Tag: global voice

  • SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX: How to Decide?

    SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX: How to Decide?

    As the global PSTN switch-off continues, many businesses are comparing SIP trunk vs Cloud PBX models to modernize their phone systems. Global standards like Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and cloud PBX frameworks continue to shape how modern networks operate.

    Both solutions deliver internet-based calling but differ in how much control, cost management, and flexibility they offer.

    • SIP trunk is the underlying connection that links PBXs — physical, virtual, or hosted — to the public network over the internet. It replaces legacy phone lines with IP-based channels, allowing businesses to modernize connectivity gradually (retaining some hardware on-premise) or entirely through the cloud.
    • Cloud PBX uses SIP trunks behind the scenes and removes physical systems altogether. It hosts call management, extensions, and routing within a provider’s network, giving companies a fully virtual experience from interface to backend.

    Choosing them is about aligning your voice system with your best operation model and future growth plans. This article explores how SIP trunking and cloud PBX works in 2025, their core differences, and how some organizations use both a hybrid setup that balances control and convenience.

    Basics of SIP trunk vs. Cloud PBX

    Before comparing a SIP trunk and a cloud PBX, it helps to understand how each fit into today’s business voice environment. Both rely on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which turns voice into data packets that travel across IP networks. The difference lies in where the system lives and who manages the call control.

    a. What a SIP Trunk Does

    A SIP trunk replaces the physical phone lines that once connected a PBX to the public network. Instead of copper circuits, calls travel through secure internet channels managed by a SIP provider.

    • Connects any PBX (physical, virtual, or hosted) to the public network over the internet
    • Uses your internet connection for external calls
    • Eliminates the need for copper lines
    • Scales by adding virtual channels
    • Suits companies that need control over their call flows
    • Works well in regions with rigid regulatory compliance setups

    In short, a SIP trunk is the connectivity layer that powers most modern voice systems. Cloud PBX platforms use SIP trunks under the hood, but organizations can also deploy them independently to upgrade existing PBX hardware without fully moving to the cloud.

    b. What a Cloud PBX Does

    A Cloud PBX (also called a Hosted PBX) moves the entire phone system to the provider’s servers. There’s no on-site box to maintain; call control, extensions, and routing are managed through software.

    • Removes PBX hardware and extensive maintenance
    • Lets employees use mobile apps or softphones from anywhere
    • Scales instantly by adding user licenses instead of circuits
    • Fits small businesses and multi-site teams that need flexibility more than control

    Because it’s software-based, a cloud PBX can easily integrate call analytics, AI assistants, and CRM systems – features that were once complex to deploy on-premises.

    c. VoIP vs SIP Trunk

    These terms often get blurred. VoIP is the technology that carries voice over IP networks. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the rule set that starts, manages, and ends those calls.

    • VoIP  = the broader technology that allows voice to travel as data across IP networks. It covers everything from the audio codecs that compress sound, to the network transport that delivers packets between endpoints.
    • SIP = one of the signalling protocols that makes VoIP possible. It establishes, manages, and ends each call session – defining who is calling whom, how the call connects, and how resources are allocated.
    • PBX = the call-control system that manages extensions, routing, and features – it can be physical, virtual, or fully cloud-hosted.

    A SIP trunk uses VoIP for call transport but adds structure, security, and scalability for business use. It’s not the only call transport a VoIP system can use but is the most common in modern business operations. Understanding that relationship makes it easier to see where a SIP trunk and a cloud PBX fit within the same communications ecosystem.

    Read more from our blog:

    Differences Between SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX

    Now that we’ve covered how each system works, the real distinction comes from how they’re built and who operates what.

    A SIP trunk and a Cloud PBX can both deliver high-quality voice service, but their architectures distribute responsibility in very different ways.

    a. Where the System Lives

    • SIP Trunk: Lives within your network. Your PBX – whether on-premise or virtual – handles call logic, while the SIP trunk connects that PBX to the outside world. You manage routing, session control, and bandwidth.
    • Cloud PBX: Lives entirely off-site. The provider runs the servers that host your phone system. Calls are routed through the cloud, and you manage settings through an online dashboard rather than hardware.

    This placement affects not just maintenance, but also regulatory compliance and data-handling rules.

    b. Who Controls the Call Flow

    With SIP trunks, your IT or network team manages everything from firewall rules to SBC configuration. That control allows advanced call routing, QoS adjustments, and security layers–crucial for large enterprises or regulated sectors.

    A cloud PBX by contrast, shifts control to the whole service provider. You configure user features and extensions, but the provider maintains uptime, load balancing, and system security. This offloads technical overhead but limits deep customization.

    c. How Scaling Works

    • SIP Trunk: Scales by adding channels – each one represents a simultaneous call. This model suits call-intensive environments such as contact centers or telcos.
    • Cloud PBX: Scales by adding user licenses or seats. It’s faster to deploy but often tied to subscription models where pricing grows linearly with headcount.

    d. Cost and Lifecycle Implications

    SIP trunks can be cost-efficient long-term for organizations that already own PBX hardware. But they require technical expertise and ongoing monitoring. Cloud PBX systems trade that predictable OPEX costs and simplified management–ideal for smaller teams or those without dedicated telecom staff.

