Government initiatives such as the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency’s modernization program, the Social Security Administration’s call centers and the Department of Commerce all rely on Voice over IP (VoIP) and converged networks to provide a unified and comprehensive range of services. These and a host of other government organizations have concluded that VoIP provides the same or better voice quality and service availability as traditional systems, while also delivering additional advantages such as sophisticated messaging and conferencing applications, simplified management, improved security and standards-based interoperability.

Voice Ready Networks
Even networks that have been optimized to handle large and complex data workloads may not be ready for an IP telephony implementation. With thousands of installations worldwide, 3Com specializes in providing organizations with Voice Ready Networks that deliver the quality, security and simplicity that ensure an effective voice implementation.

• High-availability architecture that provides multisite survivability. The 3Com VCX™ V7000 IP Telephony Solution was recently recognized as “Best-Distributed Survivability, High-End IP-PBX” by Miercom, a well-established industry testing firm
• Advanced security that protects the network from attacks at every level. 3Com Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPSs) based on TippingPoint™ technology are recognized as among the most effective unified security solutions on the market.
• Wire-speed performance that adequately supports converged voice/data traffic with high throughput and built-in quality of service. For example, in 2006 the 3Com Switch 5500G-E1 outperformed a comparable Cisco switch in independent tests.
• Standards-based interoperability that complies with the latest protocols and leverages existing infrastructure and equipment to contain costs. 3Com was one of the first to implement the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) standard on platforms and convergence applications, and provides gateways that allow interoperation with legacy PBX phone systems. What’s more, 3Com systems comply with a wide spectrum of government standards and certifications—including CBX1 and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) net-centric requirements.
• Guaranteed quality of service that ensures voice clarity by eliminating packet loss, jitter and other problems. 3Com VCX systems are based on architecture originally designed for highly demanding telecom carriers.
• Simplified installation and management saves on equipment expenditures and avoids having to hire specialized personnel. 3Com NBX® platforms increase productivity, simplify operations and lower costs with a wealth of built-in applications that include voice messaging, conferencing, email integration and an automatic call distribution (ACD) system that can support a call center or help desk. In addition, 3Com Power over Ethernet (PoE) and in-the-wall IntelliJack® solutions can save agencies tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating the need to wire or rewire facilities for AC power.