For businesses, the right voice communication solution is crucial. Two popular options that have transformed how organisations communicate are SIP trunking and Hosted IP (VoIP). While both technologies facilitate cost-effective and feature-rich communication, they have distinct differences. In this blog, we'll explore these differences to help you make an informed choice for your customers.
Understanding SIP Trunking
SIP trunking stands for Session Initiation Protocol, a method of delivering voice and multimedia communication over the Internet. Here's what you need to know about SIP trunking:
On-Premises infrastructure: SIP trunking requires physical hardware, such as an IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and a gateway device, on the premises. This means your customers have more control over equipment but also bear the responsibility for maintenance and updates.
Scalability: SIP trunking is highly scalable, making it a great choice for businesses of all sizes. Easily add or remove channels to accommodate your customer's communication needs.
Cost efficiency: SIP trunking can save money by eliminating the need for traditional phone lines. Additionally, it often offers competitive long-distance calling rates.
Quality control: With SIP trunking, your customers have more control over the quality of their calls and the reliability of their system because they manage their infrastructure.
Exploring Hosted IP (VoIP)
Hosted IP, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a cloud-based phone system that delivers voice services over the Internet. Here's what sets it apart:
Cloud-Based infrastructure: Hosted IP doesn't require any on-premises hardware. All the infrastructure is managed and maintained by a third-party provider in the cloud, reducing your customer’s maintenance responsibilities.
Flexibility and mobility: Hosted IP is incredibly flexible and allows employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially valuable for businesses with remote workers or those seeking business continuity.
Advanced features: Hosted IP systems often come with advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail to email, video conferencing, and collaboration tools. These features can enhance productivity and teamwork.
Ease of management: With hosted IP, your customers don't need to worry about maintaining the equipment. The provider takes care of updates, security, and system maintenance, allowing your customers to focus on your business.
Key Differences and Considerations
Infrastructure: SIP trunking requires on-site equipment, while hosted IP operates in the cloud.
Scalability: Both SIP trunking and hosted IP are scalable, but SIP trunking may require more active management.
Cost: SIP trunking can be cost-effective for some businesses, but hosted IP typically requires lower upfront costs and simplified cost structures.
Features: Hosted IP offers a broader range of advanced features, making it a versatile choice for modern businesses.
Maintenance: Hosted IP minimises the burden of maintenance and updates, while SIP trunking puts more responsibility on the business.
To find out more about our Hosted and SIP products like WHC and OneHub SIP, please don’t hesitate to contact your Partner Business Manager or email us at hello@onecompartners.co.uk.
