The Differences Between SIP, PBX & VoIP Phone Systems

We offer several different business phone systems, and here’s an in-depth comparison between SIP, PBX and VoIP phone systems

call queuing in a voip phone system

It’s understandable how many business leaders get confused while trying to navigate their business phone system options, and this is why we’re comparing and contrasting SIP, PBX and VoIP phone systems within this page.

But the first thing to keep in mind is that you should compare each system’s communication role, as opposed to lining these systems up and comparing them more generally. All three phone systems do a great job at providing state-of-the-art technologies and communications, so it’s often tough for business leaders to really understand their differences.

The business world relies upon tech-savvy communications to conduct commerce and relay crucial data and information. There’s also no denying face-to-face communications are becoming less likely with all transactions. This is why the vast majority of business communications take place over the internet or on phones.

SIP, PBX and VoIP phone systems make worldwide communication easier than ever before, and below we’ll be delving deeper into how these three telecom solutions work together to support businesses all throughout central Ohio!

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

SIP trunking entails an important set of technological standards that help businesses to connect, set up, signal and disconnect their internet-based communication sessions. This means SIP applies to both video and voice calls.

SIP technology essentially is what allows a network’s devices to connect with many different devices and communication parties, which is why SIP often relies heavily upon proper signals to create a solid connection between multiple devices. This signaling is often referred to as SIP trunking, and the main purpose of this signaling is to help one specific device locate others while attempting to make a connection.

SIP technology also is what helps voice or video data to be correctly transferred through the Web, which is crucial for businesses that need to avoid buffering and other types of choppy call quality. SIP is also an important tool for businesses with international clients/partners, so it’s safe to say that SIP is a major component for every modern company’s Cloud communications strategies!

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

PBX phone systems are still widely used by businesses all over central Ohio and the entire country, and this is generally because PBX systems are what most businesses will inevitably want. PBX systems are professional-grade phone systems that help companies with both internal and external communications, which is naturally an important part of any business strategy.

Some of the most common features found on PBX phone systems include:

  • Call routing
  • Extension dialing
  • Call queuing
  • Hold music
  • Auto attendant
  • Call conferencing
  • And much more!

PBX systems also connect a company’s employees with each other, as well as customers. Most companies these days will have the choice between hosted and virtual PBX systems, so you can still obtain all the benefits of Cloud-based technology while maintaining PBX telecom capabilities.

What we do at Data Talk is provide hosted PBX phone services, which eliminates your need to worry about software upgrades, maintenance costs, and any service downtime. When you put your PBX system in our hands, you’ll save a ton of money on an in-house IT team while still reaping the rewards of collaborating with telecom industry experts!

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP phone systems are any systems that initiate phone calls and other business communications over the internet. VoIP technically refers to the necessary action that’s required to digitally transmit voice and video signals to other devices. There have been many other telecom industry terms that allude to VoIP, including IP and broadband telephony.

Whenever you hear these types of industry terms, just know that it’s essentially referring to VoIP. In order for a business to implement a VoIP phone system, they’ll first need to invest in VoIP software and VoIP-enabled phone system technology. Once these initial investments are made, business teams will then be able to receive and make calls through their Web connection.

One huge benefit of VoIP systems is that they don’t entail the cluttered mess that’s commonly associated with physical business phone systems, and mobile phones won’t have to manage the vast majority of the communication workload.

And with the widespread emergence of remote working, VoIP technologies have never been more important. You’ll be able to maintain a professional appearance with your business communications, regardless of where your employees are located!

Reach Out To Data Talk To Learn More About Our Comprehensive Telecom Services!

Data Talk has supported central Ohio’s business sector for over 60 years, so we’ve helped countless companies when it comes to SIP, PBX and VoIP transitions. These telecom technologies truly are the future of business communications, and our team is here to help you make the most of them.

Reach out to us online or call us at 614-784-7100 to speak with our specialists today about what changes you’d like to see with your company’s communication strategies!