[ad_1]
The SIP Phones are the phones that utilize Open Standard Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to manage and set up calls using other Open Standards called the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP). These protocols are all generically termed as Voice over IP and thus, the phones are also commonly referred to most times as VoIP clients or VoIP Phones. There are two main categories of SIP Phones namely, Software Phones or SoftPhones and Hardware Phones or HardPhones.
Hardware Phones or HardPhones
A HardPhoneis something that bears resemblance to regular phones and also acts like one. However, in this SIP Phone the hardware is made using IP-aware parts. This one will connect to the IP networks using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You will also get cordless phones in HardPhones. The cordless phones use the DECT technology whereby the phones connect to a base station through DECT protocol. The base station connects with an IP PBX using RTP and SIP transport protocols.
Software Phones or SoftPhones
The function and nature of SoftPhone is evident from its name. It is a software program that gives the functionality of a telephone. Just like a HardPhone, a SoftPhone utilizes RTP and SIP for voice delivery and call setup. Any device like desktops, tablets, and smartphones can be used to run SoftPhone programs provided it has speakers and a microphone. The main requirement is the IP connection to the SIP server or VoIP provider through IP PBX.
The benefits of switching to SIP telephones
The SIP telephones are seen as the viable alternative to PBX and it lets the businesses scale fast without adding to the cost. The following is a list of a few other advantages of SIP.
 It is cheaper in configuration and activation than that of PBX. You receive a phone number with multichannel that will not remain busy if you contain adequate sales reps. The number of call agents can also be increased in the corporate network without any increase in costs.
 The payment of phone calls is according to the basic tariff regardless of the location of the subscriber. The SIP phones are even cheaper than the installation of telephone lines. This makes it highly convenient for the medium and big companies that have many departments and branches in different places.
 SIP aids in the integration of data on calls along with analytics systems and CRM to make a business highly efficient. For instance, the SIP technology offers the opportunity of call tracking. This helps you to figure out which advertising avenues are bringing in new clients. Thus, you take more sound decisions for the sales growth.
SIP can be a great option for any company or startup that is looking for optimizing workflow. It helps in building up Omni-channel analytical platforms for improving the level of customer service.
