PBX & SIP

By Catherine Hensley
Updated: April 29, 2011

As the economic marketplace becomes increasingly more global in scope, business owners want practical and reliable solutions for handling their telecommunications needs. Communications services and tools often represent a signification investment on the part of a business, so it’s important to select features and components that are versatile, dependable, and cost-efficient. PBX systems are all three, making them an attractive option for businesses.

A PBX system distributes calls throughout a company’s network through IP telephone lines. Incoming calls come through a traditional telephone service provider’s network or a company’s broadband Internet connection. PBX systems are generally compatible with older telephone systems, and they do not always require a fast Internet connection. These advantages have made them popular particularly with small business owners.

On-Site PBX

Many on-site PBX systems offer users numerous features and upgrade capabilities. On-site systems, hosted at the company’s actual physical location, can be upgraded or downgraded depending on the company’s telecommunications needs at any time. Additional call space for voice messages and added security features are just two of the many add-on options available. Many features are easy to install and don’t even require the presence of a technician.

SIP Trunking

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunking is a way to bolster the efficiency of a PBX system (http://www.ip5280.com/voip-blog/201-what-are-the-benefits-of-sip-trunking-over-traditional-pri). Telephone trunking is a smart option to consider both to increase workplace productivity and cost-savings. With telephone trunking, multiple phone conversations are transported long distances through only a single connection line. This greatly reduces telecommunications costs for businesses with multiple locations and many employees.

An SIP trunk line requires just three parts — a PBX with a trunk side to enable the SIP, a provider offering Internet telephone or SIP-trunking service, and an “enterprise edge device,” which is capable of understanding and working with the SIP. It also most often will use the same Internet access that is used for data. Additionally, SIP trunking service provides a number of enticing features, including IM-call screening and third-party interfacing. Monthly rates and calling fees are usually less than with other trunking types, another bonus to investing in an SIP trunk line.

With so many telecommunications tools available, making the right choice for your business, both financially and functionally, is crucial. Ensuring that your business can expand its communications reach to partners and clients around the world is possible with telephone systems like PBX and efficiency-boosting tools like SIP telephone trunking. It’s never been easier to grow your business and reduce costs at the same time.
 

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