In this increasingly interconnected world, you have to think big and it will entail unifying your network that can help streamline your business processes. It is time that you understand network convergence. Many also call this media convergence.
Media convergence refers to a single network that has the capacity to carry a combination of video traffic, voice, and data. Simply put, it is the next level of computer communications. You can consider this a “super network”.
To help you get started, here are the requirements and the benefits of converging your networks:
Requirements
The requirements for media convergence include the following:
- Broadband: you should expect that a converged network transport massive data. With this, broadband is required and it should be large enough to handle high transaction volumes. In the end, you do not want to deal with a situation where video cannot be played at your conference because many people are accessing or using phone/voice service.
- Tools: it is important for businesses to invest in hardware and software that can handle the demands of a converged network. Aside from handling the demands of the converged network, the software and hardware should also maintain enough data flow with tools like Quality of Service. Ultimately, you want tools that will allow your staff to diagnose and fix issues in the network with less downtime.
- Architecture: if you do not have an expert in converging networks, you should hire an IT firm with knowledge and skills to do the job right – the first time. Investing is important especially if you want it to work long-term.
Benefits
The benefits of media convergence include the following:
- Cost-effective: when it comes to long distance or international calls, converged networks are cost-effective. You can use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
- Flexible: another benefit is flexibility. Converged networks are scalable. This means that you can modify computers or phones that will adapt to any changes with relative ease. When there are changes, it does not involve other phone companies, which will mean more cost and more wasted time.
- Simple: essentially, many companies consider converging their networks because it can simplify IT systems. At the end of the day, it can help integrate IT systems. When it comes to maintaining and upgrading a converged network, it is rather easy compared to doing it individually for different types of networks. If there are any problems, you do not call phone companies but your IT department. With this, solutions are instant without wasting time.
Final words
Definitely, the convergent network is here to stay and it will take your business operations to the next level. You have to eliminate the thought that media convergence is only for large firms with large budgets. SMBs (Small to Medium Businesses) can reap the benefits as well. The key here is to find the right service provider.
Remember that effective media convergence lies in the design as well as the installation and the maintenance of suitable hardware. It is crucial that you have enough bandwidth to support the devices that will access your converged media.
