Can I use my company’s existing phone equipment and PBX with VOIP?

Yes with additional special software and/or equipment.

How should my business plan to migrate to VoIP?

Just as it would to a new PSTN system: Consider whether you need VoIP or whether your PSTN system is adequate to your business’s tasks (for now); the pace of change in both VoIP software and hardware; and the potential for changes in the regulatory environment, which could add taxes and thus costs to VoIP.

What is a VoIP gateway and do I need one?

A VoIP gateway is important for any reasonable-size VoIP deployment because it handles the task of translating and switching voice and fax traffic from a traditional PBX to IP form and back. They are available in either software or hardware form, with the advantage of stand-alone hardware being that, as a small computer and router in its own right, the gateway doesn’t rely on your data network’s processing power. Larger, enterprise-class gateways can handle this switching-and-translating task for up to thousands of voice channels.

Can VoIP handle a toll-free line?

Yes. Ask your service provider for details on how they support this.