Converged IP Networks

Voice, data and Internet services have expanded dramatically, creating the opportunity reduce costs and improve efficiencies for business, schools and municipalities. To effectively plan, design and manage a transition from traditional telecom platforms to VOIP architecture, organizations may require additional support and expertise. Layer Eight has helped clients in the following manner.

Voice and Data Platform Assessment
This analysis typically includes the review of existing vendor contracts, billing records and engineering documents. The following major categories of services are reviewed:

Cable Management and Infrastructure:
A well-designed inter- and intra-building cable plan is a critical underpinning of an organization’s voice and data network. Architecture must accommodate current and future voice, data, and video and security applications. Design standards must adhere to industry as well as local codes.

PBX and Centrex Platforms:
Analysis of required station user features, messaging platforms, conference requirements, automated call distribution (ACD) and other system features establish today’s requirements. Computer telephony integration (CTI) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) may be future options to boost productivity and reduce operating expense.

LAN/WAN:
Organizations with dedicated data network infrastructure may have in place the building blocks for VOIP integration. Analysis of existing information connectivity between elements (i.e., locations, applications) within the client’s current network architecture will help plan, configure and support a robust, productive enterprise network that conforms to Quality of Service (QOS) standards.

Local Access, Long Distance and 800 Network Design: Understanding options involve analysis of telecom billing, traffic statistics, and network infrastructure. This may include dedicated access, VPN, 800 services and bill management tools. Service decisions will involve architectural (e.g. SONET), operational (e.g. VOIP) and financial considerations.

RFP Design
After reviewing and assessing the unique aspects of the network environment, our team will help design a voice, data and Internet architecture. This plan provides the framework for the issuance of RFPs for new services, platform upgrades and/or replacement. We will provide topology maps, technical direction, specific recommendations, RFP/RFI documentation, technical diagrams and an implementation plan for migrating to proposed solutions.

Project Management
Layer Eight helps customers achieve timely delivery of projects and products while meeting defined quality and budget objectives. We help reconcile two conflicting aspects of projects: the need for speed in project and product delivery, and the equally important need to deliver the project as promised. To achieve timely, reliable delivery, the process must allow for and mitigate unforeseen problems and risks.

Key components of our Project Management Methodology include:

• Problem definition
• Objective clarification
• Scope/deliverables identification
• Time-sequenced task scheduling and critical path identification
• Controls for facilitating communication (both internal and external), risk/issue management, quality management, performance management, scope, schedule and cost control
• Quality reviews for milestone/deliverable completion and acceptance