Cloud-based communications services are causing nothing short of a revolution in the world of business computing. Faster networks and mobile-friendly applications mean that users can collaborate from anywhere and with any device, while small and medium-sized businesses can now compete in arenas that were previously inaccessible to them.
As more and more companies move to the cloud, a similar revolution is happening as small and mid-sized businesses ditch their older public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) for SIP trunking. Transparency Market Research estimates that the SIP trunking services market will leap from $4.5 billion in revenue in 2015 to $20.7 billion in 2024. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and in fact, analysts agree that SIP trunking is only in the early stages of adoption.
So, what is it that makes SIP trunking such a smart choice for small and medium businesses? Here are 10 ways businesses can benefits from SIP trunking:
1. Cost savings
Many startups and small companies don’t have the kind of initial capital to invest that traditional telecom setups require. Smaller businesses need to pay more attention to their financial situations, and SIP trunking is a great option for those looking for ways to cut costs. Switching to SIP trunking might be able to dramatically reduce call costs for companies, perhaps as much as 30 to 60 percent.
2. Quick return on investment
By immediately shrinking expenditures and removing the need for pricey equipment, moving to SIP trunking will have a quick impact on a company’s financials. After migrating, many businesses notice significant savings within six months to a year.
3. Scalability
SIP trunking is available to serve companies both large and small. Unlike POTS (“plain old telephone service”) and T1/PRI lines, SIP trunking can be scaled as a business grows, during peak times of operation or as demand rises and falls throughout the year. This type of pay-as-you-go service is more convenient and friendlier on the wallet.
4. Flexibility
Businesses using SIP trunking who face a sudden change in their situation can easily cancel or change their plans, without feeling locked in because they invested a huge chunk of capital up front.
5. Rich features and functionalities
The benefits of SIP trunking will alter the way businesses think about telecommunications. Essentially, all calls using SIP trunks are local calls, which reduce long-distance charges and eliminates the need for 800 numbers while maintaining the convenience for customers.
6. Mobility
For companies who are looking to be more mobile friendly, SIP trunking is a natural choice. When employees are traveling or working from home, their calls can be rerouted to their cell phone, allowing them to reach customers more quickly.
7. Reliability
As a corollary to the previous point, using SIP trunking improves reliability because calls can be rerouted in the event of a power outage or downed phone line. Switching to SIP trunking, when optimized, is typically an improvement over traditional phone services using time division multiplexing (TDM).
8. Unified communications
UC systems unite voice, data, instant messaging, presence and application sharing, all within a single service. SIP trunking is a natural gateway to start with for businesses interested in adopting a UC system from one of the many unified communications providers.
9. Ease of use
SIP trunking providers give their clients a straightforward, user-friendly interface for use by managers and employees.
10. Geographic reach
SIP trunking uses networking to combine voice and data into a single service. Businesses looking to open new outlets in another region, state or country can use SIP trunks to connect distant locations in order to expand their geographic voice and data system.
For so many small and medium businesses, the benefits of SIP trunking are a no-brainer.
