WHAT IS MEANT BY VOICE & VIDEO?
‘Voice and Video’ (a.k.a ‘Convergence’) refers to the merging of IP-based voice and video traffic over data network infrastructures.

Traditionally organisations have maintained two networks: a circuit-switched network for their telephone-based analogue communications, and a packet-switched network for their digital data-based communications. Originally convergence (in the data communications sense) referred to the “digitising” of voice signals and “wrapping” them in Internet Protocol (IP) to enable their delivery over packet-switched networks. More recently, however, the meaning of convergence has broadened in scope to also include the delivery of video services and other multimedia applications over the same physical TCP/IP infrastructure. Initially certain Quality of Service (QoS) issues prevented the widespread adoption of this technology but these have been overcome and now, with the rapid uptake of broadband services, converged voice, video and data is becoming a global communications standard.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CONVERGING VOICE, VIDEO & DATA?
There are many benefits to implementing a converged network solution including: rationalised network management, improved productivity, loyalty-generating customer satisfaction, simplified scalability and, ultimately, a healthier bottom line.

Rationalised network management: one multi-service network is simpler to manage than separate voice, video and data networks. A converged network requires far fewer access lines and less equipment; administrative control of network services can be located on centralised servers; and any moves and changes to the ‘phone service can be made without the time-consuming manual switching associated with legacy PBX systems. The IP-based architecture of a converged network creates consistent service standards across diverse media channels, and these can be managed by a single team, rather than requiring separate and isolated departments for both data networking and proprietary telecom solutions

Growth and scalability: traditional PBX systems support a finite number of users before increasing capacity involves complex and costly upgrades. Converged networks, on the other hand, are as easy and efficient to scale as any data network, with the ability to seamlessly provision additional capacity for infrastructure, services, and applications on demand.

Improved organisation-wide productivity: Whilst innovation and flexibility will raise the general level of a company's productivity, other gains are generated by the unique capabilities of convergence technology itself. IP-based applications are designed to streamline workflow by providing end users with simple integrated interface systems that eliminate the need for multiple network systems and applications.

Higher customer satisfaction: Sophisticated applications designed to capitalise on network convergence provide greater power to the enterprise and higher satisfaction to the end consumer by encouraging personalised interaction. Voice, video and data applications create more dynamic and loyalty-fostering customer experiences.

A healthier bottom line: All the above benefits ultimately have a positive impact on the bottom line. Simplifying and streamlining the network and its management results in reduced overheads; greater productivity and greater customer profitability increased returns; and that’s not to mention the savings potentially made by multi-site organisations making use of intra-office IP-based telephony, or remote workers using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

WHAT VOICE & VIDEO SERVICES DOES PROGRESSIVE NETWORKS OFFER?

As a Premier Certified Cisco partner, Progressive Networks recommends Cisco’s Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (AVVID) roadmap for the design, build and implementation of converged networks. AVVID extends beyond single-box approaches, focusing on robust design principles and interoperability between different network components to deliver Quality of Service (QoS), high availability and end-to-end security.
                                          
Progressive Network’s voice and video services include, but are not limited to:

• Voice – IP-based telephony and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
• Video – IP/TV (Broadcast) and IP/VC (Videoconferencing)
• Network Audit – If it is to make use of existing infrastructures, a converged solution requires a full understanding of what is currently in place.
• Network Design & Implementation - Convergence should be "designed into" a network, rather than simply overlaid.
• Network Management – a converged network truly is an organisation’s nerve centre and requires 24/7 monitoring to ensure the required QoS, availability and security.

For more information, choose from any of the categories below or contact us by calling our team on 0800 169 41 31, requesting a call back or emailing us at sales@prgnet.co.uk.