5 Typical Examples of Enterprise VOIP Solutions

Understanding Enterprise VoIP Solutions

If you’re tired of the same old phone system that’s been around for ages, it’s time to opt for something more modern and flexible. More and more enterprises have the same idea as you did. They’re accordingly replacing traditional phone lines with enterprise VoIP solutions.

This has increased the global value of business cloud VoIP & UC (Unified Communication) services. The market records almost USD 19 billion in 2023 to over USD 55 billion by 2033, equivalent to a CAGR of 11.3% during this forecast period.

So, what makes VoIP solutions popular and suitable for large enterprises? Let’s learn about it in the next season!

What Makes VoIP Solutions Suitable for Large Enterprises?

VoIP systems provide large enterprises with a lot of immense benefits:

Cost Efficiency for the Long Run

VoIP saves your enterprise significantly on communication costs in the long term. It cuts down the expense of international and long-distance calls. As VoIP solutions operate over the Internet, your enterprise can avoid massive charges. Accordingly, you only need to pay for a monthly subscription fee, internet connection, hardware/software licenses, and relatively low long-distance charges.

Further, VoIP minimizes hardware needs. Traditional phone systems require costly equipment and maintenance. However, VoIP, especially cloud-based solutions, depends mostly on the cloud’s infrastructure. So there’s no need to set up expensive, bulky firmware. Meanwhile, on-premises VoIP systems might require the installation of additional IP phones or routers. But its cost is already included in hardware licenses.

Global Reach

VoIP allows your enterprise to connect teams across the globe. Particularly, remote workers and international branches can interact within the centralized system. This makes collaboration smooth.

Today, various VoIP providers like Designveloper even offer solutions tailored for your remote workers to ensure seamless communication regardless of location. These systems strengthen remote teams with features like mobile access, virtual extensions, or video conferencing. Such features enable them to stay productive and connected from anywhere. With strong security measures and reliable connectivity, our solutions can provide remote workers with essential tools to work effectively and deliver the best possible outcomes.

Enhanced Collaboration

VoIP comes with important tools for large enterprises like instant messaging, video conferencing, or call recording. These features help your teams collaborate more efficiently. Accordingly, employees can promptly hop on calls or meetings. This boosts productivity without the need for third-party applications. It also means you don’t need to switch between collaboration and communication tools.

Incorporation with Existing IT Infrastructure

Compared with traditional landlines, VoIP systems can easily integrate with the software your enterprise already uses.

VoIP can fit into the existing ecosystem, from CRM platforms to communication tools (e.g., Slack). This enables streamlined operations without interrupting current workflows. For example, when someone makes a call through VoIP, the call’s details will be automatically logged in the CRM. This allows your team to manage all the information in one place.

Security & Scalability

VoIP solutions are scalable. It means they can grow with your enterprise. When your enterprise has an increasing or declining demand, you can add or remove users and features without overhauling the entire system.

Many argue that VoIP is as vulnerable to cyberattacks as other applications. This is true if your VoIP system isn’t well-equipped with enterprise-grade security solutions. These measures protect your VoIP system and sensitive data from unauthorized access and threats. They involve encryption (TLS or SRTP), authentication (SIP authentication or SBCs), access controls (RBAC or password policies), network security (firewalls, IDS, etc.), and regular updates.

Challenges Faced by Enterprises Using VoIP

Besides the key benefits, your enterprise might confront several drawbacks of adopting VoIP solutions:

Initial Setup Costs

The initial installation can be expensive when a large enterprise opts for VoIP. Accordingly, VoIP service providers often offer different subscription plans that cover a wide range of features.

For instance, Nextiva requires charges based on your team size and usage. The cost of Nextiva’s VoIP software starts at $0.018/agent/minute. But besides this fee, you need to invest in new firmware. This involves servers, routers, VoIP phones, adapters, headsets, and conference phones. The actual cost may vary depending on your enterprise’s specific requirements, let alone possibly additional fees like installation charges.

Fortunately, such providers as Nextiva support converting your traditional systems if your enterprise wants to keep existing devices. This saves you a lot from spending significant upfronts.

But initial setup is not the only thing you need to consider when switching to VoIP. Employees should learn how to leverage the new system effectively to support their communication. It takes time and resources to get everyone on board.

Network Requirements

VoIP depends heavily on a strong, reliable internet connection. This means your enterprise must ensure the network can handle the increased or massive traffic.

A weak connection can result in poor audio quality or dropped calls. Especially if your enterprise has multiple locations, bandwidth issues may arise. All real-time communication activities like video calls or conference calls require significant bandwidth.

