The concept of voice, video and data as distinct elements of business communications is rapidly fading. Organizations are using their data networks to support a wide range of IP-based communications services.

Voice over IP lowers maintenance and support costs, and unites branch locations and tele-workers onto the central phone system. It also allows flexibility — instead of being tied to a physical phone jack, employees plug their IP phone sets into the nearest data port and log in to accept calls and access phone system features.

Of course, IP-based communications go beyond voice. IP videoconferencing and Web-based collaboration tools reduce travels costs, improve decision-making and enable businesses to respond quickly to customer demand.

The integration of these services within a single user interface is known as unified communications. Unified communications makes it possible to manage voice calls, e-mail, instant messaging and all forms of conferencing from a single point and use them with common devices. This enables organizations to transform key business processes and increase efficiency.

When IP communications are merged onto the data network, organizations have just one infrastructure to support and maintain. However, few data networks were designed to support voice and video applications. Atlantic-IT.net can help organizations ensure these systems meet performance expectations. End-to-end Quality of Service becomes critical as the emphasis shifts from individual communications solutions to the data network environment.

The traditional "siloed" communications infrastructure no longer meets the requirements of today's extended enterprise. Atlantic-IT.net can help customers take advantage of IP-based communications to help reduce costs, improve productivity and boost the bottom line.