VoIP Blog by IP5280

Session Internet Protocol, or SIP as it is commonly called, is widely used to control multimedia communication sessions over Internet protocol (IP).  Both voice and video calls can be converged into a single protocol with SIP trunking, making it widely popular with businesses both large and small.  SIP trunking allows businesses to virtually combine communications lines over the Internet using a VoIP system.  However, SIP and SIP trunking have a number of applications and uses that makes it a wise choice for businesses with complex communication needs.

SIP allows businesses to connect remote workers to the SIP trunk without VPN.  Although VPN tunnels have traditionally been considered the best way to connect remote workers, there are several reasons why SIP is superior.  While VPN necessitates that traffic from remote workers be routed to a central point for processing, SIP allows remote workers to connect directly.  In addition, many WiFi phones and dual Mobile/WiFi phones cannot support VPN clients, making it difficult for remote workers to connect through these devices.  This is not an issue with SIP.

One of the other benefits of SIP is that SIP software allows you to utilize your computers microphone and speakers as a phone.  You can directly dial landlines and cell phones from your computer when it is integrated with SIP technology.  There are also special hardware phones that you can purchase that look like a regular desktop phone but connect directly into the data port of your computer.  This makes communications simple and eliminates the need to carry both a laptop and a cell phone at all times.

The benefit of SIP trunking that allows you to integrate video onto your desktop or laptop makes video conferencing simple.  The flexibility of SIP trunking to handle all types of communication mediums is what makes it so popular.  SIP trunking offers customers the benefits of unified communications by combining various communications media into one platform.  Conference calls can be made with participants all using varied hardware with SIP trunking.  SIP eliminates the need for each party to have access to the same type of technology. 

For businesses that already have installed IP-PBX, SIP trunking allows them to communicate over IP not only within their business but also outside of their business.  It is cost effective because it eliminates the need for local PSTN gateways.  With the addition of a simple standard integrated access device or gateway router, businesses can simplify their network management and connect their legacy phone system using SIP trunking.  SIP trunking has the added benefits of voice mail, user specific features and auto attendants that are not standard with PBX.  There is no need to purchase costly new hardware when a business sets up with SIP trunking since it is possible for them to utilize their existing hardware. 

If you are a business looking to take your communications platform to the next level and you already have an existing IP-PBX set up, consider the benefits of SIP trunking.  There are many providers that can get you quickly set up with SIP trunking with a minimal start up cost. 
 

The technology of communication has soured in the last 100 years.  From the days of the simple dial up telephones that required live operators to connect calls, we have the state of the art real time unified communications today.  Unified communications is the integration of all the real time communications services, and includes IP telephone systems, video conferencing, instant messaging, call recognition and call control.  It also includes non real time communication services such as unified messaging, which is the integration of voice mail, email, SMS and fax. Unified communications has given small and medium sized businesses an edge in the market today, allowing them to compete on a leveled playing field with large businesses by supplying them with access to high tech communications at a competitive cost.

Unified communications is now available at a very competitive rate through many Internet protocol, or IP services.  Choosing to set your business communications up with VoIP can allow you a full range of communications features without the need to invest in expensive equipment.  You can utilize your existing hardware, such as computers, laptops, and cell phones to make and receive calls and messages.  In this way it allows small and medium sized businesses the ability to compete with large businesses.  Unified communications adds a great deal of professionalism to any business.  Most importantly, unified communications reduces response time and perceived speed, which is essential in today's world of fast paced business transactions, for decision making and acting upon instructions.

There are several choices of unified communications services that a business can go with today.  Hosted PBX is a way for business to have all the flexibility and features of a PBX phone service but without any expensive hardware to buy.  This unified communications system allows for incoming calls to go through a central hub where they are then transferred to your communications hardware of choice.  Incoming calls and faxes can be forwarded to your computer, email, cell phone or sent as a text message.  This allows for little or no downtime between calls coming in and you receiving them, since calls can be forwarded to anywhere you happen to be.  Say goodbye to the days of missed calls because you were out of the office.  With unified communications, your office can be anywhere your cell phone or laptop is operating.

SIP trunking is another application of unified communications that can be used by businesses that already have PBX equipment.  SIP trunking converges existing communications systems into one easy interface using VoIP technology.  Existing legacy phone systems are connected to a broadband connection through a standard integrated access device or gateway router.  Added benefits include voice mail, user specific features and auto attendants that may not have been standard with your existing PBX.

