July 19, 2012

SIP Trunking Saves Businesses from Disaster and More

By Steve Anderson
Contributing TMCnet Writer

While VoIP has rapidly caught on at the enterprise level, technologies associated with it like SIP trunking have not caught on with the same kind of fervor. But in the process, many enterprise users are potentially overlooking not only a way to shore up the bottom line, but even snatch victory from the jaws of defeat should a disaster strike.

SIP trunks are simply a subclass of VoIP technology, in that both allow for calls to be made using an Internet connection, but an SIP trunk takes that a step farther by allowing one Internet connection to handle multiple calls at once, thus boosting the overall utility of the setup. This provides several benefits in its own right, including allowing local numbers to be brought in--many people will not deal with a company that isn't "local" to them, and having that "local" contact number provides a note of security for the user, instead of the call coming from a remote location that may not have that same level of recognition.

Moreover, for offices that move, an SIP trunking system can move with the user base, even outside of basic exchange areas, since many of its operations are in the cloud. That means no risk of lost telephone numbers and thus lost marketing efficacy when contact numbers no longer go to the call center originally set up. Plus, there's the issue of the suddenly useless business cards that need to be updated and internal contact information that needs the same updating.

This combination of factors, coupled on to the fact that SIP trunking can also yield some significant savings over traditional phone setups, especially once the issue of long distance costs get involved, means that SIP trunking represents not only savings but also improved utility when compared to traditional phone service is something that's well worth checking into. Lower costs, better utility, easier recovery from disasters or just plain moving--which some would say is a disaster in its own right--add up to make this a quality addition to a business' toolbox.

Of course, there are points to consider here as well. A separate Internet connection for SIP trunking is a good idea, as requiring the voice and data streams to share one connection can result in degradation of the signal, and that's not something that some businesses--especially small businesses--will want to try and absorb. But comparing a long distance bill against the cost of an Internet connection--or a second one, depending--may well prove the ultimate measure of SIP trunking's value.

With a little consideration and research, many businesses will likely discover that an SIP trunking system will prove to be a valuable boost to a business' capabilities and to their bottom line.

Edited by Juliana Kenny