basics of sip
TRANSCRIPT
Converged Communication Systems (CCS), an IP Telephony / Unified Communications provider and BBB Accredited Business, has been delivering best-in-class solutions for its clients for over a decade. CCS has been recognized as a Channel Partners 360°Award winner, listed on the CRN Fast Growth 150 and named to Inc. 500|5000’s list of fastest growing companies in America for the second year in a row. CCS offers a portfolio of cloud and premise solutions including IP telephony (VoIP/SIP), network services (MPLS/Fiber), collaboration/video, mobility, call centers, and more. Our team of IT experts works collaboratively leveraging our unparalleled $2.5 Million Network Operations Center to provide world class service.
IP Telephony / Unified Communications Solutions for All Industries
January 2014 Issue
Basicsof SIP
of Cloud-Based Phone SystemsPe
rks
Post-Holiday BYOD
Post-Holiday BYOD
Why Hosted
PBX?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a cloud-based service delivery system being utilized more and more in the telephony world.
In a traditional phone operating system, each phone line requires its own wires given by the telephone service provider. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) works on a cloud-based system, so a reliable high-speed Internet connection, a service provider and the hardware is all that’s needed. When deciding if SIP is the best option for your business, there are a couple things to consider.
ApplicAtions: SIP technology works best in small-to-medium sized applications. If a large number of extensions are needed, Key System Unit (KSU) can be used through the SIP connections.
To function properly, SIP requires a moderate-to-high speed internet connection. To install, the SIP telephone is connected to the switch and then just programmed and configured. The size of the switch varies on the number of extensions. Like with traditional network limitations, 100 meters of Cat wire is the max between the switch and SIP telephone.
HArdwAre: In addition to the standard numeric keys, the SIP telephones tend to have many other function buttons. Some of the features found include soft buttons, more SIP account numbers and larger LCD readouts, as well as being able to interact with surveillance cameras or control systems.
You would also have the standard features of a KSU system such as voicemail, caller ID, wireless headset compatibility and conferencing. Another great feature of SIP systems is the ability to link extensions across the world. With just a few buttons, a caller can be transferred from an office in Chicago to one thousands of miles away in India and vice versa.
cost: One of the biggest positives of the SIP system is the cost. Not only is the equipment less than a KSU system, but the cost per phone line is as well.Some service providers offer a flat rate fee while some offer a per-minute basis deal, but regardless, the cost per phone line is typically under $50. Since that includes all of the features mentioned, plus the long distance at no additional cost, it makes sense that SIP is gaining such traction. On top of the money that can be saved, some service providers are even offering residual income opportunities for the installer.
To learn about our SIP services, contact your CCS consultant.
Just sip it, sip it GoodThe Basics of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
On a cloud-based phone system, the space is rented and since that space does not cost that
much, the monthly charges will not be high. In addition, the network is based on a separate server with someone else looking after it. That means no maintenance costs.
With the cloud system, being out of the office is never a problem.
All you would need is an internet connection to be able to connect to the network and make yourself reachable to customers at all times.
There are a wide variety of options
available. Look at all the choices before picking which one to use.
Speaking of maintenance, that is the second perk. Since the
system is run by another company, that means no the maintenance is someone else’s problem. Your attention can then be focused on more important matters.
Perks of Cloud-Based Telephone Systems
You’re probably already familiar with the concept of a cloud system, but if you haven’t already, you should consider the potential benefits for your business’ communication system.
While certain technology will remain valuable in your office forever, your phone system might not be one of them. Here are just a few perks to look into a VoIP system.
Maintenance
Mobility
Cost
Another advantage is the ability to alter the cloud services based on your needs. During busier
periods of your business, you can choose add space and during quieter times, you can subtract just as easily. This flexibility in space will also add to the savings.
Flexibility
Choices
To learn about our cloud-based phone systems, contact your CCS consultant.
