Is SIP the same as VoIP?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between SIP and VoIP calling. They’re similar, but the functionality of each differs.

Voice over IP is often used as a sort of catch-all term for internet telecommunications or any kind of internet telephony system. In reality, though, it’s the name for the fundamental technology that allows internet calling, while SIP is most associated with a certain type of VoIP roll-out.

SIP is a protocol that’s used to maintain and initiate telecommunications in a business VoIP phone system. A VoIP phone uses codecs to convert voice signals into digital packets that can be compressed and transmitted to the other end of the line, while SIP protocol is one particular protocol that enables SIP trunking.

What’s SIP trunking? It’s the use of SIP trunks in the place of analog phone lines. In short, it’s how you can connect multiple channels to your PBX, to enable your existing infrastructure to make calls over the internet.

1. Saves your business money

One of the great things about using SIP calling to update your communications system is that it cuts down on maintenance costs and saves you money. Your current phone bill is based on per-minute charges, international calling charges, and regular maintenance work. By switching to a SIP trunk-based setup, you virtually eliminate all of these costs.

• Hefty per-minute charges are replaced with unlimited calling capabilities
• No more sizable bills for regular maintenance upgrades
• No more hefty installation costs
• Lower chance of service disruptions (meaning you can make more money)

The result? Lots more cost savings!

Most SIP providers handle the set-up and installation for you, making it easier for you to focus on what’s most important; serving your customers and growing your business.

3. Easier integration with other communication channels

Since SIP paves the way for VoIP phone systems, you’ll be able to leverage a lot more multimedia technology.

From voice calls and video conferencing to instant messages and audio calls, you’ll have a range of different communication channels at your fingertips, all of which are much more easily integrated with your phone system.

This is the very essence of unified communications and is a great way of streamlining business communications and bringing your team together, particularly if you operate via a hybrid or remote working model.

What does this mean for your business?

• Instead of relying on just one channel to communicate through, you’ll have access to many. Not only will this increase productivity and engagement within your team, but it will also build up that sense of a ‘physical connection’ even if you’re all working remotely.
• Being able to see someone and read their body language goes a long way, and the suite of communication options will make it easier for employees to work and communicate in a way that best suits them.

_Pro-tips:

_{Once you’ve got your SIP trunking setup, you’re probably wondering which VoIP service provider to go with. You want something that’s affordable yet efficient. Something that gives you a wide range of communication tools to work with.}

_{You’ll get all that and more with 8x8’s business VoIP system. Offering up voice, video, chat, and contact center solutions, you’ll be able to upgrade your communications and offer a more seamless experience to customers and team members alike. All applications will be housed within one single application, meaning your employees won’t have to worry about toggling between different apps.}

5. Happier employees and happier customers

SIP trunking helps you streamline all business communications. Not only does this make employees’ jobs easier, but it puts a sort of domino effect into motion.

If employees are breezing through the phone system and making calls easily, it’s going to reflect in their customer service. It’s simple. Happier employees = happier customers.

7. Gives employees greater flexibility

SIP calls only need a few things to run smoothly:

• Stable internet connection (Wi-Fi, data, etc)
• Suitable device (mobile, laptop, etc.)
• Strong network connection

All this gives your employees greater freedom, enabling them to work from wherever they choose.

This is particularly handy if you operate via a hybrid or remote working model, as employees won’t just be limited to a single device.