The term ‘convergence’ seems to have been bandied around the channel for close to 10 years now and most customers are still none the wiser on the key issues and benefits.

Most of us agree that integrating our voice, data, video and mobile communications across a single network is fundamental for businesses looking to streamline their technology infrastructure. Adopting a single-network approach also means staff have the added benefit of 24/7 accessibility whatever their location or preferred technology device, ensuring that companies can adjust to customer demands quickly and efficiently.

Convergence therefore sounds like communications ‘nirvana’, but in reality it is a very different story. In an ideal world you would want a seamless integrated communications network that was provided by a single vendor, providing your voice, data and security solutions all under one umbrella with the utmost of ease. However, in most cases organisations’ data and voice infrastructure has been built up over time from a wide range of products supplied by a variety of vendors.

This is where organisations need to ensure that they have the technical skills and resources in place before they start to implement a converged network solution.

In order to address some of the key issues such as quality of service, security, infrastructure and employees’ adoption of the new system, it can be useful to utilise the skills of a vendor independent convergence specialist such as Comms-care. This expert in the field has experience that reaches across many vendors, products and technologies which ensures businesses receive advice that has their best interests in mind, both commercially and technologically.

Investing in new technologies can often mean increased costs, especially in the short term. However, with many convergence projects, the mid- to long-term benefits are very appealing due to the impact they can have on reducing the operational costs of a company. By integrating an IP network you are also putting tracking measures in place to assist how you interface with all your customers, prospects and partners.

Convergence is now being implemented on a global scale due to critical elements being addressed including industry standards, core infrastructure, security and technology advances.
The impact of this in a world that demands 24/7 communication means that single IP-based networks which fuse a multitude of technologies have not only arrived, but will be here to stay.
Scott Yates is managing director of Comms-care.