While many organizations and communications providers have transitioned entirely to cloud-based telephony, there’s still quite a handful of hardware in the market. Many companies are still using legacy solutions, TDM-based PBX systems being one of them.
As PBX provider Yeastar is launching a new eBook meant to help ease the choice of transitioning from TDM to VoIP for companies, it’s the perfect timing to address this topic – still relevant to many – and get the provider’s take on it.
“TDM to VoIP, as an industry trend, is still highly relevant,” notes Prince Cai, Vice President of Yeastar.
“The industry has yet to complete its full transition to IP-enabled telephony systems, and enterprises both small and large need comprehensive support from providers as they make that significant transition.”
So, what’s TDM, what’s VoIP, and how can providers like Yeastar help those in between? Let’s have a look.
TDM in a Nutshell
TDM, or in its full name, Time Division Multiplexer, is a rather old technology based on physical switches and copper lines. TDM PBX systems rely on phone lines and other legacy equipment.
VoIP in a Nutshell
VoIP (or: Voice over Internet Protocol) is the name of a group of technologies that use IP networks to deliver voice communications and multimedia sessions. It effectively converts voice into a digital signal, enabling the use of IP phones and other data-driven devices.
Why Migrate?
Perhaps the right question is, why not?
While TDM PBX systems have loyally served us for many years, nowadays, the cons of using them outweigh the pros.
“Using a TDM-based PBX means that you’re basically stuck with one vendor for all things related to it, keeping you from enjoying more competitive pricing with other vendors,” Cai explains.
“It also makes it increasingly harder to find parts and technicians who support your system over time, as TDM is gradually becoming a thing of the past.”
Using TDM-based systems also means employees are chained to their desks rather than mobile since it relies on physical phone lines, which in today’s climate sounds almost imaginary. It’s also very limiting in terms of scaling, as TDM systems are configured with a predetermined number of phone lines; and makes customization extremely challenging and expensive, not to mention integration with modern applications (which is virtually impossible).
“VoIP has been gaining popularity for a long time now, with companies increasingly using it to replace their traditional telephony solutions, and for solid reasons,” Cai notes.
“First and foremost – it helps save costs,” he explains.
“While TDM locks companies in long-term service contracts and requires the maintenance of an expensive system, VoIP enables them to user the same network for both voice and data traffic, adds more connectivity options, and barely involves any licensing fees while expanding.”
Besides, the use of VoIP also means you’re using softphones, allowing your employees to stay connected anywhere, anytime. This is becoming increasingly important with remote and hybrid work now being so prevalent.
And last but not least, using VoIP PBX systems means you get to enjoy all the benefits of Unified Communications, which has definitely earned its place as the new business communications norm for modern workplaces. From simple installation and management to feature richness and diverse integrations, it’s become a must by now.
Choosing the Right Provider
To do this transition right, it’s best to make sure your business communication is in expert hands.
“Ideally, for a smooth transition, it’s preferable to work with a PBX provider who works with both hardware and software, knowing all the ins and outs of both your old and new system,” Cai says.
“Yeastar offers ample expertise in both areas, and we’ve seen many of our customers through Digital Transformation processes. The new eBook is meant to share our knowledge and make this transition easy and intuitive for companies.”
To get a digital copy of Yeastar’s new eBook, “From TDM to VoIP: Why the Migration and How to Plan,” visit here.
