Once you’ve chosen a VOIP provider, the next step is implementation. This process typically involves several steps.
Preparing Your Network
A robust network is essential for the smooth functioning of your VOIP system:
- Assess Bandwidth Needs: Determine the amount of bandwidth required to support your call volume and necessary features.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Implement QoS on your network to prioritize voice traffic and prevent congestion.
- Network Security: Ensure your network is secure, and VOIP traffic is inaccessible from the public internet to prevent eavesdropping or other security breaches.
Setting Up Hardware and Software
The actual setup of your VOIP system will depend on the type of system you’ve chosen:
- Desk Phones: If you’re using physical desk phones, make sure they are compatible with your VOIP system and properly configured.
- Routers/Switches: Upgrade your network equipment if necessary to support VOIP traffic and devices.
- Mobile Apps and Softphones: Download and install any necessary applications, and ensure they’re configured correctly.
Training Your Team
Your employees will need to be trained on how to use the new VOIP system:
- Training Sessions: Conduct training sessions to teach your team how to make calls, use features, and troubleshoot common issues.
- Create Resources: Develop cheat sheets or user guides that your team can reference as they get used to the new system.
- Ongoing Support: Provide ongoing support and encourage open communication for feedback and troubleshooting.
Porting Your Existing Phone Numbers
If you want to keep your current phone numbers, you’ll need to port them to your new VOIP system:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your numbers are eligible for porting and are in good standing with your current provider.
- Begin the Porting Process: Start the porting process with your new VOIP provider, which can take a few weeks to complete.
- Plan for Downtime: There may be some downtime when the numbers are being ported, so plan for this accordingly.
Testing and Launch
Before fully launching your new VOIP system, thorough testing is essential:
- Test Calls: Make several test calls to internal and external numbers to ensure everything is working as expected.
- Gather Feedback: Ask for feedback from users and make any necessary adjustments based on their experience.
- Mission-Critical Contingency Plan: Develop a contingency plan in case of any unexpected issues, especially for mission-critical calls.