Communication Renovation: With virtual PBX systems, your office is wherever you are. With just an internet connection, a business can now communicate far beyond a cubicle.
No Borders, No ProBlemsIn this day and age, it’s rare for a business to operate solely in a single office space. A virtual phone system allows people working remotely or seeing customers constantly to be just as connected as if they were in the office. Especially for service providers like plumbers or electricians, when it wouldn’t make sense to work out of a facility, a traditional phone system wouldn’t be beneficial. So with VoIP, there isn’t need to spend money on a pubic workspace.
With a virtual phone system, you can make and receive calls regardless of location. And even without an internet connection, calls can be forwarded to a cellular phone. A fax can be read on a computer or a smart phone. That ability to receive information from your clients constantly will greatly enhance your interactions with them.
makiNg the switchMaking the leap to hosted VoIP PBX system doesn’t take much. There is no hassle and no service interruptions necessary. No hardware will be installed in your office, and it makes no difference if you need two lines or 200.
In fact, it isn’t even necessary to buy a traditional phone. A computer or any device with speakers and a microphone can download the software necessary to make and receive any calls.
get suPPortThe VoIP providers offer technical support, account support and telecom service usually 24 hours a day. And if you’re not an expert in troubleshooting of phone systems, as most people aren’t, there is never a need to hire a technician to maintain it.
To learn about our hosted PBX services, contact your CCS consultant.
hosted PBX servicehosted PBX servicehosted PBX service
N au g h t y or Nice Device
W i th the holidays at an end, tis the season for technology upgrades. With commercials for various smart phones, tablets and laptops airing during every commercial break on almost every channel, it’s safe to assume that many employees will be returning to work after the holidays with a new device of some sort. As an employer, this can create some post-holiday headaches.
Regardless of the season, the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend has become relatively standard at many compa-nies. And with BYOD, CIO’s now have the challenge of trying to control it with mobile device management (MDM).
However, there doesn’t seem to be any agreement on the best strategy for dealing with these mobile devices. IT professionals have been pushing for something more, mainly enterprise mobility management (EMM). However, IT consultant Patrick Gray argued last month in TechRepublic that applying a “$1,500 solution to a $300 problem” was ridiculous. He suggested that IT professionals should be focusing on mobile application management, (MAM) so the company’s application will be safe no matter the device it’s being used on.
Another perspective would say that MDM and MAM are still not enough and that security requires a multi-layer approach. In ZDNET last month, security administrator Ken Hess said that external security sources make users feel taken over by their employers. He explains that the security needs to be enforced by the manufacturer of the devices.
With the range of devices available, that becomes a challenge in itself since not all devices are created equal. An-droid devices have the reputation of being less secure, although the newer Samsung Android ones do have built-in security features. And while iOS are much more difficult to get into, it also makes it more difficult for IT to manage the devices.
Hence the headaches. It mainly comes down to what the employees are going to use it for. If employees are going to be accessing high-level corporate intellectual property on their personal devices, beefed up security from mul-tiple angles is a must. But if they’re just using it for e-mail, then that’s a different issue. The bottom line is with the range of devices to choose from and the different uses that accompany them, one universal solution does not exist.
To learn about the best BYOD solution for your company’s unique needs, contact your CCS consultant.
Headaches of Post-Holiday BYOD
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Converged Communication Systems (CCS), an IP Telephony / Unified Communications provider and BBB Accredited Business, has been delivering best-in-class solutions for its clients for over a decade. CCS has been recognized as a Channel Partners 360°Award winner, listed on the CRN Fast Growth 150 and named to Inc. 500|5000’s list of fastest growing companies in America for the second year in a row. CCS offers a portfolio of cloud and premise solutions including IP telephony (VoIP/SIP), network services (MPLS/Fiber), collaboration/video, mobility, call centers, and more. Our team of IT experts works collaboratively leveraging our unparalleled $2.5 Million Network Operations Center to provide world class service.