How Can SIP Trunking Benefit Your Business?

Businesses of all sizes rely heavily on their communications networks to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Your business telephone system not only provides a direct line to your customers and clients, it also provides the networking capabilities that help to make your office and workforce more productive and efficient.

However, not all telephony systems are created equal. For many small businesses, the traditional communications network no longer offers the functionality and flexibility they need, at a cost that suits their bottom line.

That’s why many small business owners are turning to SIP, or Session Initiation Protocol, for all of their voice and data needs. SIP can provide your business with the flexibility and diverse functionality you need from a telephony system, and all at a cost that will keep your accounting department happy.

What Is SIP Trunking?

Session Initiation Protocol or SIP Trunking uses VoIP technology to connect a business’ private branch exchange (PBX) to the internet.

With SIP trunking, businesses no longer need to rely on conventional telephony service for their communication needs. Unlike conventional telephony services, where bundles of wire are used to connect a business to a service provider, SIP trunking uses the public internet as a conduit to provide fluid and flexible communications services.

With SIP businesses can enjoy all of the data and voice services they need, at a fraction of the cost of traditional land lines.

The Benefits of SIP Trunking

SIP trunking offers a number of distinct benefits for the small business owner. More than simply cost effective, SIP trunking can provide the voice and data services that businesses need to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

The following examples are just some of the advantages that come with SIP trunking.

• An End To Separate Voice and Data Connections – With SIP trunking there is no longer any need for separate voice and data services. SIP enhances a business’ communications power and flexibility by combining data and voice services in one easy to manage package. Moreover, the basic SIP trunking infrastructure is capable of handling additional voice and data traffic as your business grows.
• Multi-Site Capability – A single SIP trunking account can provide voice and data services for any sized business. Companies with multiple offices can use a single SIP trunking account to provide service to all of their locations.
• All Calls Become Local Calls – Because SIP calls travel over the internet, long distance charges can be reduced, or even eliminated. Out of state, and overseas, calls travel over the internet to a termination point owned by your SIP service provider. They are then transferred to a local PSTN, or public switched telephone network, where they become, in essence, local calls.
• An End to Expensive 800 Numbers – All business is international these days, and businesses have come to rely on 800 numbers to facilitate communication across the country and around the world. But maintaining an 800 number can be costly. Because calls are carried over the internet, SIP trunking eliminates the need for a dedicated 800 number.

Infrastructure Costs and Return on Investment

Transitioning to an SIP trunking service is extremely cost effective, requiring only a minimal investment. Converting to a VoIP/SIP telephony service will require IP ready phone handsets and possibly a PBX (phone system).

You might also want to install a SIP conscious firewall in your network to maintain security. Most businesses that adopt an SIP trunking service see a quick return on their initial investment, often in as little as six months.

The benefits of SIP trunking for businesses are many, and go well beyond simply saving money.

The increased flexibility and functionality that comes with combining your voice and data communication needs via one service can help to create a more responsive and productive workforce, and can give your business the communication power it needs to compete on a larger scale.