Simple steps to SIP migration from ISDN
If you’re still running most of your calls over ISDN, it’s worth taking a serious look at how easy it is to switch to cheaper, more flexible SIP connectivity.
Why make the switch?
Until recently ISDN had been the only viable choice for most companies – from SMEs to large corporations – to ensure business-grade telephony. But the last 12 months has seen a surge of UK organisations switching to SIP as a more cost-effective way to run their business while improving productivity. So why now?
Benefits in brief
SIP is proven, low-risk and, with an experienced partner, it’s easy to upgrade. By enabling you to cut costs, boost productivity and create a more flexible workforce, the benefits of switching to SIP speak for themselves:
- Make significant savings on line rental and call costs
- Reduce the quantity of ISDN lines with minimal upfront capital expenditure
- Increase call capacity to connect multi-site locations and remote workers
- Avoid complicated discount structures or long-term lock-ins
- Make free calls between your branches and offices
- Boost resilience for reliable, high-quality connectivity
- Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery
- Enable flexible working while controlling costs
- Expand call capacity with same-day effect
- Add new geographic numbers for any UK or ROI area code.
Who’s making the move?
With nearly a million SIP Trunks already in service, forward-looking companies in every sector are making the switch. Honda UK, for example, has demonstrated 45% cost savings on voice calls and line rental by implementing SIP Trunks. Colleagues can use their work telephone from any location, including their home office. In addition, Honda has improved its resilience and disaster recovery support.
The technology low-down
Session Initiation Protocol or SIP is the IP standard used by most telecommunications service providers to replace ISDN or analogue telephony services. SIP calls are made over Internet Protocol (IP) data networks, using a broadband network connection that has sufficient bandwidth for the number of simultaneous calls to be carried. SIP is an open standard, has been extensively tested and is supported by practically every UK network equipment vendor.
Migration made easy
By following some tried-and-trusted migration methods, and working with an experienced partner, the transition should be smooth and seamless.
- Size your IP connection: this will depend on how many callers you want to connect at once – a wide range of options enable easy scale-ability, from a handful of lines to hundreds of users.
- Get set-up: setting up phones at your premises or for your homeworkers can be easily enabled by connecting a SIP Trunk to your IP PBX or PBX gateway.
- Boost resilience: disaster recovery provision can easily be set up in advance so that SIP calls can immediately be redirected without service disruption.
- Plan to port your numbers: this is possible between most of the main UK telecommunications companies – but take care to double check first.
- Test your set-up: fix any connectivity, LAN, WAN and firewall issues before porting any numbers and going live.
Secure your systems: check firewalls, system and user account passwords to minimise any risks that could compromise your security.
So, what are you waiting for?
The shift to SIP is gathering momentum. Whatever your current set up, there will almost certainly be scope for your business to benefit. So, isn’t it time to look into making the switch?
If you want more information please contact us or phone our office phone at the top right of this page to speak with one of our team!