If you've been researching options for your hotel's phone system, chances are that you've come across the term "SIP Trunking". Unless you're familiar with what SIP trunking actually is, you likely breezed right past the words without really comprehending them. Take it from us -- that's really not the best way to go about finding the right communications system for your business. Having a working knowledge of SIP trunking will empower you to make better, smarter decisions for your hotel that will work to the benefit of you, your staff, and your guests... both now and in the long run.What Is SIP Trunking?
Let's start from the very beginning and take a look at what SIP trunking actually is. Session Initiation Protocol (the "SIP" in SIP trunking) simply acts as the standard protocol for voice and video within Unified Communications solutions. While a traditional, analog Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has demands for connections with termination, SIP trunking does not. This is because SIP trunks replace those needs by utilizing a company's Internet connection via an Internet Telephony Service provider or SIP provider. SIP trunking also takes advantage of shared lines within a hotel or business in order to allow for increased communications flexibility. It's a faster, smarter, more efficient way of transmitting voice and video data.
What's in It for You?
Now, for the interesting part! While you may not get excited about learning what SIP trunking is or how it works, all hoteliers are interested in learning what they stand to gain from taking advantage of SIP trunking capabilities. We've got good news for you in that department: SIP trunking offers hotels of all sizes some pretty substantial cost savings.
If your hotel is still relying on a legacy PBX, you're probably paying a lot more money than you actually need to, while simultaneously being held back by the very limited communications technology that is offered through your current telephone provider. If your monthly bills -- including long distance charges, IT expenses, and maintenance fees -- are too high, you could start saving drastically by switching to a SIP trunking provider.
This is because SIP trunking makes it possible for hotels and other businesses to only be required to pay for the number of lines that they need right now. While PSTNs might force you to get locked into obtaining excess analog lines, you'll be able to "custom fit" your communications network to your hotel when you embrace SIP trunking. SIP trunking is also fully scalable, which makes it easy for your phone system to grow with your business at a rate that makes sense for you.
Another perk is that SIP trunking completely eliminates any need for you to be physically connected to a phone company. This means that you don't have to worry about clunky hardware, wiring, or circuit boxes taking up valuable space within your facility or acting as an eye sore. In addition to freeing up space, this also cuts down on your expenses as far as maintaining your phone system.
On top of everything else, SIP trunking is extremely reliable. SIP trunking with VoIP makes sure that you're covered no matter what. In the event of a system failure or emergency, you can count on the fact that your SIP trunking provider will be capable of rerouting services to a redundant line or call forwarding to mobile phones.
Could SIP trunking be right for your hotel? The experts at PhoneSuite are happy to help you make the best decision based upon your unique needs. We'll help you assess your hotel's phone and communications usage and needs, and provide you with advice on what your next move should be. Give us a call to learn more and get started today.
