In today’s world, companies are rapidly moving to SIP for their business communications. There are numerous reasons why companies are switching from PRI to SIP. For example, SIP offers improved flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Before your company can determine if you can take advantage of these benefits, it is important to understand what PRI and SIP Trunking are.
What is PRI?
A PRI (Primary Rate Interface) is the traditional way of delivering phone service to companies. Oftentimes you use a digital PBX with your PRI service. PRI service is based on the T-carrier line that is made up of 24 channels. This amounts to 24 lines for phone service.
What is SIP?
SIP (or Session Initiation Protocol) is an application layer protocol that you use to send voice and data. SIP allows for all of the functions found on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). However, where SIP differs is that you use the internet to make and receive calls. Therefore, you can replace your PRI analog circuits. Here are the benefits of replacing those analog circuits with virtual ones:
Cost-Effectiveness
Replacing your costly analog lines with SIP trunks can instantly save as much as 40-50% off of your monthly business phone bills. There are a few different reasons why SIP is less expensive, but one big reason is that it merges your existing voice and data networks into a single network. You can also save on long-distance calls because all of your calls are now virtual.
Reliability
When looking to switch from PRI to SIP, voice quality is one of the most important things to consider. When looking for a provider, you need to consider if they are capable of reducing technical issues.
Scalability
SIP Trunking is meant to be more flexible and scalable than PRI. For example, you can scale your SIP solution slowly, based on your specific needs. With traditional systems, adding or removing lines depended on the provider. You also had to physically install the lines. With SIP Trunking, it is done virtually.
If you have any questions regarding SIP Trunking, please contact Intuity today at (800) 811-1086. Please feel free to also follow us on Twitter.