Businesses that make the switch to a unified communications system will find their businesses transactions to be smoother and more efficient.  Communications costs can also actually be lowered as a result of a switch to unified communications.  If you want to give your business an added edge, then its time to make the switch to unified communications.


 

There comes a time in every business’s life where an outside opinion can really have an impact on direction and the success of some very key decisions. Sometimes, the internal eye cannot see the problems a business may encounter, and a third, expert opinion can help kick start a slow business, indicate an area that may need improvement, or bring fresh eyes to management practices.

A professional IT consulting service can provide that and a lot more. Depending on the area of expertise, a professional IT consulting service can help with a change in management, offering valuable suggestions of how to accomplish such a change with as little disruption as possible. Additionally, experts can pinpoint improvements that can be made in operations, implement technology advancements, or help with coaching employees to get the best performance available.

Many times a business will come up against problems outside their scope of experience, and that’s when a professional IT consulting service can be most beneficial. The experts have been there, done that, and will have valuable suggestions on how to make a transition, implement a new procedure, or help with decisions regarding the direction best for the company as a whole. Sometimes, the outside eyes are the one that see clearest.

Professional IT consulting services focus on how a company can best utilize the fast-changing world of information technology. The field changes so fast it can be difficult for a business to be on the cutting edge, implementing the latest innovation for improvement. IT consultants often have a degree in computer science or a similarly related field, and are typically well-informed on the industry standards, breaking techniques, management information systems, and new software or hardware.

A professional IT consultant can also help with temporary staffing for such purposes as installing new technology, handling large projects, or in response to a shortage of employees. Internal consultants are popular in recent years, as the expert is generally familiar with the company, how it works, and the internal professional IT consultant can be less expensive than hiring an outside vendor.

However, internal professional IT consulting services are felt to be disadvantaged, as they may not be as objective as the project requires. An internal consultant also doesn’t have the advantage of working with other companies and developing several options regarding best practices. It is also, in some circumstances, not cost-effective to maintain internal professional IT consulting services, and when budget cuts become a priority, it is often the internal consult cut first.

For new and innovative technologies, major upgrades, or issues with direction, professional IT consulting services can help guide a business for optimal benefits. Information technology is a fast moving industry, and it can be difficult to keep up. Consulting with IT professionals can assist a company in many areas.
 

Cloud computing offers many benefits to companies as well as risks. The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) has recently released a report regarding cloud computing and the inherent risks, benefits, and recommendations for a company to consider about security and management of their information. This is the first report to take a thorough and autonomous view of technical and legal issues, as well as the risks and benefits for users.

The benefits of cloud computing are clear. Providers have an edge with instant defensive resources such as filtering and re-routing. Security patches can be quickly and efficiently dispersed, and providers can utilize complete diagnostic evidence to help pinpoint the problem. However, there are security risks to cloud computing, and ENISA recommends a security checklist to assist customers in asking the right questions.

Included on the check list are questions regarding who has access to what information; where the data is stored; what happens to deleted information. These are issues that need to be addressed before the best option for security and management of data and information is chosen. Other questions that need to be answered are:

•    Who sees the information?
•    What happens when there is a loss of information?
•    How secure is your information? Will your competitor have access to shared cloud information?
•    How easy is it to change services providers if necessary?

Reviewing your service agreement is imperative to understanding the options offered by your provider and knowing exactly what you can expect should something go wrong. Although you cannot prevent every disaster, being educated and aware of the risks and benefits of cloud computing can help your company optimize security and management of your information.

The ENISA report covers all the technical and legal implications of cloud computing, and offers detailed recommendations regarding security and management of the heart and soul of a company. Says Giles Hogben, an ENISA expert and editor of the report, "The business case for cloud computing is obvious - it's computing on tap, available instantly, commitment-free and on-demand. But the number one issue holding many people back is security - how can I know if it's safe to trust the cloud provider with my data and in some cases my entire business infrastructure?"

It can be a frightening prospect, to put the security and management of information in the hands of another entity, but the benefits seem to outweigh the risks with a reputable company. The key is the same as for any other big business decision – do your homework, ask questions, and investigate different options until you find the perfect fit for your particular needs.