Financial Analysis – Qualitative Benefits – Risk Analysis – Conclusion Info-Tech Research Group8

Conclusion IPT as a technology is viable and proven – but expensive. Few organizations will be able to justify a migration until they are forced to replace end-of-life infrastructure. IT leaders must be prepared to develop a proposal that emphasizes the non- financial benefits of a project. Although near-term cost savings are not realistic, the technology will deliver operational flexibility and long-term value. Info-Tech Research Group9

Appendix Info-Tech Research Group10 IP Telephony: The Need-to-Know for Prospective Upgraders IP Telephony Appropriateness Assessment Tool Case Study: An IP Telephony Deployment in Progress Explore the Costs and Benefits of IP Telephony IP Telephony TCO and ROI Calculator Video: Discussing IP Telephony Costs and Benefits Sample IP Telephony Proposal Gauge IPT Appropriateness Understand Costs, Benefits and Risks Move Forward with the Proposal TaskResources

Additional Tools and Insight Included in Complete Report Executive Summary Understand how to position your VOIP investment as a long-term payback as opposed to looking for short term ROI that just doesn’t exist. There are a number of additional cost factors you need to understand when looking at your total investment. Learn where these are and how to manage them. Look Past Dollar Figures and Emphasize Key Improvements that Demonstrate the Value of IP Telephony Info-Tech Research Group11

Info-Tech Research Group12 Info-Tech Helps Professionals To: 1.Quickly get up to speed with new technologies 2.Make the right technology purchasing decision – fast 3.Deliver critical IT projects, on time and within budget 4.Manage business expectations 5.Justify IT spending and prove the value of IT 6.Train IT staff and effectively manage an IT department “Info-Tech helps me to be proactive instead of reactive – a cardinal rule in a stable and leading edge IT environment.” - ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., LP “Info-Tech helps me to be proactive instead of reactive – a cardinal rule in a stable and leading edge IT environment.” - ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., LP Sign up for a free trial to get practical solutions to your IT challenges. Sign up for a free trial