Should You Converge Voice, Data Networks?

Uniting voice and data on one network creates enterprise-wide opportunities for retailers, but it can also add complexity.

From Integrated Solutions for Retailers, April 2007

By Laurie Pasquerell

I recently spoke with Paul Butcher, president and COO of Mitel; Eric Paulak, managing VP of networks at Gartner; and Vince Sciarra, president and CEO of Telsource. Here’s what they had to say about the convergence of voice and data networks in the retail space.

What type of network problems did retailers have a few years ago that no longer exist due to advances in voice and data networks?

BUTCHER: Traditional retail communications solutions were completed on a store-by-store basis in the past. That approach provides flexibility without coordinating an enterprise-wide implementation, but it creates islands of technology and limited cohesion among store locations. Over time, this model becomes increasingly difficult to manage. Today’s technology allows retailers to deploy distributed networks to give them the simplicity of store-by-store upgrades, but at the same time layer network-wide applications.

Today’s network and voice solutions target customer loyalty, employee communications, and chain store operations that focus on abandoned calls and customer service, shrinkage and safety, and productivity and mobility solutions for both stores and headquarters. Cost-effective and flexible solutions can be built around an existing infrastructure to allow a retailer to grow at its own pace.

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