SIP Softphones - the standards based option

As SIP is now recognized as the standard protocol for VoIP, SIP softphones have emerged as the default softphone option. There are still other protocols in use including H.323, MGCP and IAX, but the momentum behind SIP make its position unassailable.

See also: What is SIP?

The SIP protocol has won the standards battle. It offers many advantages that make business phone communication highly cost effective.

For a start the SIP protocol is not just a voice protocol, whereas a number of the competing options are voice only as in the case of H323. There are times when it is more appropriate send an Instant Message (IM), or initiate a video conference than make a phone call.

SIP clients can access a diverse range of communication options and support the exchange of ideas from wherever an employee is located: home, office, call center or wireless hotspot. SIP-based VoIP clients are available not just for desktop and laptop computers. They are also available for handheld PCs, WiFi SIP phones, dual-band mobile phones and so on.

The momentum behind the use of a standards based VoIP softphone is accelerating as a consequence of:

• (a) the victory of the VoIP PBX over TDM PBX technology, and


• (b) the increasing use of SIP trunks to extend the benefits of VoIP beyond the enterprise LAN.

SIP trunking enables employees to remain in contact with customers, partners and colleagues no matter where they are. By registering their various handsets and devices including softphones on a corporate SIP VoIP PBX they can remain in contact via a single number or SIP address. Furthermore they can communicate in real-time over the Internet without requiring a connection to the PSTN.

See also: The WiFi SIP Phone - not just any WiFi Phone

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