When it comes to a business phone system, many different options are available. Choosing the right option will depend on your company’s needs and goals.
One popular option is SIP trunking. But what is SIP, and how does it compare to VoIP? This article will explore the pros and cons of each option.
Cost
Unlike traditional enterprise phone systems, which typically require a large upfront investment in hardware, when you compare VoIP and SIP with other systems, they are much more affordable for businesses to implement and maintain. A monthly service plan covers local and toll-free calling, long-distance fees, and international call tolls.
SIP trunks also reduce the cost of the underlying infrastructure, replacing PRI lines with virtual channels that can handle many calls simultaneously. This means you can add more lines as your business grows without incurring the high initial costs associated with traditional telephony solutions.
With remote and hybrid working becoming the norm in most industries, keeping communication channels open and functioning seamlessly 100% of the time can be challenging. However, SIP can help by allowing users to transfer data packets for videoconferencing, instant messaging, media distribution, and other collaboration technologies.
Security
Comparing SIP and VoIP are used in tandem to enable business phone services. But pitting them against each other to determine a clear winner doesn’t work. They’re like mozzarella cheese and pizza, each providing their unique qualities.
Traditional enterprise business phone systems require a significant investment of money to implement and maintain. There were costs for new hardware, a monthly service plan, long-distance fees, and international call tolls. Plus, employees had to ensure they worked from a place with an exceptional internet connection.
On the other hand, VoIP solutions offer several benefits for businesses of all sizes and types.
Convenience
VoIP requires no investment in infrastructure and can be easily configured to accommodate business growth. On the other hand, SIP trunking can require a higher level of technical expertise and attention to telephony infrastructure when setting up your company’s phone system.
SIP works by converting voice signals into data packets that communicate with each other through proxy servers. These act like automated switchboard operators that relay call invitations between SIP-enabled endpoints.
Using SIP trunking allows businesses to replace traditional copper wire telephone lines with a data-based network infrastructure that can connect digital phones and unified communication (UC) platforms. The cost savings are significant, especially for organizations that utilize fiber-optic internet connections.
Scalability
In the business world, scalability is crucial. You must ensure you have a communications solution to keep pace with your growing team, especially regarding remote and hybrid working.
The scalability of a VoIP system depends on the underlying infrastructure. This can be an IP PBX or SIP trunking. A SIP trunk uses a session border controller (SBC), which can be hardware connected to your router or IP PBX or software downloaded on the server of your IP PBX and router.
SBCs function as the point of connection between your business telephony network and the PSTN, helping connect devices. They also provide redundancy so your business can continue communication despite a cyber-attack or network disruption.
Flexibility
Modern businesses rely on top-notch communication tools to share project data, disseminate performance feedback, and plan as a cohesive team. Finding the right VoIP and SIP gateway provider can help you avoid expensive costs by saving on the number of traditional phone lines used.
With SIP, VoIP systems can use the same internet connection to provide audio and video calls over long distances and internationally. This eliminates the need for separate voice and data networks, significantly reducing expenses.
Furthermore, SIP provides flexibility and future-proofing by enabling companies to integrate their communications systems with new software platforms. This ensures business operations continue even during a cyber-attack or network disruption. It also makes adding and removing communication tools based on business needs easier.