    Read more:

    FactorSIP TrunkCloud PBX
    System locationOn-premise or hybridFully cloud-hosted
    Managed byCustomer’s IT/network teamProvider
    Scalability modelAdd concurrent channelsAdd user license
    CustomizationHigh – full routing controlModerate – feature level only
    MaintenanceInternal responsibilityProvider-handled
    Best forEnterprises, carriers, compliance-sensitive orgsSMBs, distributed teams, fast-growing startups

    Choosing Between SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX

    The right choice between a SIP trunk and a cloud PBX depends on how your business operates, the size of your network, and how much technical control you want to retain. Both can support modern, reliable communication – the difference lies in how you scale and who manages the system.

    a. For Small and Medium Businesses

    If you’re a smaller company or running teams across multiple locations, a cloud PBX is usually the more efficient choice.

    It eliminates the cost and complexity of maintaining PBX hardware, lets employees connect from anywhere, and allows quick scaling without IT overhead.

    Cloud PBX platforms also integrate naturally with productivity tools like CRMs, helpdesks, and collaboration apps – a practical advantage for lean teams that need agility.

    b. For Enterprises and Regulated Sectors

    Enterprises with dedicated IT staff or compliance requirements benefit more from SIP trunks.

    They allow full control over routing, security, and session management – especially when paired with an SBC or private interconnect.

    For financial institutions, healthcare providers, or telecom operators maintaining that infrastructure-level control can be critical for performance guarantees and audit compliance.

    c. For Hybrid and Transitional Environments

    Many organizations don’t choose one or the other – they use both.

    A hybrid model lets a company keep its SIP trunks or high-volume or regulated traffic, while using cloud PBX for remote users or new branches.

    This approach blends cost-efficiency with modern flexibility, making it ideal for businesses evolving toward a full cloud strategy.

    d. SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX: Matching System to Strategy

    Business TypeStandard SetupWhy
    Small & medium businessesCloud PBXEasy deployment, no hardware, predictable cost
    Large enterprisesSIP trunkControl, custom routing, compliance-friendly
    Hybrid organizationsBoth (SIP + cloud PBX)Flexible migration, unified reach, mixed workloads

    Future Outlook: Why 2025 Changes the Equation

    The telecom landscape in 2025 looks very different from even a few years ago. The ongoing PSTN switch-off is forcing legacy systems to retire, while advances in AI, analytics, and interconnect standards are reshaping how voice networks operate.

    a. PSTN Shutdown and the Rise of IP-Native Voice

    As national carriers decommission copper lines, IP connectivity is becoming the default transport for business calls. SIP trunks remain the backbone of this transition, providing a standards-based way to move traffic between networks. At the same time, cloud PBX platforms are becoming more carrier-grade, blurring the line between enterprise voice and full-service communications infrastructure.

    b. Smarter, Software-Driven Systems

    Modern and cloud PBX platforms are getting smarter because more of their functions now run in the cloud. Providers can track network conditions in real time, adjust routing, and scala capacity faster than on-premise systems can handle.

    AI supports analytics and security monitoring, while cloud infrastructure gives the visibility and flexibility that make these automated features possible.

    c. The Move Toward Hybrid Convergence

    Most enterprises are no longer asking whether to adopt SIP or cloud PBX, they’re integrating both.

    Hybrid voice architectures use SIP trunks to ensure direct carrier connectivity and cloud PBX layers for user flexibility.

    This model supports global reach, redundancy, and local regulatory compliance without sacrificing simplicity.

    SIP Trunk vs Cloud PBX: What It Means for Business Strategy

    The future of voice isn’t about choosing one system over another. It’s about aligning infrastructure with business intent – balancing control, reach, and efficiency.

    Providers that can deliver both SIP and cloud PBX capabilities under one platform will define the next generation of global voice connectivity.

    ULAP: Bridging SIP Infrastructure and Cloud PBX

    For most businesses, the future of voice isn’t a single platform — it’s an ecosystem.
    ULAP’s approach recognizes that real-world networks depend on both infrastructure-level reliability and application-level agility, connecting them through one global architecture.

    ULAP SBCaaS – The Foundation

    At the core of ULAP’s network is SBC-as-a-Service (SBCaaS), which enables secure, scalable SIP channels across more than 113 countries.

    These channels connect directly to enterprise PBXs — physical, virtual, or hosted — through ULAP’s distributed global nodes.

    This allows enterprises to unify branch offices under a centralized phone system or modernize a single site with IP-based voice connectivity.

    Through direct peering with carriers and regulators, ULAP delivers low-latency, compliant, and resilient call routing worldwide.

    ULAP Voice – The Cloud PBX Layer

    Built on that same global backbone, ULAP Voice provides a fully hosted PBX solution for businesses that want simplicity without losing reach.

    It consolidates call management, extensions, IVR menus, and analytics into one interface while maintaining enterprise-grade connectivity under the hood.

    ULAP Voice integrates seamlessly with platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, giving companies full control over numbering and routing without vendor lock-in.

    The ULAP Advantage

    What sets ULAP apart is its ability to centralize complex VoIP deployments across more than 113 countries while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

    Powered by a single global network, ULAP simplifies multi-vendor management and ensures that voice quality, redundancy, and compliance are maintained from the infrastructure layer to the end user.

    Whether supporting telecom partners, OTT providers, or enterprise networks, ULAP delivers consistent, carrier-grade performance at scale — bridging the gap between legacy interconnects and cloud-native architectures.

    With these capabilities working in tandem, ULAP offers a foundation for enterprises to modernize voice at their own pace — connecting legacy systems, cloud platforms, and global users through one unified network.

    Conclusion

    Whether you’re an enterprise managing complex infrastructure or a small business expanding across markets, voice strategy in 2025 comes down to balance.

    A SIP trunk gives you control and network depth; a cloud PBX gives you flexibility and speed. Together, they form the backbone of a modern, resilient communications environment.

