Issue TOC Print full article Print this page Download as PDF E-Mail this URL Discuss this article Flame the author     In this article Introduction GoBeam vPBX ICG Communications VoicePipe MCI Advantage Executive Summary & Web Links Don't Want Centrex? The Business Case Report Card

If you think Centrex is your granddad's phone system, get a load of the new IP telephony services sprouting up. They offer a wide selection of features sure to boost your users' productivity; detailed reporting; and the advantages inherent in outsourcing, such as no PBX to manage and a predictable monthly cost. We think those attributes make now the right time to give IP Centrex a look.

GoBeam, ICG and MCI sent us phones, which we proceeded to use on a nightmare of a test network. We figured, if the quality is there in this worst-case scenario, most customer setups will be gravy. At the end of our testing, we found GoBeam's stellar usability enough to take the Editor's Choice prize. ICG had a respectable showing, and MCI's nationwide coverage area is a point in its favor.

Digital Convergence Resources

white papers & research reports

books

"VoX Popular"

"It's Time To Take a Look at SIP"

"Dial 1-800-Plug Holes"