Running voice over IP is inexpensive and flexible. Plus, it enables applications that combine voice and data. Using IP means you're working under a common paradigm. Frame relay is slightly more complicated, and we have a lot more IP expertise in-house than frame relay expertise. So far, the biggest reason for companies to consider voice over IP has been the promise of huge savings, especially on international calls.
Businesses using the technology say they've been able to cut their telephone costs at least in half.
Perhaps even more exciting are the new applications that voice over IP will spawn. Another application is unified messaging, which combines voice mail, E-mail, and fax on one platform. Large companies won't use such services in the near term because they own voice and E-mail systems and aren't ready to give up control of them, according to analysts and service providers. Businesses first may consider call-center applications, such as the ability to talk while online at a retailer's Web site. Until quality is improved, retailers can opt for software packages that let a business set up click-through services on its own.