    The choice isn’t binary anymore. Most organizations will rely on both – SIP for secure, high-quality connectivity and cloud PBX for scalable collaboration. Providers that understand how to merge these layers will define the next phrase of business voice.

    ULAP is built for that future – combining carrier-grade SIP infrastructure with global cloud platforms that adapt to how businesses actually operate.

    For companies navigating the shift from legacy systems to cloud-native voice, this unified approach delivers what matters most: reliability, reach, and readiness for what comes next.

  • PBX Migration for SMBs: How to Transition From Legacy PBX to Cloud Voice in 2025

    PBX Migration for SMBs: How to Transition From Legacy PBX to Cloud Voice in 2025

    Across industries, PBX migration for SMBs has become a strategic move to improve flexibility and reduce infrastructure costs.

    The mass SMB migration from legacy PBX to cloud voice shows that VoIP is for everyone. Yet many small and mid-sized businesses still depend on their legacy systems built for a different era – when staff worked from fixed offices, customers called from landlines, and growth meant installing more cables. Those systems have served their time, but they’re becoming a constraint rather than a strength.

    National carriers phase out PSTN and ISDN lines (read more here), signalling the global shift away from copper-based networks. Cloud-native telephony – often called cloud voice – now delivers the same core functionality of a PBX but through internet-based routing, scalable licenses, and built-in redundancy. For SMBs, this shift isn’t simply about adopting new technology; it’s about building a communication framework that can scale with the business.

    Migrating to cloud voice helps eliminate the maintenance burden of physical systems while preparing teams for hybrid and remote work environments. Intsead of managing hardware, businesses can focus on customer experience, productivity, and cost predictability – all while keeping the professional image a phone system provides.

    For an overview of what makes hosted systems so efficient, see our guide on the advantages of hosted PBX solutions.

    The Shift to Cloud Voice: What PBX Migration for SMBs Really Involves

    Moving from a hardware-bound phone system to a cloud voice environment represents a complete shift in how communication is delivered, managed, and scaled. Instead of routing calls through on-site switches, cloud voice relies on secure, internet-based connections unify voice, messaging, and collaboration into a single framework.

    At its core, cloud voice merges the familiar structure of a PBX with modern technologies like VoIP and SIP routing. Calls are processed through distributed data centres and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) that maintain quality, encryption, and redundancy. Because infrastructure lives in the cloud rather than a server closet, updates, feature rollouts, and scaling happen instantly – without downtime or physical rewiring.

    For SMBs, this means communication becomes software-driven. Adding new users or locations no longer requires hardware procurement or waiting for a technician. You can expand capacity for seasonal staff, route calls across regions, or integrate phone activity with CRM and help-desk tools through APIs – all within the same ecosystem.

    From an operational perspective, the transition also simplifies budgeting and vendor management. Instead of juggling telecom carriers, PBX vendors, and maintenance contractors, most SMBs work with a single provider that handles end-to-end delivery – from numbers and SIP trunks to compliance and analytics.

    For context on how pricing models vary across these providers, you can refer to our 2025 Hosted PBX Pricing Guide.

    Planning PBX Migration for SMBs: A Step-by-Step Framework

    A successful PBX migration for SMBs replaces physical switches with a scalable, software-based system that grows with demand.

    With clear planning and the right partners, most small and mid-sized businesses can migrate in phases, often without losing a single workday of call service.

    Below is a framework that helps teams manage the process methodically.

    Step 1: Audit your Existing Setup

    Begin by documenting how your current PBX operates:

    • How many numbers, extensions, and concurrent calls do you handle daily?
    • Which departments or users depend on direct lines?
    • Are there integrations (like CRM pop-ups or call recording that need replication?

    This audit reveals technical dependencies and identifies which features are essential in the new environment.

    Step 2: Audit your Existing Setup

    Cloud voice quality depends on internet stability. Test your current connection for:

    • Bandwidth – ensure at least 100kbps per concurrent call
    • Latency and jitter – low, consistent latency prevents call dropouts
    • Redundancy – dual-ISP or SD-WAN setups protect uptime

    If the network isn’t ready, address it before migration; voice is only as good as the transport layer supporting it.

    Check out our article: SIP Trunk Carrier & SBC Compliance

    Step 3: Choose Your Migration Model

    Different SMBs have different risk appetites and bdugets:

    • Hosted PBX – a full cloud service where everything from numbers to routing is managed by your provider
    • Hybrid model – Retains some local hardware for analog devices or branch offices
    • Full cloud voice – Routes all communication through a global VoIP/SIP backbone with no on-premise PBX

    Selecting the right model balances control, simplicity, and long-term scalability

    Step 4: Plan Number Porting and Call Flow

    Work with your provider to schedule porting of phone numbers and test new call routes in advance.

    • Maintain a temporary call-forwarding rule during the cut-over period
    • Validate IVR menus, ring groups, and fail-over settings before going live.

    A controlled porting sequence minimizes downtime and customer confusion.

    Step 5: Train Teams and Phase the Rollout

    Even the best system fails if users don’t adopt it confidently.

    • Conduct brief training sessions on softphones, mobile apps, and new features
    • Roll out in waves – start with one department, gather feedback, then expand
    • Appoint internal “champions” who can help troubleshoot minor issues.

    A staggered approach allows adjustments before the full company migration.

    Step 6: Verify, Monitor, and Optimize

    After launch, use analytics dashboards to monitor call quality, user adoption, and missed-call trends.

