In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, successful businesses thrive on the foundation of effective communication. As technology continues to advance, organizations are always looking for innovative solutions to streamline their communication processes, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the competition. Avaya, a leading provider of communication solutions, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the way businesses connect and collaborate. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the cutting-edge world of Avaya IP phones.
Understanding Avaya IP Phones
Avaya is a leading manufacturer of IP phones, also known as VoIP (Voice over IP) phones. These phones use the Internet Protocol (IP) or other digital protocols to transfer voice communications over the internet, unlike traditional phones that use landlines to transmit analog signals. These IP phones connect to the internet through a router or modem and are typically used in a business setting. As telecommunication technology continues to evolve, Avaya has been at the forefront, pioneering advancements in IP phone technology and consistently enhancing user experiences.
It’s important to note that the terms IP and VoIP telephony are often used synonymously, but there is a difference between them. The main difference is the type of data traffic the term is referring to. The term “VoIP” specifically refers to the technology of transmitting voice communications over an IP-based network, while “IP” refers to the fundamental protocol used to route data packets across networks, which is essential for the functioning of VoIP and many other internet-based services. Some of the most well-known VoIP services today are apps such as Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp.
History of Avaya
In 2000, Lucent Technologies spun off their division that manufactured business telephone systems. This became the company we know today as Avaya. As of 2021, the company has a little over 8,000 employees, is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, and is run by the company’s President and CEO: Alan Masarek. They have gained some impressive statistics since they were founded, supporting six million contact center seats and holding more than 4,000 patents and applications worldwide. The world’s top 10 airlines and automotive companies also rely on Avaya.
Benefits of Avaya IP Phones
There are many advantages to integrating Avaya IP phones into your business’s communication framework. Here are some of the key benefits of the Avaya IP phones:
Lower Costs
Using IP telephony is significantly more cost-effective than using wired phone services on a similar scale. This is because there is no need to deploy and maintain separate networks for internet and phone. On average, a landline phone system costs businesses $50 per line each month while VoIP plans are available for less than $20 per line. Long-distance and international calls are also less expensive with IP phones.
Easy to Install and Streamlined Infrastructure
Compared to traditional phone systems, the installation and configuration of VoIP systems can be much easier. Traditionally, with a landline system, office phones are required to be on physical lines to receive phone service. VoIP phone systems eliminate the need to install any physical phone lines, you just need to connect the IP phones to the corporate network through ethernet lines. They can also be easily integrated with existing infrastructure, allowing communications to work through business applications. For example, faxes can be sent and received via email.
Clear Voice Quality
When VoIP was first introduced in the 90s, the call quality was not the best. Fortunately, those days are long gone thanks to the advancement of broadband and VoIP technology itself. As long as you have a fast and stable internet connection, you should not have a problem with call quality. Most VoIP providers offer numerous different protocols to ensure HD sound quality.
Mobility
VoIP allows businesses to extend their communications systems to remote offices and on-the-go workers. This allows employees to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Softphones, or software-based phones, enable employees to make their office extensions mobile with a wide range of call-handling features at hand.
Abundance of Features
VoIP services provide a number of features that are either not supported by traditional telephone systems or only available for an additional fee. Many businesses have found it easy to use VoIP and became more competitive with a full suite of built-in features. Some of the basic call features included are call forwarding, caller ID, call recording, speed dial, and many more. Some of the advanced features offered include voicemail to email, conference, mobility extension, and many more.
Avaya IP Phone Models
Avaya offers various different IP phone models that cater to different user profiles and business requirements. Here are their four main models:
J139
The Avaya J139 is a cost-effective basic IP phone intended for simple communication and can support up to four lines. It does not have Wi-Fi support or Bluetooth that are included in their other IP phones but is well suited for users that only need the most commonly used voice features. It provides a new level of simplicity in using features such as Hold, Transfer, Conference, Forward, and Call Park/Unpark.
J159
The Avaya J159 is a multiline phone ideally suited for power users who consider the phone to be one of many useful communication tools and who rely on common functions like directory and speed dial to enhance productivity and collaboration. It is a competitively priced, high-performing IP phone that is perfect if you want a small form factor on your desk that is packed with lots of feature buttons.
J179/J179-TSG
The Avaya J179 addresses the need for everyday voice communications. It is targeted at professionals, knowledge workers, salespeople, and call centers. Ideally medium/high volume users who rely on the full range of telephony, productivity, and collaboration features. Avaya also offers a J179-TSG model that includes on-hook security features, making it the ideal device for government agencies and contractors who often need full confidence that telephones cannot be overheard or intercepted.
