How is SIP, VoIP Changing the Way We Work?

What’s the one thing causing the session initiation protocol (SIP) and Voice over IP (VoIP) technology landscape to change? According to this VoIP and SIP News article, it can be summed up in one word: Virtualization. As businesses increasingly adopt virtual offices and embrace virtual employees, the world itself is collaborating in a new and unique way through unified communications (UC).

The author of the article elaborates by explaining that even though he is a freelancer and bounces all around for work, it is no longer a problem for him to, say, talk to a client based in the Caribbean via live-chat platforms like Skype, to “work on a project with them at the same time via Google (News - Alert) Docs.”

You can see how this kind of technology has undoubtedly come in handy. “Although there will always be important aspects to face to face contact, in truth this new way of working can benefit everyone. There is no need to waste huge amounts of time and money hopping on trains or planes all the time, to say nothing of the negative effect that all those carbon emissions have on the planet,” the site continues.

SIP technology serves as the enabler for such things as VoIP, UC and collaboration – all of which can drastically increase your business processes by making them both more efficient and effective. “It is clear now is the time to act,” adds Peter Bernstein in this recent whitepaper, “SIP Solutions, Determining What is Right for You.”

Bernstein does an excellent job giving a brief overview of the importance of SIP in relation to VoIP, and therefore, unified communications. He explains, “SIP endpoints, as part of an overall SIP-enabled solution, move intelligence to the edge of your network…it makes your infrastructure more user-centric, controlled and friendly. SIP endpoints are also the gateways to business optimization through their ability to access and execute multiple media applications. SIP endpoints literally put you and your users in position to deliver demonstrable value today on an adaptable platform that is future ready.”

So the question is: Are you ready?

In support of the virtualization movement, the site continues, “Studies have also shown that remote workers are in fact more productive. They get to manage their own time and in doing so are more efficient with it on the whole. Many feel that they have something extra to prove by not being in an office and so work doubly hard.” SIP and VoIP seem to nicely play into this scenario.

It seems clear that VoIP and SIP are not only here to stay, but they have been significantly changing the way we work as a whole. Consider last week’s Hurricane Sandy as well as this week’s closely following Nor’easter; these kinds of communications make it easy to continue smooth operations, and have been highly praised for their ability to withstand such harsh or urgent conditions. Even looking more generally, the trend is here overall.

Widely-reputed companies such as Panasonic (News - Alert) continue to offer SIP technology to ensure robust communications. The company’s SIP phones, for example, stand as an advanced solution designed to allow smooth conversations with HD voice quality and easy power operation – all without consuming an overwhelming amount of power. They also ideally suit virtual workers and environments, as they boast simple settings and a hassle-free installation process from wherever you’re choosing to work. Offering an extensive range including both corded and cordless, Panasonic makes it easier than ever to choose the perfect phone for your office.

To learn more about Panasonic’s esteemed SIP phone product line, click here. To explore all of Panasonic’s offerings, visit www.panasonic.com.