    Early visibility helps fine-tune routing logic, ensure compliance, and validate ROI within the first 90 days.

    By approaching migration as a structured project rather than a single event, SMBs can transform their communications with minimal disruption and lasting impact.

    Next, we’ll look at key considerations to address before making the switch – covering readiness, security, and long-term maintainability.

    Key Considerations Before You Move

    Every successful PBX migration for SMBs starts with preparation. Before switching off your legacy PBX, review your network readiness, confirm that your internet connection can handle consistent voice traffic, and ensure your provider follows proper security and compliance standards.

    Equally important, brief your teams early—people adapt faster when they understand what’s changing and why. A few checks today can prevent days of disruption later.

    For a full readiness checklist and post-migration optimization guide, we’ll be publishing a future article: How to Get the Most Out of Your Cloud Voice System After Migration.

    Why PBX Migration for SMBs Builds a Future-Ready Communication Framework

    Migrating from a legacy PBX to cloud voice isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a strategic move toward flexibility, scalability, and operational resilience. The shift frees SMBs from hardware maintenance and turns communication into a cloud-based service that grows with the business.

    By planning the transition carefully and choosing the right infrastructure partner, SMBs gain more than new technology – they gain control, predictability, and the confidence that their communication systems can support whatever comes next.

    ULAP Voice helps businesses bridge that gap with flexible licensing, reliable SIP and SBC management, and a network built for global reach.

    Whether you’re preparing your first migration or scaling across regions, ULAP’s cloud voice infrastructure delivers carrier-grade reliability for modern teams.

    Contact info@ulap.net to get in touch with an cloud voice expert.

  • VoIP Gateway: A Guide in 2025

    VoIP Gateway: A Guide in 2025

    VoIP gateway refers to a voice-over-internet-protocol gateway device.

    VoIP Gateway: What Is It?

    A VoIP gateway is a device that helps traditional phone systems talk to the internet. Traditional phones send voice through copper wires, while VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) sends voice as digital signals over the internet. The gateway works like a translator, changing phone signals into internet data and back again.

    This lets businesses keep using their old phones and PBX systems. They also enjoy lower costs and easier connections to apps such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. In simple terms, a VoIP gateway is the “bridge” between the old phone world and modern internet calling.

    Why Do Businesses Use It?

    Some businesses use a VoIP gateway because it lets them keep their old phone equipment while still moving toward internet-based calling. Many companies invested in a lot of money in PBX systems and handsets, so replacing them all at once would be expensive.

    A gateway allows them to save money by connecting those older devices to modern VoIP services.

    Some organizations keep PSTN access for local numbers or emergency calls. Others use it as a temporary solution while they slowly switch their whole system over to the cloud.

    In some regions, regulations require PSTN access. Where internet is unreliable, gateways ensure calls continue without interruption. Overall, businesses use VoIP gateways to balance cost savings, reliability, and flexibility while transitioning between old and new technology.

    Types of VoIP Gateways

    There are a few main types of VoIP gateways, and they’re usually grouped by the kind of phone lines they connect to.

    Analog VoIP Gateways

    Analog gateways connect traditional analog devices – like desk phones, fax machines, or alarm lines – to VoIP. They can also connect your VoIP system back to the public phone network (PSTN) if needed.

    These gateways often use FXS ports (to plug in phones or faxes) or FXO ports (to connect to a phone-company line). Small businesses choose them to keep using existing equipment while exploring the best VoIP for small business options

    Best for: small offices that want to keep using analog phones, faxes, or alarm lines with VoIP.

    Digital VoIP Gateways

    Digital gateways are designed for businesses running digital PBX systems or using carrier-grade digital lines such as ISDN, T1, or E1.

    They translate between those circuits and VoIP. This makes them popular in call centre management systems where many digital channels must connect to modern SIP services.

    Best for: businesses or call centres running digital PBX systems or ISDN/T1/E1 circuits.

    Hybrid VoIP Gateways

    Hybrid gateways combine analog and digital ports in one device, useful for sites that still rely on a mix of desk phones, fax machines, and digital PBX lines.

    They offer flexibility in environments where not everything can be migrated to IP at once, acting as a bridge between old and new technology.

    Best for: Sites with a mix of analog and digital equipment that aren’t ready for full IP migration.

    High-Density Media Gateways

    High-density gateways handle hundreds or thousands of channels at once. These are typically used by service providers, carriers, or large enterprises with complex call centre operations.

    They’re also a good fit when connecting multiple sites or when scaling up voice traffic during business growth.

    Best for: carriers, service providers, and enterprises that need to support hundreds of voice channels at scale.

    What a VoIP Gateway Isn’t

    VoIP Gateway vs. SBC Device

    A VoIP gateway connects phone and PBX systems to the internet, but it doesn’t technically manage security, call policies, or SIP interoperability. That’s where SBCs or session border controllers come in.

    • VoIP gateways = physical devices that connect between old phone signals and VoIP
    • SBC devices = security and control points at the network edge, protecting against fraud, ensuring call quality, and SIP compatibility issues

    For enterprises moving fully into the cloud, SBCs are more essential than gateways. But during transitional phases, businesses often use both: a VoIP gateway to keep old hardware alive, and an SBC to safeguard SIP traffic and connect to providers.

    VoIP Gateway vs. ATA Device

    It’s easy to confuse VoIP gateways with ATA devices (Analog Telephone Adapters) since both connect old phones to VoIP. The difference is in scale. An ATA is a small adapter made for one or two analog devices, like a home phone or fax machine, while a VoIP gateway can connect dozens of phones or even entire PBX systems.

