How to ensure a smooth converged comms transition

Converged communications describes the process of bringing together numerous channels to create a single communications environment that is usually accessed via a screen and a keyboard.

Having been bandied about for many years, the concept of the converged enterprise is finally becoming a reality. In particular, the emphasis has shifted from a technology-oriented view of convergence, to a more holistic view, with the impact on working practices and processes within the business coming more to the fore.

There are clear benefits associated with convergence. Cost is an obvious one ­ – using one infrastructure for voice, video and data services, for example, will lower total network operating costs. But benefits extend beyond such savings.

For example, employee productivity can be enhanced by making access to colleagues easier through such features as follow-me messaging. Additionally, converged communications can give companies a more competitive edge. For example, it can enable companies to offer customers seamless, efficient and effective access to internal experts.

To ensure a smooth and successful transition towards a converged environment, businesses need to ensure that a core set of factors are taken into account:

• Ensure the organisational requirements from a converged environment are clearly laid out from the outset. This should take into account both the underlying infrastructure and the applications. While responsibility for implementation will reside with the IT department, the process must take into account the needs of the whole organisation, both at the inception of a converged environment, and on an ongoing basis. In defining these requirements, keep focused on the requirements of the business, and do not get distracted by clever, but superfluous, features.
• Verify that the network can handle the applications that will be run over it, and ensure quality of service and security are properly handled. Underestimating how much will be loaded onto the network can be disastrous in terms of remedial cost and disruption, and the impact on user confidence and acceptance. Thorough testing using network assessment tools is essential, as is having clearly defined plans in place in case of the network failing to deliver an acceptable quality of service.
• Put all potential suppliers through a thorough assessment process. Incumbent suppliers must be assessed to ensure they can deliver in the new environment, while new ones must likewise be checked to ensure they can make the grade. A converged communications environment will require solutions from a variety of sources. If a single point of contact is preferred, consider the channel ­ – resellers, integrators, and so on. Will a telecoms provider be able to deliver, or is an IT services company the best route?.
• Go for solutions based on open standards wherever possible, deviating only if there is a very good reason to do so. Enterprise communications is a dynamic environment and interoperability should be a core requirement.