Fredericton, NB (PRWEB) February 23, 2006
With audio conferencing gaining ground, choosing a platform that provides the best of the options and maximum value for investments is critical. In earlier days most of the teleconferencing service providers had audio conferencing systems that are TDM based circuit switched connections. Now with the advent of the IP and VoIP based packet switching into the mix, a new level of options have emerged. Therefore to cater to changing needs, now TDM based audio conferencing systems, IP based audio conferencing solutions or hybrid audio conferencing systems that natively connect to TDM and IP networks are available as valuable options.
With technology evolving rapidly, being able to select a hybrid teleconferencing bridge that supports both, TDM and IP networks is a wise investment decision. Choosing a hybrid bridge offers numerous advantages.
The most obvious advantage is that existing audio conferencing providers can connect both TDM as well as IP network into the same environment. Hybrid conferencing bridges can be remotely controlled with operators sitting even across the world and connected through the web and IP phones accessing the Conferencing Bridge. These teleconferencing bridges support geographically dispersed participants, and allow the option of IP Phones or soft phones to connect into the bridge as well as others who dial in over the PSTN, talking together in the same conference.
Streaming teleconference in real time is easily executed; listen-only audience will be able to download it through the web thereby expanding reach for large-scale events, which is a great asset.
Traditional TDM connections can often start small as a single span ISDN PRI or T1 signalling to terminate into the conferencing bridge, and expand with multiple of these connections. While these PRI based connections have superior voice quality, they are limited with availability to scale and higher rental charges for the audio conferencing service provider. On the other hand, hybrid connections have the option to use existing voice circuits as well as increase capacity using IP based voice termination on to the same conference bridge terminate ISDN PRI or T1 and SIP connections. Coordinating with Telco providers who are able to provide SIP termination will help limit the cost of expensive PRI or T1 circuits into their premises. It also offers the benefits of no capacity limitations with voice circuits and helps scale capacity rapidly.
With the several options available due to evolving technologies, numerous new entrants entering into the conferencing service markets and dynamically changing organizational needs, it is often necessary to evaluate various options carefully. Comprehension and diligence are sure to provide the maximum return on investments.
The author of this document, works at Indosoft a company that have developed an audio conferencing system (http://www.indosoft.ca/audioconferencesystem.htm) She can be reached at priya@indosoft.ca
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