    • VoIP gateways  = larger devices built to connect multiple analog or digital phone lines (or even full PBX systems) to VoIP networks, making them suitable for business or call centre use
    • ATA devices = compact adapters designed to plug in a single analog phone or fax machine, offering a simple way for home users or very small offices to access VoIP

    This makes ATAs best for home users or very small offices, while gateways are designed for businesses, call centres, and enterprises that need more capacity and flexibility.

    Simply put: ATAs are for one or two devices, VoIP gateways are for entire systems.

    VoIP Gateway to Access Collaboration Tools

    Many businesses rely on top virtual team collaboration tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Slack. A VoIP gateway helps extend those platforms to include older phones and devices, so staff can work seamlessly across both traditional and cloud-based systems.

    For companies that aren’t ready for a full cloud migration, a gateway ensures compatibility while still enabling modern collaboration.

    For example, a call centre could keep using desk phones while connecting agents to Microsoft Teams meetings at the same time.

    Are VoIP Gateways Still Worth It in 2025?

    Yes – but mainly for businesses in transition.

    A gateway is often the right choice if you want to keep using your old phones while trying out the best VoIP for small business. They also help if your call centre management system still runs on digital lines.

    Over time, many organizations move toward cloud-hosted PBXs and rely on SBCs for security and control. But until then, VoIP gateways remain an important bridge between the past and the future of business communications.

  • Hosted PBX Pricing in 2025

    Hosted PBX Pricing in 2025

    Hosted PBX pricing is an important part of a business’ budget. Businesses today need phone systems that are reliable, flexible, and affordable. A hosted PBX is often the answer, but one question always comes first: how much does it cost?

    This is not an easy question. Providers use different pricing models. While some charge by user, others bill by channel. In addition, setup fees are common. Numbers may or may not be included. Many companies end up paying for features they don’t use, or missing features they actually need. For a business that relies on phones every day, this confusion makes budgeting hard and can even lead to wasted money.

    In this article, we’ll explain how hosted PBX pricing works in 2025. We’ll look at the average costs, the factors that drive the price, and the differences between traditional PBX systems and cloud-hosted options. By the end, you’ll know what range to expect and what to ask when comparing providers.

    Average Hosted PBX Pricing

    In general, hosted PBX pricing usually falls between $15 and $40 per user each month. This range comes from common industry models and published price lists in the market. For small teams, the lower end often applies. For larger businesses or advanced setups, costs move toward the higher end.

    For example, an entry-level package may include one user, one number, and basic call routing for about $15–$20 per month. A mid-range package at $25–$30 per month often adds voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and mobile app support. Premium plans, around $35–$40 or more, usually include advanced features like call recording, analytics, IVR menus, and integrations with CRM or helpdesk tools.

    There are also setup costs to consider. Adding a new user can carry a one-time activation fee, usually $10–$50 depending on the provider. Some charge for number porting if you want to bring your old phone number into the new system. These small costs add up, especially for larger teams.

    So while the monthly subscription is the headline cost, setup fees and optional features are what often push the final price higher.

    What Drives Hosted PBX Pricing?

    The total cost of a hosted PBX depends on a mix of setup requirements and ongoing features.

    1. Setup and Basic Access

    Every hosted PBX needs a foundation. That usually means:

    • User licenses: Most providers charge per user or per seat.
    • Phone numbers (DIDs): A direct number for each user or department.
    • Channels or lines: The number of simultaneous calls your business can handle.

    for example, A call center may have 20 agents sharing one phone number. In this case, the number is cheap, but channels (the simultaneous call paths) drive the cost. In contrast, a sales team may each need their own direct line, making numbers the more important cost.

    2. Features and Add-Ons

    The second driver is functionality. Basic routing and voicemail are often included. But advanced features add cost:

    • Auto-attendant / IVR menus help callers reach the right person without a receptionist.
    • Call recording supports training and compliance but uses more storage.
    • Analytics and reporting give insight into call volumes, wait times, and agent performance.
    • Integrations with tools like Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, or Zendesk connect phones with your wider workflow.
    • Security and compliance features, such as end-to-end encryption or data residency in specific countries, are sometimes offered at higher tiers.

    Each extra feature increases the monthly subscription. For some businesses, these extras are essential. On the other hand, some will find the features nice-to-have but not worth the extra cost.

    Hosted PBX vs Traditional PBX

    In the past, businesses purchased traditional PBXs as large upfront investments. They also came in fixed sizes, so you often paid for unused capacity. Maintenance was on your shoulders, which meant ongoing costs for IT staff or external technicians.

    A hosted PBX removes the hardware burden. Costs are spread out in smaller monthly fees. Scaling is simple: add or remove users as you need them. The trade-off is that recurring fees can add up over time. But for most businesses, the flexibility outweighs the predictability of a one-time purchase.

    Top Hosted PBX Providers: At a Glance

    Plug-and-play models

    Plug-and-play hosted PBXs are subscriptions where you get user licenses, download the app and go live almost immediately. Unless you’re working with a third-party integrator, the provider you choose owns and runs everything. This includes SIP trunks, global routing, and compliance.

    These models are excellent for markets where they’re available, especially small to medium businesses. They’re super simple and require little technical expertise.

    However, the trade off is that you have limited flexibility. You often pay per-user bundles even if your business model needs something else (like shared lines or many extensions).

    Plug-and-play models listed here offer extensive features, including advanced call routing, SMS, and AI-enabled productivity tools. More features are included once you go higher up the price tiers.

