Having a strong networking tech on staff should be a must for every reseller who installs an IP-PBX in hotels. Most phone system resellers have a strong background in TDM but limited networking or IT tech on staff. With the advent and growing popularity of VoIP technology, there is now a more pressing need to have a trained Network Tech at your disposal. Whether that be a Network Tech or IT Administrator, you will need one on contract, or as a member of your staff.
Installing IP-PBX technology has more facets to it than installing a TDM PBX. You need to do a site evaluation of the customers’ existing network to see if you are able to install the VoIP solution without adversely affecting the existing network. Most good Network techs should be able to do a complete network evaluation and know if the network will work with the IP-PBX. Network Techs should also be able to evaluate if there is a need to build a separate network for voice, or use the existing administrative network.
In a Hosted PBX deployment model, the provider hosts the PBX hardware and software in its own data center, and the business simply pays a monthly fee for each extension serviced by the cloud system. All of the call routing, as well as the configuration and maintenance of the system, is performed in the cloud.
Being able to install and troubleshoot the network for the VoIP install is key. Network Techs should know what needs to be done ahead of any IP-PBX install. This might include opening ports, port forwarding, getting IP addresses, and perhaps configuring a new router. After the Network Tech participates in a couple of IP-PBX installs, will become more proficient and knowledgeable for future installations.
