For Avaya, SIP is a catalyst for the next phase of open communications over IP. SIP is an interoperable protocol in a multi-vendor environment that creates new possibilities for system flexibility in multi-service
networks. Organizations can pick the best of breed from a variety of vendors to create a seamless converged communication network.

A user with multiple devices like a cell phone, desk phone, PC client and PDA can rely on SIP to seamlessly integrate these entities for increased efficiency and productivity. (see Figure 3). SIP is differentiated from similar communications protocols by its wide industry support, providing a practical means of multi-vendor integration at the highest level of the protocol stack—the application layer.

Although a growing number of enterprise leaders are considering an organization-wide migration to converged communications, the majority are testing the waters on an application-by-application basis. Initially, savings associated with business continuity, toll bypass and ease of administration for moves/adds/changes fueled VoIP deployment, but it is the increased flexibility in deploying new capabilities and application integration that will drive the migration to converged communications in
enterprise environments.

Avaya converged business communication solutions embrace the principles of:

• Open, standards-compliant software and system architectures

• Solutions that are highly scalable and reliable

• Communication features transparent to the means of access

• Services rendered across multiple forms of access devices

• User productivity optimized to handle operational challenges

• Fork lift solutions are avoided to cut costs and service disruptions

• Enhanced service integration with Service Providers as opposed to 

siloed solutions

• Interoperability with multiple vendors creating end-to-end solutions