Agenda Why Convergence? Siemens Implementation of IP Telephony How we have used IP telephony in Oxford Lessons learned Plans for the future Lessons for IT Support staff

Why Convergence? Efficient use of infrastructure Cost effective (but not yet…) Ease of management Eventual obsolescence of voice switches Future proofing

Siemens implementation of IP telephony (Siemens Xpress) IP Handsets IP Telephony Server IP 100mb Ethernet Voice Mail Server

How we have used IP telephony Transparent usage of voice network: –Full DX functionality (groups, diversions etc) –Integrated numbering scheme –Integrated voice mail Niche locations: –New buildings (Begbroke Science Park – 48 lines, Kemp Hall Bindery - 40 lines) –Remote but on data network –Uncertain growth rate, 30 lines now – 400 when?

Lessons Learned Bandwidth usage is trivial (<64k per call) Quality of transmission can be good Softphone not suitable for all users Most users want a “real” phone Expensive at the moment Lack of (or too many!) standards

Future Plans 1 Not yet a general strategic solution – standards? cost issues ? Check other suppliers (Cisco, Nortel, Mitel etc.) Closer cooperation between OUTN, OUCS & IT staff

Future Plans 2 Phased Implementation Strategy: –IP Trunking to link exchanges- 2002/3? –More niche installations – ? –Broader implementations on greenfield sites e.g. Begbroke, Churchill Hospital – ? –Replacement of telephone exchanges /7?

Lessons for IT Support Staff Prepare now! Cabling – flood wire with Cat 5 Quality of Service (standards!) Maintenance/Management issues Learning curve - Diffserv, 802.1D(p), 802.1Q, 802.3af, G.711, G.723.1, H323, SIP ad nauseam

Ian’s Pipe Dream