Do you know your VoIP from your SIP?

Published Wednesday 17th April 2019

No, we are not talking pensions. With Openreach announcing the ‘end of ISDN’ by not supporting it beyond 2025, businesses who haven’t already modernised their communication systems will need to do so.

This will mean introducing IP Telephony, VoIP and SIP, but, as with all technologies, it may not be easy to determine the best solution for your business. The decision you make will be an important one, as contracts can be longer, termination charges greater and changing suppliers again may not be as straightforward as it was with the ‘old’ technology. You may find yourself effectively locked-in by your new contract which could be difficult, costly or time consuming to get out of should you wish or need to as your business changes. Even your current contract may complicate matters!

Done the right way, you can reduce cost, transform your business competitiveness and become more efficient. Remember that this is not just about you getting a supplier to implement a new phone system, but choosing the right one and managing that change effectively will ensure you reap the benefits available.

The terminology can be confusing. Although SIP and VoIP both support IP Telephony, they are not the same. VoIP is typically associated with Skype or a cloud-based phone system, and SIP supports larger organisations with multiple locations and multimedia communication requirements. VoIP is a range of ‘protocols’ (of which SIP is one) which enable IP telephony and other means of communication over a private or public (e.g. Internet) network.

Planning for the end of ISDN

If you need to plan for the ‘end of ISDN’, consider the following:

• Will you use a solution simply to replace your existing voice communications, or take advantage of the latest features which can make your business more efficient and competitive? The trick here is to focus on the business first and then the technology.
• What type of implementation will meet your needs both now and in the future?
• Will you have equipment on your premises, hosted for you or use a cloud service? Consider which of these options is the right one for you, and why.
• Does your existing contract allow you to make changes without any ‘surprises’?
• Will your new contract pose any risks in the future?

Our Communications team can help you plan and choose the best and most cost-effective telephony solutions to agreed timescales. Just be warned that leaving it too late may pose additional risks to your business.

About the Author: John Trimble, has an impressive record of delivering savings and using his expertise to help clients with their communications needs. His background enables him to use his analytical, negotiating, project management skills to obtain the best prices, solution and service whilst minimising any risk of change and/or technical issues/problems.