Cloud VOIP Deployment White Paper 2011

1. Cost Efficiency: Cloud VoIP versus Premise Solutions

Building in-house platforms are expensive, with significant amounts of Capital Expense (CapEx) required to install the needed hardware and software in the core network to support Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP). In addition, there is significant cost associated with ongoing operations and support of an in-house VoIP network, including staff, carrier connection charges, and network operating expenses. The heavy CapEx and fixed Operating Expense (OpEx) requirements increase the risk profile for deploying VoIP services. By contrast, Cloud VoIP delivery platforms have the advantages of eliminating CapEx and reducing VoIP-related OpEx to a predictable fixed monthly cost per-subscriber.

Working with a Cloud VoIP service provider like Crexendo can help your business support a more agile and innovative service for its users and improve the Return on Investment (ROI) for its VoIP service offering. It is also important to note that Cloud VoIP services can be launched in as fast as a month or two, whereas in-house platforms usually require a minimum of 9 months or more to test and commercially deploy. An added benefit is the scalability of the solution and the assurance that the latest technology upgrades can be implemented without continuous investment. The end result is an improvement of 5-10% in the overall Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of the business case for any business deploying a Cloud VoIP service as compared to an in-house solution.

2) Flexibility: Gartner’s Stages of Cloud Computing/Public Cloud Eliminates Capital Expense and Increases Flexibility

Gartner shows the various stages of benefit to cost from virtualization to Public Cloud. (See-fig. 1)

Figure 1. Gartner Road Map: From Virtualization to Cloud Computing

Source: Gartner (March 2011)

Crexendo Cloud VOIP Deployment White Paper

Crexendo Cloud VoIP services are SaaS-based deployments that leverage the full benefit of the public cloud. Self-service is a benefit for IT departments tasked with managing communications solutions for their businesses. SaaS solutions allow IT teams to push more self-service to the Business User for mundane tasks that often take away from the more significant priorities of the IT Department. When users are provided with a solution that allows them to manage their devices, it limits the time of precious IT resources. Intuitive interfaces allow users to make changes, and enjoy flexibility once not available to the non-technical user; however, IT remains in control of the overall administration by pre-defined user roles. Risk, security and administration are maintained within the self-service environment.

3) Key Features of Cloud VoIP Phone Solution

• Fixed, low monthly fee includes unlimited calling and enterprise-class PBX features• Minimal initial investment; no expensive on-site equipment needed• Ideally suited for mobile, distributed workforce; agents can work from any location with high speed Internet

service• Integrate multiple regional, branch or home offices under single corporate phone system

Crexendo provides two models to businesses. A per seat fixed price or a concurrent pricing model. Concurrent model is ideal for more than 10 users per location and provides a scalable and cost efficient model for scaling bandwidth and user experience.

4) Typical Distributed Enterprise Deployment for Headquarters and Branch Locations

• All calls from HQ to all other locations are free • All IC calls between users are free • Accommodate headquarters, satellite, warehouse, teleworker and road warriors

PLATFORM

Phone

Email

Contacts

Messaging

Fax Storage

Routing

Database

Security

Application

Teleworker from Home

5) User Interface

6) Pure Cloud VoIP Backbone Versus Hosted Solutions

• Fully tenanted, cloud-based telephony architecture – without any dedicated hardware for tenant customers. Most Hosted Solutions require dedicated hardware in the data center. The use of standard servers in a multi-tenant environment benefits IT departments on two levels: 1) it allows for ease of redundancy within the back office; 2) It allows Crexendo to pass along infrastructure savings.

• Cloud computing provides maximum level of reliability since any deployed telephony server can take calls for any customer. Hosted providers have to input redundancy to each dedicated server.

• Maintenance windows have minimal impact on overall service availability. Cloud and Hosted providers benefit businesses with speed to deploy, maintenance and flexibility in scaling both up or down. Maintenance is one of the most cost intensive areas of owning communications equipment. The Cloud VOIP structure lets businesses leverage the provider’s infrastructure and reduce their unforeseen maintenance and equipment costs.

