The field of session initiation protocol (SIP) trunking is one that's commonly in flux. It's been around for quite some time, but even now it's adding new developments and making itself better in the attempt. This week, meanwhile, proved no different; a host of new developments emerged in the field, and we were right there to bring back the news. But all this news makes for a complex environment, one that we're about to make just a little simpler with the coming of a weekend and a round of our Week in Review coverage!

First, we had a look at the rise of Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT (News - Alert)), and how this technology is rapidly becoming a voice communications tool of choice. Many of us already have these systems in our homes, these digital “cordless” phones as some call such, but even this widespread and time-tested technology has been getting some updates, including some impressive signal resiliency. A whole new generation of DECT is on the way, and already firms like SNOM are working to produce the newest tools in the line.

Next we turned our focus to 8x8 (News - Alert)'s new service-level agreement (SLA) known as the Performance Assured SLA. With this new SLA, 8x8 can offer up not only better than four-nines (99.99 percent) uptime, but also a mean opinion score of at least 3.0 for a minimum of 98 percent of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls. This may seem impossible due to issues in networks that 8x8 wouldn't even control, but 8x8 notes extreme investment in quality to produce the desired results.

NetGen Communications turned up the next bit of news, offering a complete wireless public branch exchange (PBX (News - Alert)) system, the WROC 2000 series. The company showed off same at the recently-concluded ITEXPO Miami 2015 event, and the system had plenty to offer. Packing 10 separate ports with support for 3G, 4G, and LTE (News - Alert) connectivity right out of the box, as well as support for a host of different endpoints, the system looked to provide maximum versatility and function for users.

Then we had a look at Vertical Communications, who made a move in the field to acquire CT Innovations (CTI (News - Alert)). Since Vertical deals in business communications software, CTI's blend of voice and data services should prove to be a huge boost for Vertical's offerings. Plus, Vertical also gets access to the substantial customer base CTI has established, featuring over 400 customers across four states. The integration is expected to be “...seamless...”, according to Vertical executive vice president Ben Treadway.

Finally, some exciting news came from the small and medium-sized business (SMB) front, as a new report revealed that one in three SMBs were planning to invest in new technology with 2015's arrival. The study—conducted by Zogby Analytics for Xero Limited—revealed that not only were there big plans to expand technologically, but fully 74 percent of small business owners were expecting to see growth this year. With companies seeming willing to put money on the line for such predictions, it might well prove a big year indeed.

That was the week that was in SIP trunking, and clearly, there was a lot going on. Our global online community was right in the thick of it, bringing back the best in news and showing us where this market was headed. So be sure to join us back here next week for all the latest, and every weekend as well for our Week in Review coverage!