If your internet network isn’t prepared, the VoIP system won’t function well. In this case, your enterprise needs to upgrade its internet service or invest in better network management tools to prevent these issues. Also, consult your VoIP provider to know exactly the minimum bandwidth requirement for your VoIP system. This ensures a fast, stable internet connection, thereby making VoIP deliver the expected results successfully.

Differences of Small Business & Large Enterprise VoIP Solutions

VoIP can benefit businesses of all sizes. Yet there are several key differences between small business and large enterprise VoIP solutions:

	Small business	Large enterprise
Features	Need a simpler system that provides basic features like voicemail, call forwarding, and conferencing.	Require more advanced features like call center capabilities, disaster recovery, or call analytics.
Scalability	Need a scalable system for future growth, but don’t require a massive solution right away.	Require a system that can support thousands of users and high call volumes from the beginning.
Customization	Don’t need a lot of customization for VoIP solutions. Only focus on a standard VoIP plan with minimal adjustments.	Often require tailored VoIP solutions to deeply integrate with enterprise-level software like CRM and ERP.
Security	Face a lower level of security risk, yet still require robust security features.	Need stronger security measures to protect large amounts of data against cyberattacks.

In short, small business VoIP solutions focus on simplicity. Meanwhile, enterprise VoIP systems are developed for complexity and high security. The needs of large enterprises make their VoIP solutions much more advanced.

5 Examples of Large Enterprises Implementing VoIP Systems

So, how have large enterprises improved their communication using VoIP systems? Is this adoption a big success? Let’s take a look at 5 typical examples of enterprises implementing VoIP technology:

Example 1: Camelot Global (rebranded to Allwyn UK)

Camelot Global is a UK-based operator of The National Lottery, and also a global technology& professional services provider.

The company supports responsible lottery growth by helping national lotteries and lottery owners expand their operations sustainably and ethically. This is done through successful public-private partnerships where the enterprise enables the government to collaborate with private companies to monitor and grow lotteries.

Their expertise in game design, eCommerce, retail operations, marketing, and digital platforms has contributed to their success.

Key Challenges

Camelot Global required an enterprise-level telephony system. The system must provide them with the flexibility to choose phone numbers across the countries they operate in (the UK, Ireland, and the US). Additionally, the system had to allow them to easily bring users online or offline as needed. All these things would help them meet the demands of their global operations.

At that time, Camelot Global was partnering with an unnamed operator. Unfortunately, the partner was not meeting its requirements like adding new lines for staff or canceling lines. Not to mention that the control panel was very old-fashioned and not intuitive. Further, Camelot Global required a clear breakdown of billing with the necessary details to fully understand their costs. Yet the former carrier failed to meet that demand.

Solution

Camelot Global decided to switch to VoIPstudio in January 2018. They used VoIPstudio 2.0 – a cloud-hosted communication platform – to acquire flexible and secure connections, regardless of location. The setup is considered easy and quick. Also, the new system enables free internet calls, global virtual numbers, and an easy-to-use web interface portal. Therefore, it’s ideal for remote offices and workforces.

The enterprise VoIP solution also provides new and updated features that boost productivity for Camelot Global. These features involve voice calls and in-dashboard IM. Accordingly, users can make VoIP calls directly from within the dashboard, without needing IP desk phones or additional apps. Likewise, the built-in IM/chat functionality enables users to have conversations whenever possible, without the need to set up a separate app.

Results

The more intuitive interface makes it easier for Camelot Global to add or remove lines as necessary. Accordingly, the enterprise has increased the number of users on the system threefold, from 15 to 50. They also can connect multiple phones through a single line.

Further, the system offers flexibility with virtual phone numbers in the countries where Camelot Global operates. This enables the enterprise to use traditional desk phones and softphones simultaneously. It not only boosts productivity but also reduces the number of desk phones needed to install and maintain.

The company also creates its own billing breakdown by different categories and parameters as expected. Plus, they save 10x the cost of maintaining conference phones

Example 2: Netcompany-Intrasoft (Bucharest Branch)

Netcompany-Intrasoft (previously known as INTRASOFT International) is a leading European group that provides IT solutions and services. With a strong international presence and expertise, the enterprise has built innovative and high-quality solutions that add value to its global clients. Since its foundation in 1996, the company has employed over 3,500 highly skilled professionals from 50+ different countries. With headquarters in Luxembourg, they’ve expanded operations to 10 countries across the globe.

Key Challenges

The Bucharest (Romania) branch of Netcompany-Intrasoft was relocating an office to a new building. They needed to set up a VoIP-based telephony infrastructure including a primary PBX and office phones. However, they wanted the system to be installed in a short time that matched their relocation plan.