    ProviderEntry CostPricing ModelsFeaturesTakeaway
    RingCentral$30• Charged per seat

    • Unlimited domestic calling in USA and Canada

    • Flat-rate international calling
    		All-in-one business comms experience:

    • Great third-party integrations

    • Easy-to-use interface
    		Top option for teamwork, video meetings, and user-friendly design
    8×8Pricing upon request• Pricing upon request

    • Metered outbound calling    		Rich features with wide global coverage:

    • Unlimited call queues

    • Options for unlimited calling areas

    • Great contact centre features    		Excellent for global calling needs
    Zoom Phone$10• 12-month upfront commitmentInnovative AI features including:
    • AI receptionist

    • Post-call and SMS thread summaries

    • Voicemail task extraction

    • Unified admin portal    		Great balance of video, collaboration tools, flexibility and cost

    Best for businesses that are already using Zoom

    Middleware PBX platforms

    A middleware hosted PBX pricing works differently. Instead of a complete platform, they offer a PBX engine that you (or your IT partner) deploy and connect to SIP trunks. You’ll get the PBX software and management tools. But it’s your choice of telecom carriers, SIP providers, and how you want to structure call routing.

    It’s robust, customizable and gives you flexibility on how you use your user/channel models (e.g. 20 agents on 1 number). Middleware PBXs are also easier to integrate with CRMs, call center tools or custom systems and can be cheaper with bulk discounts.

    However, this solution does require more IT/admin effort.

    ProviderEntry CostPricing ModelsFeaturesTakeaway
    Yeastar Cloud PBXPricing upon request

    Expected $20 per month. Discounts may apply.    		• No rates included (as per your SIP trunk or telecom provider)

    • Offers simultaneous call (SC) packages or per-extension models
    		Highly-rated user experiences:

    • Wide API
    integration capability

    • Ease of installation and value for flexibility

    • Excellent support
    		Flexible, highly scalable, and budget-friendly.

    Best for enterprise teams with complex or hybrid team arrangements
    3CXPricing upon request

    May very depending on your 3CX partner    		• No rates included (as per your SIP trunk provider or telecom)

    • Offers simultaneous call (SC) packages    		Strong features:

    • Unlimited-extensions free version available

    • Popular knowledge base and setup
    		Good for tech-savvy, cost-sensitive businesses.

    *The researcher for this article noted significant user concerns for 3CX. Please review your vendors carefully.

    A Solution In Between: ULAP Voice

    ULAP Voice offers the flexibility you’d expect from a middleware PBX, without the hassle of managing separate telecom contracts.

    Like Yeastar, it allows businesses to scale channels and extensions in ways that match real-world usage, avoiding wasted costs. But unlike middleware-only options, ULAP provides end-to-end service, including SIP trunking, management, and global routing.

    ProviderEntry CostPricing ModelsFeaturesTakeaway
    ULAP Voice$4 per user license*

    *Prices may vary by partner or region    		Highly customizable:
    • Charged per user license
    • Separate SBCaaS charge per channel and per user

    *Global and toll-free numbers available, or bring your own
    		Complete, simplified service and reliability:

    • Flexible user + channel models

    • End-to-end service

    • Single, simplified billing

    • Enterprise-grade reliability

    • Unified support

    • Wide call coverage
    		Best of both worlds. Combines plug-and-play simplicity with middleware flexibility

    Suitable for small businesses or large enterprises looking for scale.

    Benefits at a glance:

    • USD4 monthly per user license
    • Flexible user and channel models
    • End-to-end service (PBX + SIP + numbers)
    • Global calling coverage in over 113 countries
    • Single, simplified billing
    • Enterprise-grade reliability
    • One provider, unified support

    For example, an ULAP Voice license is priced at USD4.00 per user*. SIP trunks with SBCaaS are billed separately at USD5.00 per user and USD12.60 per channel, for highly customizable routing. Global and toll-free numbers are available, or you can bring your own. *Prices may vary by region.

    As a result, businesses don’t need to negotiate multi-country contracts or manage local calling rates. Instead, they gain the simplicity of a plug-and-play service with the global reach and reliability of an enterprise carrier. For teams operating across borders, ULAP Voice combines flexibility, cost-efficiency, and worldwide scale in one service.

    Final Thoughts

    Hosted PBX pricing is not a single number. It’s a range shaped by how many users you have, what features you need, and how your provider structures their service. On average, expect to pay $15–$40 per user per month, plus setup costs for new numbers or users.

    When comparing providers, here are some questions to consider: Do we need direct numbers for everyone? Is call recording or analytics a need? How many simultaneous calls do we actually take? The answers to these questions will guide to the right package, and help avoid paying for things you don’t use.

    In our next article, we’ll compare the top hosted PBX providers of 2025 and explain how their pricing models stack up.

  • SIP Trunk Carrier & SIP Session Border Controller Compliance

    SIP Trunk Carrier & SIP Session Border Controller Compliance

    Picking your own voice connectivity gives you better reach and commercial control, but it also adds responsibility. A sip session border controller (SBC)—run by you or delivered as SBCaaS—is the control point that keeps calls secure, compatible, observable, and compliant when you work with any sip trunk carrier. This guide explains the moving parts in plain language and gives you a simple rollout checklist.

    SIP Trunk Carriers

    A sip trunk carrier provides phone service over IP instead of legacy lines. Think of it as the highway between your company and the public telephone network (PSTN). You buy capacity (concurrent calls), numbers, inbound/outbound service, and reach into the countries you care about. Teams choose their own carrier to get better coverage, negotiate pricing, keep control of number blocks, and avoid being tied to a single platform’s calling plans.


