The VoIP industry is starting to mature pretty rapidly, and a primary indicator of that maturity is the fact that a services industry has been forming around VoIP offerings. Take, for instance, VoIP Supply's latest offering, their Network Assessment and Evaluation Package. Because VoIP installations can be tricky, these guys will (for a modest fee) come by your establishment and check out everything, including:
- Initial telephone consultation with an IP Communications expert.
- Discussion to determine your goals and basic communications needs.
- Discussion of features that fit your needs/requirements and additional features available to you.
- Technical drawing, in flow chart format, detailing the components of your proposed solution and how they interconnect.
- Details to complement the technical drawing, explaining each hardware, software and service element.
- Discussion and explanation of critical concepts including QoS (Quality of Service), remote user/office setup and integration and PBX dialplan setup (Call routing PSTN and SIP/VOIP).
- Recommendations for both PSTN (Analog POTS, T1/PRI) connectivity, data (DSL, Cable, Fiber, t1/PRI) connectivity, as well as SIP Based VoIP service providers (ITSP).
- Complete quotation for hardware, software, service and accessories.
- Location or a local or national company to assist in the installation of your hardware and software, including network components.
- Pricing discounts on hardware, configuration and support of your installation.
VoIP Supply is one example of the professional services channel now starting to emerge. That's very heartening.
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