Fax over Internet Protocol (FoIP) allows businesses to send and receive faxes over VoIP networks. Your enterprise fax system will be more redundant, streamlined and much more secure using FoIP. Before you engage a reseller to inquire about using FoIP within your environment, review these tips to help make it an easy transition:
#1: Telephony and FoIP
The type of telephony that your organization is using will dictate how the FoIP will be configured within the environment. You may have a VoIP PBX that can be leveraged but if you don’t, there are T1 and analog gateways available. SIP Trunking can also be used directly with RightFax or the PBX.
#2: If leveraging a VoIP PBX, Check for Interoperability and Prerequisites
Always check to see if their is an interoperability with the current VoIP PBX within your organization. It is always best to leverage your existing environment.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager), Avaya, ShoreTel, Mitel and Nortel are all great examples of PBXs that can integrate with FoIP on a RightFax server.
Here are some great resources to check out for more information:
#3: Have the Appropriate Resources Available
Before a reseller installs your FoIP system, you will need to have someone on hand who is familiar with the current technology being used at your office. Whether that is an employee or vendor, this is an important resource. The reseller of FoIP will not be configuring the telephony/PBX. This is something that you will have to assist with.
It will greatly help the process of configuring your FoIP if you have a person on site who understands your telecommunications, can provide the necessary access to installers and who can help with troubleshooting issues.
#4: Have an Ample Testing Plan
Before switching your fax service to FoIP, your team should be prepared to run all necessary tests to ensure that the system runs smoothly and without any issues. Make it a point of action to test incoming and outgoing faxes and any applicable applications and integrations with third party software.
#5: T.38 vs G.711
T.38 is the recommended protocol. It is more reliable and robust and also much faster. When working with legacy or antiquated technology (old fax machines), G.711 may be the better choice. You can work with your reseller to determine the best fit for your organization.
Your Reseller is Here to Help
Review these tips again while preparing to upgrade your FoIP, and always remember that you can lean on your reseller if you need any help preparing for the transition.
To learn more about FoIP and the process of getting it all set up, the pros at The Fax Guys are here to assist in you in any way that they can. If you ever need any help, contact our team today!