Enum is a VOIP registry service that allows businesses to use normal telephone numbers with their VOIP systems. This allows users to carry their calls solely over the Internet, rather than first getting routed over the traditional PSTN network. This system converts the dialed phones into domain names. With the help of this system, businesses can present their customers with contact numbers in a standard format.

Nominet, which is the national registry for .uk addresses, has introduced the concept of Enum in UK. Phil Kingsland, the organization’s marketing director states that Enum will assist businesses to reduce or eliminate costs on calls made to suppliers and clients by simply routing the calls between the parties over the internet. 

He later told ZDNet UK that the users for this service will be businesses that deal with large networks. For those in the customer service industry, they can easily advertise an Enum number so that their calls would go over the internet for free. This is an ideal option for industries looking for reducing their costs on calls using internet based calling. 

This service works by reversing a standard phone number, by putting dots between the digits and adding ‘e164.arpa’ at the end. This results in a domain name. This service then links the PSTN telephone network with the Domain Name System (DNS) resulting in a stable and cheap link between the telecommunications system and the internet.

The main feature of Enum is its ability to have numerous VOIP service providers to operate together. For instance if a user is using a VOIP system in a company and wants to connect with another company having a different system, then this technology enables those calls to be routed properly through the internet. This service also offers the ability to translate voice calls into email messages or fax and allows the user to choose how they would like to be contacted.

The delay on the introduction of Enum was because of attempts made to ensure the capability of running the appropriate registry on Nominet’s systems. Companies interested in converting their telephone numbers into Enum numbers can do so through the registrars listed on the company’s website. This is a great option available for firms already having IPBX since they would face minimal costs in their communication systems. The benefits that one can derive from this service depend on a firm’s business model.