Previously, they used a proprietary analog/digital telephony platform. It was cumbersome to use this system’s typical telephony features like call forwarding, redialing, or teleconference. Plus, almost no employees actually leveraged these features. Worse, the company hardly organized conference calls, and if they were held, the voice quality proved poor. Further, the previous solution used a licensing scheme per extension. This led to extra costs for each new extension added to the system.

Facing these problems, Netcompany-Intrasoft needed a VoIP solution that could manage basic PBX functionalities, support conference calls, and enable call queues. Plus, the system should have the ability to define inbound & outbound routes, and support extensions at no extra costs. It also needed to cover such crucial features as call queues, ring groups, voicemail-to-email, and pick-up groups.

Solution

In partnership with Modulo, Netcompany-Intrasoft set up a scalable PBX solution. This system could monitor more than 50 extensions, incorporate international branches, and offer advanced features. Below are its key components:

PBX Server (XE2000): Use this main server to manage the phone system, equipped with a single E1 port. This port is capable of handling multiple digital lines for high-capacity communication.

Astribank USB Channel Bank:
- 8 FXO Ports: These ports enable the system to link to external phone lines from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
- 8 FXS Ports: These ports link internal analog devices like traditional phones or fax machines to the system.
- Cisco SMB Phones: These phones are used for internal communication.

VPN Connectivity: Use VPN (Virtual Private Network connections) to secure communication between various branches.

Results

Netcompany-Intrasoft acquired a fully functional solution that fits its specific requirements. The new system offered lower costs in installation and maintenance. Additionally, the enterprise could reap significant VoIP advantages. For example, they used softphones to make calls to internal extensions via VPN while on their premises. This has dramatically cut down the usage of mobile phones with roaming charges. Further, the company could organize conference calls easily with improved call quality.

Example 3: GDS Group

GDS Group is the world’s leading intelligence solution provider. This company has expertise in providing innovative B2B intelligence solutions to help clients address challenges related to digital disruption. In particular, GDS supports clients in turning conversations with potential customers into real sales opportunities, curating industry insights, and getting transformational event experiences. All these help maximize marketing budgets and acquire measurable returns.

Key Challenges

The company’s headquarters in Bristol employed 155 people, including business development consultants. Their business involves communicating with board members of FTSE1000 companies in the UK and similar organizations across EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). Therefore, these conversations are extremely crucial. This means having reliable IT and communication systems is important.

In terms of telecoms setup, GDS Group had BT Openreach ISDN30 lines connected to an Avaya telephone system. This is a standard telecommunication solution for processing numerous calls and ensuring seamless communication.

However, the enterprise faced several challenges related to this infrastructure:

A need to record calls for development purposes;
No integration with their CRM system to acquire a comprehensive view of their client interactions;
Call logging with a separate add-on system which needed management.

Solution

GDS Group was recommended to switch to a cloud-based telephony system called Horizon. This enabled GDS Group to replace their outdated Avaya system without needing to pay upfront costs or impact their monthly budget. The new system provided some advantages, including:

155 brand-new Polycom VVX410 IP handsets with HD voice quality;
System-wide call recording;
Call logging across all calls;
5 Wallboards to display live performance data for teams;
A call center package for business consultants and managers;
Salesforce CRM integration for better customer management;
A dedicated EFM internet connection for voice calls only to ensure clear, reliable communication.

Results

This upgrade offers GDS Group a more modern and efficient phone system. Meanwhile, the company can still keep all of its existing business phone numbers. So, there are no disruptions.

Example 4: MeteoGroup (rebranded to DTN)

MeoteoGroup is one of the world’s leading providers of full-service B2B weather solutions. Its research and forecasts help different organizations make more informed key decisions. Since its foundation in 1986 as the first European weather company in the private sector, MeteoGroup has expanded its operations to 17 countries.

Key Challenges

MeteoGroup has several large offices, which house up to 150 people. Meanwhile, others are small with only a handful, let alone some forecasters working from home. When MeteoGroup decided to launch a new office in Canada, the company realized that setting up a physical PBX didn’t make sense.

Further, their long-term goal is to avoid having different providers and telecom systems across offices and territories. They prefer controlling and configuring the telecommunication systems for all staff from a central hub. This encouraged them to choose an enterprise VoIP solution as the best fit.

However, their experience of working with previous VoIP providers wasn’t too positive. They had some difficulties like quality issues and technical hiccups. For example, their office in Manilla encountered issues as their provider didn’t have an Asian data center, leading to poor call quality.

Solution

After thorough research, MeteoGroup chose VoIPstudio for its Canada operations, around 8-10 users, followed by other international offices. They even planned to adopt this VoIP solution in bigger offices (Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany). Once complete, the company would have roughly 500 users on the platform. This rolling-out process ran smoothly as upgrading for existing users or adding new ones didn’t complicated hardware installation.

