Everyone's eager to grab Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but most enterprises are taking measured steps. However, at least one enterprise isn't going that route. Bank of America is trading in 460 PBXs for a centralized VoIP system that will eventually boast 180,000 IP phones for the bank's 6,000 US branches and box office locations. Right now about 20,000 VoIP phones are in place as the organization works at what its IT leader describes as "a steady pace." 800 locations have already been converted and 50 back-end facilities have been completed. The strategy involves using a "T-minus schedule" in terms of making the cut-over to the new network system. Any prep work is done during standard outage windows and then training is rolled out to users before any phones are switched on.

As the tech leader explains, in deploying such a vast VoIP system it's just not a matter of changing what's in the back room. Such a huge technology effort impacts each and every staffer and that's why communication and strong training efforts are required. Another critical lesson learned is knowing how the current system is used for so that any new system will meet requirements and expectations. Article