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If you’re comparing options for upgrading your communications system, it’s likely you’ve encountered Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP benefits begin with the simple fact that calls are transmitted over the Internet, which reduces costs and simplifies communications for your company.

As you explore your options, you are likely also hearing an acronym for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). A common question that comes up with a communications upgrade is, “What’s the difference between SIP and VoIP, and which is better?”

It’s not the most effective question to ask because these are not competing technologies. All calls that are made over the Internet are VoIP, and some of those calls are supported by SIP. VoIP uses data connectivity to transmit voice packets, rather than using the public switched telephone network (PTSN).

By contrast, SIP is a protocol that is used to initiate and maintain sessions in VoIP applications. It not only supports voice, but also video and messaging applications. While all SIP supports VoIP, SIP is just one of the ways that VoIP is supported.

A more effective way to evaluate your options is to compare only VoIP benefits versus the benefits you gain when that VoIP is supported by SIP:

VoIP-only Benefits:

• Initial investment is minimal
• Flat, monthly billing results in predictable invoicing
• Includes features such as call forwarding, call waiting and caller ID
• Short-term contracts help avoid vendor lock-in
  

VoIP-only Drawbacks:

• Leans heavily on the network for bandwidth support and Quality of Service (QoS)
• Basic VoIP may not support mobile integration or apps
• Can lack support for multi-media options

VoIP Supported by SIP Benefits:

• Companies gain immediate cost savings with the ability to bundle communications formats through Unified Communications
• Supports failover for mobile devices in case of data loss
• Add-on features and scalability allow for customized pricing
• User-friendly tools for adding features
• Seamlessly integrates with other cloud applications to support business processes
  

VoIP Supported by SIP Drawbacks:

• Requires high-quality bandwidth to support communications
• SIP providers may vary widely in the level of quality they offer
• Features from providers may vary. (All Unified Communications solutions are not created equal.)
• Solutions offered over public internet versus a dedicated fiber optic line may cause quality problems and security risks

As you can see, it’s impossible to compare SIP and VoIP benefits in terms of the technology competing with one another. Instead, think of VoIP as being supported by SIP and the additional features you can access with this technology.

Switching to a VoIP communications solution for your company can significantly reduce costs as well as open up opportunities for collaborative tools like video conferencing and shared workspaces. To learn more about how VoIP benefits companies like yours, contact us at Xceptional.