Whether you have a startup or a going concern, your communications system is the backbone of your company. Customers appreciate clear and quick customer service, and a good communication system is essential to provide it. Sessions Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is the answer. It replaces conventional telephone trunk calls and allows your business to communicate with mobile and fixed phones worldwide.
What to Expect with SIP?
The most important aspect of SIP trunking is the ability for your system to combine voice, data and video in one line. There is no more need for separate physical media for each mode. This reduces the overall cost of your communication system and enhances reliability. Along with making local and long distance phone calls from mobile phones and landlines, some of the services you can expect from a good SIP provider are:
• Browse the Internet
• Use email and texting
• Call for emergency 911
• Access directory assistance
• Reliability with minimal service interruption
• 24/7 customer support
All of your users will share SIP trunks at the company’s host site. It is sold per channel, which is why it is scalable. It ensures the bandwidth is used for other transmissions at low usage times. Since it is cost effective and flexible, it is the preferred offering by most service providers.
Some Considerations
You may wonder if SIP is necessary at this point in the growth of your company. Some things that will help you decide are:
• Are you thinking about getting an IP PBX?
• Do you require multiple PRIs?
• Do you have several office sites?
• Does your business often experience busy signals and insufficient phone lines?
The Main Benefits of SIP Trunking
• Reduced communication costs with more features. You will save up to 45 percent on line legacy rental charges and you will not need dedicated personnel for IT management with your voice and data on one network.
• Employees are connected to your central office no matter where they are. You get communications from multiple locations at no cost.
• The system can always be expanded as your company grows. You can add additional voice channels and port your existing numbers as well as create a virtual presence for your business.
• Faster recovery from down time than for fixed line and circuit-switched lines.
• Reduced toll charges for long distance calls.
• SIP providing web-based management systems.
Advanced Features
Your SIP trunk provider may offer advanced features. These allow all parts of your business to be connected including employees, customers, vendors and suppliers. This connection is through the Internet, audio and video conferencing, call recording and call centers. Your service provider can create a custom solution with your SIP trunking that suits your business. Experts will learn your business and tell you your communication options. Your system will be regularly updated as the latest technology becomes available.
How to Choose a SIP Trunk Provider
Several factors make a good SIP trunk provider. When you are looking for a provider, it is recommended to ask about security. Since SIP trunks are on the Internet, the provider must offer an anti-fraud system.
If you do not already have an IP-PBX system, you will need the hardware. Make sure your provider offers money-back investment protection. It should also provide online account management and expert project managers.
You can find out if the provider has its own network, or is a rebranded service. It is best to have a provider that has its own service and network because it means it will control the first and last mile of service. This gives clear voice calls that are secure and always prioritized over data communications. The voice packets never travel outside the private network. It does not need to use the public Internet.
You should always compare costs. SIP wholesale may be an advantage for your business. It will be to your advantage if the provider can port all of your existing numbers.
Customer service is one of the most important aspects of any business. Today, testimonials and comments appear on the Internet immediately, and the best way to make sure your customers are happy is to be able to handle their problems quickly and clearly.
High quality point-to-point voice communications such as VOPI services have proven to eliminate many challenges that businesses face when they use conventional VoIP services. It is worth looking into the best SIP providers for your company. You will save money and improve your communications with every aspect of your business.