National retailers are looking to large enterprise IP PBX solutions to solve their basic needs. For most retailers this is overkill and there are alternatives that are more sensible. However, the limitations on the shopping center data network make it difficult to access the alternatives.
IP PBX is promoted by the vendor as the only way to benefit from SIP trunk savings or to establish a national voice solution and is an incorrect statement of guidance.
Consider some of the problems an enterprise IP PBX causes the retailer with multiple locations in the shopping center environment:
- Huge initial capital costs
- Costly licensing and software
- Ongoing VAR costs
- Additional in-house resource costs
- Training challenges
- Connectivity cost
Many of the useful features never get implemented or cost extra to have.
There is fix, and the solution is simple, but your voice is important and needs to be heard. Please leave us a reply and share your thoughts. You comments will be encouragement for other readers.
PS, if you are about to sign a PO for a new enterprise system, contact Achieve IP first.
Voice and Data for Shopping Centres is a series of posts, discussing the problems and impacts of voice and data in the retail community. This series will give the reader an inside look at how Achieve IP is working with the property owners to rethink the shopping centre network and learn about the benefits to the retailer.