    That freedom comes with duties. Calls must follow local rules, present numbers correctly, route to the right emergency services, and stay inside any data-residency boundaries. You also need protection against toll fraud and a clean way to see quality issues. Doing all of that carrier-by-carrier quickly becomes messy. Most organizations put a standards-based control layer in the middle so every call is handled the same way, no matter which carrier or region is involved.

    Why compliance gets tricky with SIP trunking

    Voice regulations differ across markets and can change without much notice. Emergency calling (112/911/999) works differently per country. Some regions require E.164 number formats and specific caller-ID rules. Others expect certain retention periods for call records or local processing of call media. Security is part of compliance too: unchecked endpoints and spoofed traffic can create huge bills and incident reports. When you connect directly to a carrier without a central control point, each integration becomes a one-off project. Policy drift creeps in, audits get harder, and quality problems turn into blame ping-pong between teams. The solution is simple in concept: place a single, consistent policy checkpoint between your systems and every sip trunk carrier, and make that checkpoint responsible for the rules, the routing, and the evidence trail.

    SIP Session Border Controller

    A sip session border controller is that checkpoint. Every call passes through it. In plain terms, the SBC does five jobs:

    1. Security. It authenticates trusted endpoints, rate-limits traffic to block fraud, and supports encryption for signaling and media when required.
    2. Interoperability. Carriers and platforms speak slightly different “dialects” of SIP. The SBC normalizes headers, codecs, and number formats so calls connect and transfers work.
    3. Policy & routing. It applies your dialing plan, call admission limits, least-cost routing, and automatic failover when routes or regions degrade.
    4. Visibility. It gives one place to see success rates, jitter, latency, and error causes—so you fix issues fast instead of guessing.
    5. Compliance. It keeps immutable logs, sets recording boundaries, and supports region-aware routing and reporting.
      Without an SBC, you depend on each carrier’s edge—which is designed for their network, not for your policies, audits, or troubleshooting.

    SBCaaS: Managed Control at Global Scale

    SBC as a Service (SBCaaS) gives you the same controls without running appliances or virtual machines yourself. The provider hosts the SBC layer across multiple regions, maintains security updates and certificates, and ships a catalog of pre-tested interop profiles for common carriers and cloud calling platforms. That means faster launches, less risk, and elastic capacity for peaks. Need to open a new country? You request capacity at the nearest point of presence and reuse a known-good template. Expect seasonal surges?

    You scale channels and calls-per-second without buying hardware for your busiest week. Compliance also gets simpler: a strong SBCaaS partner standardizes audit logs, policy versioning, and residency-aware routing so every location follows the same playbook. You still own your rules and your data; they run the heavy lifting—global operations, upgrades, and 24/7 incident response.

    How the SBC/SBCaaS layer keeps SIP trunking compliant

    Compliance is a set of repeatable controls, and the SBC is where those controls live.

    • Emergency calling: Routes 112/911/999 to the correct local gateway and blocks misrouted attempts.
    • Number formatting: Enforces E.164 and presentation rules to stop failed calls and caller-ID issues.
    • Lawful intercept support: Exposes required interfaces where mandated, without baking them into your apps.
    • Data residency: Anchors media and stores logs in approved regions so content and records remain where they should.
    • Audit-ready evidence: Keeps policy versions, change history, and per-call records so you can show exactly how a call was handled.
    • Security posture: Applies mutual TLS, allow-lists, and fraud limits—controls that many frameworks consider part of operational compliance.
    • Quality oversight: Tracks answer rates, jitter, and latency; alerts owners when thresholds are crossed and creates a defensible trail for post-incident reviews.

    Choosing an SBCaaS provider for a sip trunk carrier strategy

    Your provider’s design becomes your limit—or your advantage. Evaluate:

    • Capacity per customer. How many concurrent calls and calls-per-second can they guarantee for you? How do they handle bursts?
    • Geographic footprint. Where are their SBC nodes? What latency do you see to your users and your chosen carriers?
    • Interop library. Do they have proven profiles for your carriers and platforms to cut down turn-up time?
    • Routing intelligence. Look for diverse peering, least-cost routing options, and automatic failover across regions and carriers.
    • SLA and support. Who owns an incident bridge? What are response and fix times? When do they run maintenance windows?
    • Compliance coverage. Residency options, encryption levels, logging detail and retention, and how fast they can produce an audit pack.
      Pick a partner who can serve your volume, in your countries, while giving you clear control of policy and evidence.

    Rollout checklist (business view)

    1. Select carriers for coverage, price, number management, and emergency-service obligations per country.
    2. Map regulations by market: dialing rules, caller-ID requirements, recording rules, lawful intercept, and data-residency needs.
    3. Choose deployment: operate your own SBC or subscribe to SBCaaS; decide initial regions and capacity.
    4. Define policy: dialing plan, call-admission limits, preferred routes, failover order, encryption, and admin roles.
    5. Test interop: codecs, early media, transfers, DTMF, error handling, and failover with your carrier and platform.
    6. Enable observability: per-call analytics, alerts for answer rates and MOS, secure log retention, and access controls.
    7. Prepare the audit pack: policy versions, change control, sample CDRs, and residency statements.
    8. Document support paths: named contacts and SLAs for the carrier, the SBC/SBCaaS provider, and your internal team.