Plus, the VoIP setup proved easy for those working from home. The solution could be customized to meet the needs of different locations. For instance, the group wanted a twelve-hour format in Canada instead of 24, and the date was also differently presented. Further, everything can be managed from a central point. Once a phone connects, it automatically receives the correct configuration for that location.

Results

For MeteoGroup, this new VoIP system is easy to manage. It enables them to reduce the workload for the support teams while improving their overall communication. Additionally, they can access and request any phone number from one central hub. They now also can have a detailed view of total costs in just one bill. Through features like Follow Me and Ring Groups, they can enhance productivity as well.

Example 5: Crossville Inc.

Crossville Inc. is the leading American manufacturer of sustainable tiles. They offer a wide range of glass, natural stone, and porcelain tiling solutions for interior and exterior design. Besides, they provide advanced finishes like the texturized Cross-Slate® and Cross-Tread® finishes for reinforced traction in wet and greasy floor areas.

Key Challenges

Since 1994, Crossville had already used the Lucent Definity G3 system that proved relatively reliable but lacked features. For instance, employees couldn’t route their voicemail messages when they were out of the office. This is because the voicemail package was a proprietary solution and must be used within the company.

Further, each new feature of Lucent cost at least $20K. When their previous PBX system was reaching the end of its hardware lifespan, upgrading Lucent to keep the legacy equipment running cost over $100K. This high cost encouraged them to switch to a new VoIP solution.

For this new phone system, Crossville expected to:

Have features like video conferencing on handsets, call recording, phone integration, and Find Me / Follow Me;
Manage the system independently without extra service charges or licensing fees;
Integrate extension dialing (using a short number to dial an employee directly) instead of remote dialing. This helps maintain a personal connection between employees, regardless of their locations.

Solution

Crossville’s IT team researched a variety of phone systems, including 3CX, Avaya, Mitel, Cisco, and ShoreTel. They showed interest in Cisco’s features and reliability, but were concerned about the high cost. Also, they needed to upgrade their infrastructure as their old HP switches didn’t support PoE (Power over Ethernet) and might not process QoS (Quality of Service) well.

Crossville realized that their infrastructure needed upgrading, followed by a phone system. So, they started by setting up new Cisco switches and more fiber. Cisco’s proposal for a new phone system cost $250K, covering 400 extensions at their corporate site and 100 at another location. The cost became high due to special features like video conferencing and the replacement of proprietary Avaya phones. Despite being given an attractive entry price, they soon realized Cisco had the same licensing limitations as Lucent. This made Cisco not the perfect fit for their requirements.

So, Crossville reconsidered their options. Chris Barnett, an IT team member, decided to develop his own phone system based on Asterisk (an open-source platform). However, they were concerned that deploying hardware wasn’t optimized for telephony.

Not until they found Xorcom, which offered a hardware solution working well with open-source software at a lower cost. The team chose Xorcom’s CXE3000 TwinStar and three Astribanks (two XR0008 and one XR0055) for their main location and CXR1-12s for each of their remote locations.

During the deployment, SIP trunks were installed. Yealink IP phones were placed alongside Crossville’s existing phone sets on the desks in crucial departments (customer support, administration, and accounting).

Results

The new system gave everyone a sense of satisfaction, especially when they could make long-distance calls for free. It was very easy to use the phones and hold video conferencing. Employees also gave positive feedback about call quality. By removing one PRI and using SIP trunking instead, Crossville is saving about $40K a year.

How Designveloper Can Help With Enterprise VoIP Solutions

Now, you’re here! After reading through this article, we expected you to have a better understanding of what enterprise VoIP solutions can bring us!

These cutting-edge systems allow for global connectivity, cost efficiency, scalability, and improved collaboration. However, it’s crucial to notice some drawbacks your enterprise may encounter when adopting VoIP. Additionally, learning from successful stories of large enterprises implementing VoIP systems gave you valuable lessons for seamless VoIP integration.

If you want to build a tailored VoIP solution for remote work, customer support, or any purpose, consider Designveloper as your reliable partner. With our in-depth expertise & years of experience, Designveloper uses the latest technology to build robust and scalable VoIP solutions that come with essential features for your business, including call routing, video conferencing, real-time analytics, etc. These features promise to enhance communication efficiency and productivity for your organization.

Further, we follow a well-structured development process to deliver your VoIP solution on time & within budget. By adopting Agile frameworks like SCRUM and Kanban, we can prioritize the most important functionalities of the app, and then make essential adjustments based on real-time feedback or your changing requirements.

So why wait? Contact Designveloper and discuss your idea now!