What Should You Consider Before Investing in a SIP Phone?

Internet-based phone services – better known as VoIP or session initiation protocol (SIP) phones – are typically less expensive than a traditional phone line, while also boasting more benefits in the long run. Companies are increasingly turning to SIP phones for increased efficiency, productivity and lighter costs. It wouldn’t hurt to think about investing in a VoIP/SIP phone solution yourself. If you are, here are some good things to consider before doing so as presented by the L.A. Times.

- Internet Connection

When switching to a SIP phone, know that your calls will now be going over the open Internet, not over the local phone company’s copper wires. In light of this, to secure optimum efficiency, you have to make sure you have reliable broadband service.

- Software-based Services

If you’ve done some research, you’ve probably already discovered that the most inexpensive offerings – even some that are free – involve you downloading software which leads to you making calls from your computer to another computer. Video chat can also be included in this, the L.A. Times says. “For a little more money, you can make computer-to-phone calls. Skype, Yahoo Voice and Google (News - Alert) Voice are among your choices,” it adds.

- Device-based Services

Depending on the provider, you can enjoy device-based services, which will let you use your phone as usual, but without your computer needing to be actively operating to make calls. Even better, cable companies who offer VoIP usually send a technician to hook up the adapter, so little to no work resides in your hands.

- Additional Features

When looking for the best SIP phone solution for your business, make sure you thoroughly look at the range of additional features the provider has stocked up. While most providers offer a range of packages and prices, it all depends on how much you use your phone and whether you want specific features, such as voicemail or caller I.D., L.A. Times explains. One thing it absolutely suggests checking into is to make sure they offer 911 services. “It typically is available with device-based services, but not with software-based ones,” it advises.

- Outages

Since VoIP phones rely solely on the Internet, suffering a power outage could mean no phone service for you. This can be considered one of the only serious side effects of embracing SIP. While some Internet providers and VoIP companies offer backup batteries to provide temporary service, you must first make sure that this is something you’re willing to compromise or adapt to.

Image via Panasonic (News - Alert)

After considering the following five things, you’re sure to be on your way to successful SIP phone solution!

Looking for the right SIP phone provider? Do yourself a favor and check out what Panasonic has to offer. Not only are they a globally trusted name, but their revolutionary SIP phone solutions speak for themselves to provide a more flexible, expandable and reliable way to deploy users’ SIP-based telephony.

The benefits of SIP are plenty, and are especially compelling in today’s business environment – and economy – where every dollar holds its value. A SIP phone system is a perfect and simple solution for small businesses or even larger SIP endpoint deployments. See what Panasonic can do for you today!

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