Digital Transformation: Managing your transition to an all-IP world.

What is an all-IP World?

For the past 150 years, the UK has relied on a copper network infrastructure for telephones and business connectivity. This outdated technology has been largely supported by ultra-fast fibre-optic infrastructure over the past 20 years.

BT has plans to switch off the old, inefficient analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) along with the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in 2025. This switch-off has already started across the UK with a phased approach to migrating the whole UK to IP services.

How can all-IP improve your business?

Laying the foundation for digital transformation

Transitioning into an all-IP world can be seen as the first step into realising the key benefits of digital transformation. With the 2025 switch-off fast approaching new all-IP technology should be the first step for many. All IP technology is more than a replacement technology, it’s business improvements and access to new insights.

Digital transformation is about reimagining, improving and streamlining customer experiences and business processes. A critical foundation for this is communication and analytics. With an all-IP communication system and connectivity solutions, you can redefine customer experiences with advanced functionality. The transition to all IP also unlocks a wealth of possibilities for employees. VoIP systems allow for mobile phone and desktop integrations, creating a truly flexible way of communicating from anywhere.

Bridging business communication tools

Many organisations are looking to gain further data insights into their business. They are looking to utilise big data to gather actionable real-time insights into their business and how it operates. Integrating their communication modernisation with broader strategic and digital aims. Using a cloud-based communication system opens the door to multiple integrations that combine data across the business, maximising customer and employee experiences. Customer service representatives can have direct access to customer files when receiving calls, sales team can review advanced call analytics and CRM system integration to maximise campaigns and sales activity. Cloud-based communication compliments other initiatives in the digital sphere and provides new future opportunities.

Key Elements in managing your transition to an All-IP world

Transitioning or improving your digital communication tools provides a unique opportunity to review what you want from your system and how this can align with wider strategic objectives. You can review the requirements for the whole organisation and create a call system that maximises the customer experience you want to be known for.

After understanding what tools you want to give to your employees to communicate internally and externally, it is important to understand how to translate them into requirements that the system will understand. Working with a provider that can understand your business and your vision to create a system that works for you is critical.

To provide a phone system that is scalable and maximises the investment made, a strong data network needs to be in place. Ensuring seamless connectivity and capable bandwidth speeds are a must for migrating to an all-IP phone system.

Final Thoughts

With the 2025 switch-off in full flow and the final date rapidly approaching, businesses of all shapes, sizes and digital maturity need to be prepared for what this means for their business. The dawn of the all-IP era will create change and disruption and it will create opportunities for improvements. 

Businesses should embrace the change as an opportunity to take their communications to the next level and improve customer and employee experience.

Start your journey today to an all-IP and digital future.