J189
The Avaya J189 is their top-of-the-line IP phone that leverages your enterprise IP network to deliver sophisticated voice communications from headquarters, remote locations, or home offices. This Avaya IP phone optimizes communications through a flexible architecture that leverages existing investments and accommodates your changing business needs. This device can support up to 16 lines, has USB options, and every other feature that is available in Avaya’s other IP phones.
Getting Started with Avaya IP Phones
Integrating your new Avaya IP Phones into your business’s communication infrastructure is a big step toward enhancing efficiency and connectivity. To ensure a smooth transition and optimal utilization of these cutting-edge devices, here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you get started:
Assess Your Communication Needs and Requirements
Before getting started with Avaya IP Phones, you should assess your organization’s communication needs. Identify the number of users, the nature of communication, whether it be internal, external, or remote, and any specific features or functionalities crucial to your operations. This assessment will serve as the foundation for choosing the most suitable Avaya phone models and configurations.
Choosing the Best Avaya IP Phone Model for Your Business
Avaya offers a diverse range of IP phone models tailored to different user profiles and business requirements. You need to consider factors such as the number of lines required, screen size, advanced features, and scalability options. Match these attributes with your organization’s communication needs to select the ideal Avaya IP phone model.
Installation and Configuration
Once you have chosen the right Avaya IP phone model for your business, you should proceed with the installation and configuration process. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for physical setup, including connecting to the network and power source. Avaya often provides user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step instructions to facilitate the initial setup.
Network and Connectivity
Avaya IP phones rely on a stable network and internet connectivity to function effectively. Ensure that your business’s network infrastructure can handle the additional traffic and prioritize voice traffic for optimal call quality. It may be necessary to consult with your IT team or professionals to guarantee seamless communication.
Integration with Existing Communication Systems
If your organization utilizes unified communication systems, you should ensure that your Avaya phones integrate smoothly. Configure the IP phones to work smoothly with your existing tools, such as email clients, messaging platforms, and calendars. This integration boosts collaboration and workflow efficiency.
Employee Training and Familiarization
Provide your employees with the understanding required to effectively utilize the features and functions of your new Avaya phones. You can provide training sessions or resources that inform about call handling, conferencing, voicemail, and any other advanced features. Familiarizing employees with the user interface and shortcuts will maximize workplace productivity.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Before fully implementing the Avaya phones across your organization, you should conduct thorough testing and quality assurance. You can do things such as make test calls, evaluate call clarity, and address any configuration issues. This pre-launch testing phase will ensure an unhindered experience for both employees and customers.
Support and Troubleshooting
Establishing a support system for employees will be helpful when encountering technical issues or requiring assistance with the Avaya phones. Provide them with access to resources such as user manuals, FAQs, and contact details for technical support. Having a responsive support team minimizes downtime and frustration.
By following these steps, your organization can effectively integrate Avaya IP phones into its communication infrastructure. These powerful devices have the potential to transform the way you connect, collaborate, and conduct business, enhancing productivity and fostering efficient communication across the board.
Why Choose Avaya?
Avaya’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions is exemplified through its visionary telecommunication products and services. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Avaya consistently introduces innovative offerings that cater to the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. Whether it’s enhancing voice communication, enabling seamless collaboration, or empowering remote work capabilities, Avaya is committed to providing the best-in-class communication tools.
Avaya showcases its dedication to innovation through its diverse range of IP phone models. Designed to cater to various business requirements, the Avaya IP phone lineup offers ergonomic designs, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced features that elevate communication experiences. From entry-level models for cost-effective solutions to high-end devices equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, Avaya’s IP phones exemplify their commitment to offering comprehensive and flexible communication solutions.
Avaya’s commitment extends beyond just providing top-notch products. They continuously invest in research and development, keeping a radar on emerging technologies and industry trends. This proactive approach ensures that Avaya’s customers always have access to state-of-the-art communication solutions.
Conclusion
Avaya’s commitment to innovation is evident in their wide array of IP phone models designed to meet various business needs. These models, from entry-level options to high-end devices, show Avaya’s dedication to delivering versatile and comprehensive communication solutions. Throughout this blog post, we’ve explored understanding IP phones, the benefits of Avaya IP phones, the various different models Avaya has to offer, considerations for your business, and why you should choose Avaya. Hopefully, by reading through this post, you feel well-equipped with the knowledge you need to find the right Avaya phone for you and your business.
