A Step-by-Step Guide to SIP Trunking Deployment

When implementing any new technology or service on the business network, it’s always wise to put in sound planning. This ensures that the project can be properly managed, ROI calculated and the right vendors identified. Migrating from a traditional PBX to a SIP Trunking solution is no exception and with this in mind, today we’ll be looking at the steps necessary for you to successfully deploy SIP.

5-step SIP Trunking Deployment Guide

Step One: It’s All in the Planning

In the first instance, a network inventory should be carried out to identify how SIP Trunking can be added to the existing infrastructure. It could be that you already have an IP PBX, and so will need nothing further in order to deploy SIP. Or it could be that the infrastructure is such that a VoIP gateway will need to be added.

You should also calculate how many SIP trunks do you need and identify any redundant lines on the current system and ensure that you have all of the appropriate costs outlined so that you can successfully calculate ROI.

Step Two: Vendors

Once you’ve mapped out what is SIP Trunking and how the SIP Trunking will need to be deployed across the network, including the necessary bandwidth and number of users, you will need to start looking at vendors and find out what SIP Trunking benefits for your business do they offer.

Bear in mind that in the past couple of years there has been a huge influx of new IP telecoms providers pop up as businesses look to maximize on a fast-growing sector. This means that vendors can vary relatively substantially in experience and their own infrastructure.

Consider the following:

• How large is the vendor network? Ideally it should be global and give plenty of options for international and long distance calling.
• How much industry experience does the vendor have?
• What uptime do they offer?
• Can they put together a bespoke call package for you?
• What are the setup and deployment fees?
• How long does it take to deploy across the whole business?

Bear in mind that cheaper isn’t necessarily better. The cost savings afforded to a business using SIP Trunking are significant, so there’s no need to cut corners in order to save cash — you already are by choosing SIP Trunking.

Step Three: Consider a Trial

Some vendors will offer a free trial of their services so do ask if this is something that you can take advantage of. Use the trial period to put SIP Trunking to the test, perhaps just in one office/department initially.

During this period check for quality when it comes to call audio and any dropped calls. SIP Trunking tends to be more reliable than traditional systems, so in this period you should experience no issues or downtime.

Step Four: Awareness

Before deployment takes place, it will be necessary to educate staff across the enterprise to ensure that they understand why the switch is taking place and how it will impact them. For the most part, it’s likely that it won’t affect employees very much unless you’re planning to add further VoIP services such as unified communications.

Ensure that all of the relevant staff are made aware and allow for questions to be asked and policies to be brought together. For example, if SIP Trunking is being added for a new geographical region, in order to give you a presence in another country perhaps, then staff will need to know procedures surrounding taking calls from that number.

Step Five: Deployment

When it comes to the time to deploy your SIP Trunking, the planning that has been put into place should mean that deployment is simple and straightforward. Being a virtual product, it’s not a difficult process to deploy SIP, but you should make staff aware of changes taking place and when SIP will be rolled out to their departments.

Once this has occurred, the business can then begin to enjoy the cost savings that SIP Trunking offers. As discussed, SIP tends to be very reliable and better quality when it comes to audio and video, so if there are any teething problems then now is the time to work with your vendor to address them.

Every Business Differs

SIP Trunking solution can offer savings of up to 90% when compared to traditional systems. It’s worth bearing in mind though that every business is different in its needs and existing infrastructure, so cost savings vary from one business to another. However, SIP Trunking saves money for every business, so you can rest assured that having put the groundwork in and prepared properly, you can now sit back and start saving.