1. Hosted PBX Purchasing and
Implementation Checklist
Cloud Communications, or Hosted IP-PBX services are “Communications-as-a
Services” with predictable, per user pricing. With this type of solution, the IP
voice and numerous calling features are delivered and managed over the
provider’s network.
Several benefits can be realized with a cloud deployment including:
Eliminating capital expenses— associated with buying new PBX
systems and phones
Gaining operational savings— with the ability to project monthly
expenses; by combining voice and data over a single circuit; and
through free site-to-site calling among your locations
Enjoying the benefits of IP and Unified Communications— using
High Definition voice and video, and mobility features that allow users
to seamlessly move conversations between mobile and office phones
Freeing up IT resources— by eliminating ongoing maintenance
requirements
Enjoying peace of mind— with a future-proof solution, and business
continuity features
Centralizing control of standardized calling features in the
cloud—and allow administrators and users to manage their own
features quickly through a robust, secure online portal
To realize these benefits, enterprises must consider some simple but critical
steps in the pre-buying stage and during implementation.
Copyright 2000- 2011. XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. XO, the XO design logo, and all related marks are
trademarks of XO Communications, LLC.
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2. PURCHASING CHECKLIST - DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY:
 Make sure you know what the total cost of ownership will be. Nothing
could be more disastrous than finding out you are spending more on
capital expense items and operating expenses than you would have with
premise-based options.
 Are there install charges? Most hosted providers will charge for a seat
license, but there can more fees like setup and equipment fees.
 Make sure your provider can accommodate growth and determine what
costs you will face if you need to upgrade.
 Ask your provider how they address remote and mobile employees.
 Inquire about faxing capability. Fax over IP is still a challenge and is often
dependent on the customer premise equipment.
 Obtain a Service Level Agreement. Important considerations go beyond
Quality of Service (QoS). The ability to address defective phones, mean
time to repair and credits, also can be important considerations.
 Investigate ALL call flows, especially local call treatment and E-911. Often
providers will rate calls that hit the PSTN as long distance, even if they are
in the same rate center. E-911 can require additional or separate trunking
if the provider solution does not address it.
 Make sure you know your provider’s contract terms. There may be
minimums, and prices can vary with terms and seats.
Copyright 2000- 2011. XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. XO, the XO design logo, and all related marks are
trademarks of XO Communications, LLC.
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3. IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST:
Once you’ve done your homework on the provider, your homework is only half
done. Implementing your solution into YOUR infrastructure is also critical .The
checklist below is one that XO uses to assist in the implementation process of
hosted IP-PBX solutions and will give you some idea of the kinds of things you’ll
need to account for as your provider begins ordering and delivering your service.
If the provider doesn’t ask, you need to address the following:
 Is DHCP configured on your LAN? If so, will the DHCP server provide an
IP address to the MA? If not, please provide a Static IP address that can
be configured in the device.
 Is there any existing Quality of Service (QoS) configuration? If so, please
provide details.
 Confirm the following traffic types are allowed on your network, providing
any special remarks concerning firewall or other security configurations on
your LAN:
o ICMP
o UDP ports 5060, 5061, and UDP port range 15000 thru 16000
o Port 80 HTTP for outbound access
 Do you have any hubs in use on your network? Hubs are typically half-
duplex which can cause severe disruption to VoIP traffic.
 Do you host any servers or other services that are accessed from remote
hosts? Understanding all traffic on your LAN is critical to assessing VoIP
performance.
 Are you using any existing VoIP-based endpoints? If so, please provide
details about make, model and count of each.
 Do you have any existing Power-over-Ethernet (POE) switches deployed?
If so, please provide details on make, model and total ports in use.
 Are there unique jacks for both data and voice traffic? Is there a
requirement to tether PCs and phones? Please provide color coding or
other distinctive details.
 Any additional details that will assist in understanding your current and
future LAN configuration.
Copyright 2000- 2011. XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. XO, the XO design logo, and all related marks are
trademarks of XO Communications, LLC.
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4. This may serve as a guide to Hosted PBX purchasing and implementation, but is
not intended as an endorsement of any given method, solution or device.
XO makes no representation of warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in this document, and nothing contained
herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation.
About XO Communications
XO is a leading provider of 21st century communications services for businesses and
communications services providers, including 50 percent of the Fortune 500 and leading
cable companies, carriers, content providers and mobile operators. Utilizing its unique
and powerful nationwide IP network, extensive local metro networks and broadband
wireless facilities, XO offers customers a broad range of managed voice, data and IP
services in more than 80 metropolitan markets across the United States.
Contact XO
866-438-9696 | Contact Sales | About XO Enterprise Cloud Communications
Copyright 2000- 2011. XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. XO, the XO design logo, and all related marks are
trademarks of XO Communications, LLC.
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