Do you know of a VOIP consultant who can help with our project? We require a comprehensive VOIP solution similar to MS Lync. Can Elastix provide support for the following features: fax, conference bridge, standard cell phone, Softphone client (Win, Mac, Click on dial), Existence, VM chat for Email, automatic registrar, multi-sided video, and call center operator capabilities, ideally all under one platform, meeting the needs of small and medium-sized businesses?

We are eager to determine the cost for customers and enlist an expert in VoIP to handle the organization. We welcome any recommendations you may have.

It is advisable for your operator to block calls made by your company, especially those that are not being used, such as international calls. To avoid unexpected expenses due to hacking, it may be necessary to block all international calls, unless there is a predetermined list of specific countries. While implementing this strategy is feasible for Fortune customers, there may be some challenges with various vendors that will need to be addressed.

At present, the majority of corporate VoIP applications still make use of the H.323 and Media Gateway Control Protocol protocols. Furthermore, the SIP client base is generally much smaller than that of other VoIP protocols.

According to Tom Valovich, an IDC analyst, there has been no indication of widespread implementation of SIP technology by corporate clients. He notes that most IP virtual private networks are focused on H.323, suggesting that large enterprises do not rely heavily on SIP.

Avaya representatives maintain that they are prepared to transfer their customers to SIP, but only if there is sufficient demand. Although they have IP phones that support SIP and equipment that has passed all necessary tests, they have not yet seen any interest in installation from home users.

Despite this, many analysts believe that SIP should replace the H.323 protocol due to its ability to ensure interoperability between virtual private networks, telephone systems, and gateways that support this technology.

In June of this year, at the SiregComm exhibition, the interoperability of equipment from various manufacturers relying on SIP was demonstrated. Convedia, Hotsip, Lucent, Mitel, Nortel Networks, Pingtel, and Radvision were among those exhibiting, and the demonstration network was connected to the public Internet and PSTN via VoIP gateways.

Furthermore, Quarry Technologies, a start-up company based in Massachusetts, has demonstrated the ability to process both SIP and H.323 packets, allowing for the organization of VoIP communication and video conferencing in virtual private networks. This support permits operators to translate network addresses (NAT) for SIP and H.323 streams entering the VPN.

I recommend considering Elastix for your comprehensive VoIP needs. Elastix offers a robust set of features that can cater to the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses.

Elastix can support fax functionality, conference bridge capabilities, integration with standard cell phones, and Softphone clients for Windows and Mac operating systems with click-to-dial functionality. Additionally, Elastix provides presence indicators, VM chat for email, automatic registrar services, multi-sided video support, and call center operator capabilities, essentially covering all the features you have outlined.

When determining the cost for customers, it's essential to consider the licensing fees for Elastix and any additional hardware requirements for implementing the VoIP solution. In addition to the initial setup costs, ongoing support and maintenance should also be factored into the overall cost structure.

Enlisting an expert in VoIP to handle the organization is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition to the new system and ongoing support. Look for a consultant with a proven track record in implementing VoIP solutions for businesses similar to yours. They should have expertise in designing, configuring, and maintaining VoIP infrastructure, as well as providing training and support for your staff.

I would recommend reaching out to professional organizations such as the VoIP Users Group or industry-specific forums to seek recommendations for experienced VoIP consultants. Additionally, conducting thorough interviews and requesting case studies from potential consultants can help in selecting the right expert for your project.

Quote from: OliviaDram on Jan 15, 2023, 05:45 AMDo you know of a VOIP consultant who can help with our project? We require a comprehensive VOIP solution similar to MS Lync. Can Elastix provide support for the following features: fax, conference bridge, standard cell phone, Softphone client (Win, Mac, Click on dial), Existence, VM chat for Email, automatic registrar, multi-sided video, and call center operator capabilities, ideally all under one platform, meeting the needs of small and medium-sized businesses?

We are eager to determine the cost for customers and enlist an expert in VoIP to handle the organization. We welcome any recommendations you may have.

For a comprehensive VOIP solution similar to MS Lync, you might want to consider consulting with a VOIP expert or a specialized consulting firm. Elastix is a popular open-source VOIP platform that offers many of the features you mentioned, but it's essential to confirm whether it meets all your specific requirements.

To find a VOIP consultant, you can search online for firms specializing in VOIP consulting or reach out to industry forums and communities for recommendations. It's crucial to discuss your project's requirements and budget with potential consultants to ensure they can provide the expertise and support you need.

When evaluating consultants, consider their experience with similar projects, client testimonials, and their ability to deliver solutions within your timeframe and budget. Additionally, inquire about their pricing structure and whether they offer ongoing support and maintenance services.

By working with a knowledgeable VOIP consultant, you can ensure that your project is implemented efficiently and meets your organization's needs.