Published in Sirius Connect, 3Q2007; Copyright 2007 Sirius Computer Solutions  

Many companies are looking to Voice over IP (VoIP) to reduce costs and make their employees more productive. Until now, that has meant implementing a server for each specific component of an IP telephony solution, such as messaging, call processing and conferencing.

But that changed late in 2006, when IBM and 3Com announced the first “all-in-one” solution for both IP telephony and business applications. It’s a combination of software, networking products and phones designed to run on a single system integrated with business applications.

The traditional approach created significant integration and systems management challenges, especially for small and mid-sized businesses with limited IT resources. In contrast, the IBM/3Com single-system solution makes IP telephony accessible to businesses of all sizes and requirements by allowing a complete IP telephony solution on one powerful yet easy-to-manage platform. The built-in clustering support also makes a highly resilient HA solution which can be more reliable than a traditional PBX phone system. 

The case for VoIP on IBM System iTM is so compelling that Sirius CEO, Harvey Najim, wanted it implemented immediately after hearing the Sirius product specialists describe it.

“As a mid-sized company and System i user ourselves, considering VoIP on System i was obvious,” said Joe Mertens, executive vice president at Sirius. “But once we got into the details of the solution, and now the implementation, even we have been surprised by the benefits — they continue to add up, making this a solution with a very quick ROI.” 
Sirius is implementing the primary System i in its San Antonio, TX headquarters, and a backup System i in Dallas, TX. The immediate infrastructure benefits include the reliability, ease of management, security and low cost of the System i. The IP phone system is replacing a large PBX in San Antonio, plus six additional remote PBX systems.
Ask Tony Tomasi, vice president of technology at Sirius, what makes this IBM/3Com solution really cool, and he’ll emphasize the business-related features. 

“First, it opens up a whole world of new collaboration functions,” said Tomasi. “We are a big Lotus Notes / Sametime® user. Having the telephony application on the System i gives us the ability to integrate it with email, IM, online meetings, our call center, and more. With the soft phone, our PCs become our phones, saving us significant dollars in long-distance calls as well as adding usability features for our employees.”

As a sales-driven company with more than 400 employees directly involved in working with clients across the U.S., the IP telephony solution is critical to our communications capabilities.

“VoIP is all about the ability to communicate using voice, video and data more effectively and efficiently within the company and with our clients and partners,” said Mertens. “Clients across the U.S. can systematically be connected to reps, product specialists and consultants no matter where they are or what communications equipment they have with them. That gives us the ability to offer greater service to our clients and create a real competitive advantage.”

The system can be configured to automatically and transparently route calls to traveling employees worldwide, remote workers, home offices or cell phones. It’s real collaboration.