Deutsche Telekom plans to switch all fixed network connections to IP-based connections by the end of 2018. This also means switching off the technology for analog lines ("Standard" at Deutsche Telekom) and ISDN lines ("Universal"). With the announcement that the switchover from ISDN to the all-IP network is to be completed by the end of 2018, many companies are asking themselves how they should best position themselves in terms of communication solutions in the future. This article tells you how to successfully convert your company to All-IP.

This is not a "forced changeover": rather, a contractual partner - in this case Telekom/T-Systems - terminates the existing contract with the customer. Each customer can then try to find another provider. Unfortunately, the offers to obtain a classic ISDN connection that offers everything that Telekom also offered are very limited; and if you do find what you are looking for, it will only be for a short time at most. Because all providers are switching to IP.

There are many reasons for this. Above all, however, ISDN technology is outdated. Today's users expect bandwidth and Internet access. And due to the different protocols of ISDN and IP, comprehensive services are not possible. In order to be able to offer more and more comprehensive services in the future, it is also a logical conclusion to replace the limited possibilities of ISDN with TCP/IP.

Migration to All-IP as an opportunity

Detailed preparation is essential for the IP changeover. The first step is to inform all those involved and to look at the internal systems, network components and applications and check whether they are All-IP-capable. Migration after the analysis offers the opportunity to link the entire ICT strategy with the strategic corporate goals. In this way, companies benefit from the opportunities that All-IP offers at an early stage and become fit for the digital future.

The consolidation of telephony and data services on an all-IP basis offers many opportunities and potential for optimizing and increasing the flexibility of the telecommunications infrastructure. Companies with several locations in particular can benefit from the IP changeover in numerous ways.

Step 1: Raising awareness and communication

Particularly in heterogeneous organizations, it is first necessary to sensitize and inform all those involved in any way with the connections. Ask yourself:

• Who manages your company's connections and where?
• Which in-house organizations are involved?
• Do the locations share connections?

It makes perfect sense to provide the locations with information. A chronological overview is particularly important. Let all those affected so you know what should happen by when when you migrate to All-IP.

Step 2: Location analysis

Consider why you have which connection for what. Telekom/T-Systems only knows a small proportion of the services and devices that you may operate with other suppliers, but which are also affected by the changeover. You will make things easier for yourself and for Telekom/T-Systems if you know what you need to do.

Some examples:

• Emergency call in elevators
• Alarm systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Telephone systems
• Fax connections
• Cash register systems
• Chest freezers / cold stores
• Special Telekom services (keyword: intelligent network)
• Data transmission via ISDN (e.g. Datex P)
• ISDN as a backup for data lines
• Remote maintenance.

This list is ultimately only an excerpt. The most diverse connections play a role for All-IP and must not be ignored for a successful migration.

Step 3: Definition of the target architecture for All-IP

Once you know what you have, you can start thinking about what you will need in the future. There are different solutions for every case. What's more, additional options are available as part of the comprehensive services already mentioned. Perhaps you have already considered certain purchases but have not yet been able to implement them?

Some examples:

• Is your telephone system IP-capable? If this is possible: What needs to be done so that the new connection fits on the system?
• What needs to be considered with cash register systems or freezers? What can your service provider do?
• How many connections will you need in the future?
  • Would you like to carry out a 1:1 migration "for the sake of simplicity"?
  • Can lines be dropped? Do you still need the phone numbers?
  • Which routers or session border controllers are required?
• Some suppliers will offer IP connections with their service in the future, for example alarm system providers. Are these services relevant for the company?
• What are the prices of your target architecture?

These questions are also just examples of the options available to your company. A detailed examination of the existing connections, current and future requirements and the possibilities offered by the switch to All-IP will reveal extensive potential.

Step 4: Migration to All-IP

Once you have defined your target construct, the migration can be planned. Professional rollout management, which takes care of the following tasks among others, ensures optimal implementation:

• How can the Telekom technicians be coordinated with the locations?
• What time do you want to switch over?
• Is the router on site - and, above all, the access data?
• Are the services and technicians of the other suppliers coordinated?
• Is installation/configuration support required for the router, services and services?

You see, questions upon questions; and that's not all.

Successful migration to All-IP

If you have solved the first three points, i.e. communication and awareness-raising, location analysis and target architecture, you are well prepared. If you still have questions, especially about your internal issues, please contact us. We already manage projects of this kind. TCI acts as a reliable partner that is independent of suppliers. In this respect, we realize the development and implementation of sustainable, targeted strategies and concepts to secure and expand the competitiveness of our customers.

Our core competencies include business and ICT transformation as well as change management and project management. We bring our strengths to bear during implementation: experience, reliability, authenticity, down-to-earthness, pragmatism and creativity. Contact us at any time!

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