• Best of breed cloud providers still rely on enterprise equipment. Crexendo uses Oracle-based back office which ensures maximum reliability and scalability through load-balanced, clusters-based architecture. We have best-in-class equipment and exceptional security practices.

Cable/DSLModem

WirelessRouter

Crexendo 300 Internet Phone

PC

Cable/DSLModem

Crexendo 300Internet Phone

PC

• Users have access to a single intuitive interface for device/application/account management, as well as unified messaging.

• State-of-the-art HD audio technology support for offered devices. Crexendo Mobile’s complimentary user client allows you to leverage the wireless environment for the mobile workforce. Android and iPhone are supported.

7) Highlighted Cloud VoIP Features

Lower start-up and monthly costs:With Cloud VoIP, companies can dramatically reduce their start-up costs by eliminating the large PBX capital investment and sustaining costs. Low-rate monthly service plans help customers reduce business phone bills up to 50% or more.

Loaded with corporate-class features that small businesses want and will use:Cloud VoIP includes corporate-class IP features such as Auto-Attendant, Voicemail, Conference Bridge, Extension Dialing, Ring Groups, Intercom, Music on Hold, and many more standard features that were previously found only with large corporate phone systems. You can also port over your existing phone numbers.

Powerful optional features that improve accessibility:Options such as virtual and toll-free numbers enable those who call you to save money, as well as provide greater accessibility to your company.

Features that are easy-to-use and manage:Manage service, features and individual user settings from anywhere with your online administrative portal. Live Customer Service available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Geographic independence:Whether you have one office, home office or multiple locations, all users can connect with one another by dialing a 4, 5 or 6 digit extension number.

8) Easy to Maintain Admin/Users

Designed for techies and non-techies alike. Advanced routing rules allow the most proficient users the flexibility to handle adds, moves and changes according to your business’s processes and needs, which we understand are always changing. Let even the non-techies get in on the fun. Flexible user management encourages users to add to their productivity and rapidly adapt to changes in the marketplace.

Crexendo Cloud VoIP • Business-Class Voicemail• Directory for dial by name

or extension• Unlimited Local & Long

Distance calling–see plans• Ring Groups• Conference Bridge–10-

party audio bridge/optional pin number

• Music/Message on Hold• 411 Directory Assistance

Listing (add-on)• DID service• Extension Dialing

• Keep Existing Business, Toll-Free & Fax Numbers

• Call Park, Call Retrieve• National Directory Listing• Hunt groups

User Features• Extension Dialing• Follow Me/Find Me• Intercom• Call forward/Call transfer/ Call waiting• Consultative Transfer• Blind Transfer• Local 3-way conference

• Web Portal/User Management

Line Features• Enhanced 9-1-1 (E911)• Caller ID/Caller Name

Display• Callers log• Do Not Disturb (DND)

Optional Line Features• Toll-Free Numbers• Virtual Numbers• Crexendo Mobile for Cell

Users

User Management Screen

9) Smartphones

Many companies have deployed a mix of wireless and wired technologies. Leverage the hybrid model for use to maximize your availability. Crexendo Mobile operates as an app on Smartphones and works with your data plan, so you are not burning your cell phone minutes when you use a Crexendo Mobile client. It is recommended you ensure that cell phone accounts are setup for unlimited data use.

Crexendo Mobile Login User Settings User Extension – Cell

10) Security: Crexendo Best Practice Highlights:

• Highest security levels • PCI compliance• Nightly site backups and offsite tape rotation• High performance bandwidth• 9-level network redundancy • 24x7 interior and exterior surveillance• N+1 redundant UPS power backup• On-site diesel generators

• Advanced fire suppression systems• Redundant fiber entry points• Certified engineers and security professionals on

staff• Crexendo partners include: Apache, Dell, Google,

Redhat, F5 Networks, Oracle Database, Linux, Microsoft AdCenter, Perpetual Storage Inc, Sun Microsystems, Verisign, and Scan Alert among others.

© Copyright 2011, Crexendo Cloud Communications Inc. | Rev 102011