VoIP Training
As Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) slowly becomes a viable component of mainstream information and communications systems, the need for relevant VoIP training programs becomes an urgent and valid concern. This section presents various VoIP Training alternatives that are presently available and the type of individuals who will benefit most from these training programs.
VoIP skills development is usually built on the current skills set and competency of Internet Protocol administrators. Training programs on VoIP will focus on the skills required to add voice to the network. There are several training options available to suit a wide variety of requirements and budgets. For the more advanced requirements, companies and individuals can undergo the high-end training and accreditation that will document the skill level attained by participants.
As a general rule, formal training on VoIP is the ideal starting point for those who want to gain VoIP expertise. The course coverage of VoIP training programs includes VoIP basics, security as well as protocol-related courses about MGCP, SIP and H.323.
If you are a residential user of VoIP software and services, then your training requirement can be provided by your VoIP service provider, or you can access the numerous online VoIP learning programs that provide basic as well as comprehensive information on VoIP.
The situation of businesses is a completely different story. Companies require a more structured and comprehensive training in VoIP. In most cases, training programs on VoIP for commercial accounts are multi-tiered and participant specific. There are specific VoIP programs for company staff that use VoIP systems and devices, and company technical teams and technicians who install, support and maintain VoIP devices and systems.
This class of VoIP programs can be classified into two major categories – vendor specific training programs and non-vendor specific training programs. Vendor specific VoIP training programs cover the more technical aspects of this IP-based telephony system. These are the training programs that are offered by CISCO and Avaya. A special form of accreditation or certification is awarded to participants who complete this type of VoIP training program. The components of vendor specific training programs range of coverage include VoIP basics leading to the more advanced skills set involving installation, maintenance and support and troubleshooting.
If a company is planning to, or poised to switch over to an IP-based communication system, then it will have to train their staff as part of the transition requirements. Companies will have to determine the specific training requirements of the company’s relevant staff. It is essential for these companies who are going through the process of integrating VoIP application and services into their existing communication infrastructures to assess the current capabilities and level of competencies of their technical staff in related technologies.
Since VoIP applications and services have close links with current technology, such as Internet Protocols, the current technical manpower of companies may only need to cover fewer aspects of the technology to become full-fledged VoIP experts.
The second category of this type of VoIP training program is non-vendor specific, and participants go through an all-around learning of VoIP. It also covers aspects related to the deployment of VoIP application and services. This form of VoIP training is suited to middle managers and company executives of companies that are planning to deploy VoIP in their businesses. VoIP training can also be provided to company staff that will be directly responsible in operating the new VoIP devices and phones. These employees will also be trained on how they can use the more advanced features of their VoIP systems.