    Bottom line

    A sip trunk carrier gives your business reach and commercial flexibility. A sip session border controller turns that choice into dependable service by centralizing security, interoperability, routing policy, quality insight, and compliance. If you already run a strong voice engineering team with global ops, managing your own SBC can work. For most organizations, SBCaaS is the practical path: it delivers the same control with less operational weight and scales as you grow.

    Treat the SBC layer as the source of truth for policies and proof, and you’ll handle expansions, audits, and incidents with confidence—call by call, country by country.

  • The Shift from PSTN to Cloud Voice

    The Shift from PSTN to Cloud Voice

    Across the world, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)—once the standard for business voice—is being phased out. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have already completed their transitions, while others like the UK and Singapore are actively winding down copper-based systems in favor of modern, cloud-native voice infrastructure.

    For telecom providers, this presents an opportunity to build something better.

    From Legacy to Modern: The Current Landscape

    In the UK, the PSTN shutdown is scheduled for January 31, 20271. In Germany, over 95% of all new business phone system deployments in 2023 were SIP-based by default2. North America shows similar momentum, with 65% of organizations using SIP trunking and over 18 million active lines in use3. In India, enterprise SIP deployments grew 48% year-over-year, highlighting strong growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

    The global SIP trunking market—a core component of modern voice—is expected to grow from US$80.8 billion in 2025 to US$255.4 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of nearly 14% (Market Research Future). Another forecast places it at US$177.8 billion by 2032, up from US$54.2 billion in 20235.

    PSTN shutdowns affect more than voice. Systems like security lines, fire alarms, and payment terminals often rely on the same infrastructure, making modernization a broader operational concern. As copper networks age, maintaining service quality becomes more difficult. This moment provides an opportunity to implement infrastructure that is more resilient, flexible, and built for long-term demands.

    Why Cloud Voice Is the Next Logical Step

    Modernizing PSTN systems goes beyond maintaining connectivity; it creates the foundation for more adaptable and integrated voice services.

    PSTN relies on physical copper lines and centralized switches, designed for a time when communications were fixed-location and hardware-based.

    SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) enables software-based systems that run over the internet. This shift introduces key advantages for providers building toward more agile, future-ready voice systems.

    Key Advantages of SIP for Providers:

    • Scale without new infrastructure

    Traditional PSTN networks require physical expansion—new lines, switchboards, and site visits—to grow. With SIP, scaling is virtual. Providers can onboard new users, launch services in new regions, or add features without touching hardware. It also allows service providers to respond to customer needs faster, reducing lead times from weeks to hours and creating a more agile, responsive communications environment.

    • Smarter Service Delivery

    In addition, SIP-based systems come with modern capabilities that enhance the customer and operational experience. Features like intelligent call routing, call queuing, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendants, and call analytics are built in and centrally managed. Providers gain visibility into how services are being used and can make real-time adjustments—without needing manual intervention or hardware replacements. It transforms telephony from a static utility into a dynamic, data-informed service layer.

    • Lower operational cost

    Hosted PBX solutions shift voice services from capital expenditure to operating expense. There’s no need for on-site switching gear or dedicated telco rooms—maintenance, upgrades, and security patches happen in the cloud. This reduces IT overhead, eliminates the costs tied to equipment upkeep and replacement cycles, and cuts support hours spent managing legacy hardware. Providers also benefit from more predictable monthly costs and higher service availability.

    • Support for modern workstyles

    Increasingly, today’s teams work from anywhere—offices, homes, airports, or co-working spaces. SIP systems are designed for this flexibility. They support softphones, browser-based calling, mobile integrations, and device handoffs that keep communication seamless regardless of location. This not only improves productivity but ensures businesses remain reachable across channels. For providers, it’s an easy way to offer mobility as a core feature, not an afterthought.

    Why Are Some Providers Lagging?

    If the global direction is clear, why are some telecom providers slower to move? In many cases, it’s not due to resistance, but real structural constraints.

    • Legacy infrastructure is deeply embedded

    Many regional providers still rely on hardware-based switching and proprietary provisioning systems that weren’t designed to evolve quickly. Modernizing means more than a software upgrade, it’s a full architectural rethink.

    • Cloud-native expertise is still unevenly distributed

    While large telecoms may have internal DevOps or engineering teams focused on SIP and hosted services, many mid-sized or niche players don’t. Building cloud voice platforms from scratch is expensive, time-consuming, and outside their core strength.

    • White-labeled options haven’t always been accessible

    Until recently, many providers felt they had to choose between building their own stack or handing over control to third-party UCaaS platforms. Neither option felt aligned with their long-term strategy or customer relationships.

    • There’s caution around regulatory complexity

    Especially in markets where cross-border compliance, data sovereignty, or lawful interception are concerns, providers have been understandably hesitant to rush change without clarity or support.

    These are valid concerns—but they are increasingly addressable. With the right partners, providers can modernize on their terms, without sacrificing control or compliance.

    What We’re Building Toward

    In parallel to these shifts, we’ve been focused on what this transition means in practice for infrastructure providers and the partners they support. What we’ve seen is consistent: what used to be a forward-looking consideration is now a core part of how voice services are delivered. Telecoms, CX vendors, and business platforms are all under pressure to modernize voice, and to do it in ways that respect local regulations, budget constraints, and evolving customer expectations.

    Our own infrastructure efforts have focused on supporting that shift: building systems that reduce time-to-deploy, support flexible branding, and operate across multiple regulatory environments.

    ULAP Voice: Part of the Infrastructure Response

    As the industry continues its shift toward SIP and hosted voice systems, our infrastructure efforts have focused on building platforms that support this transition with clarity and efficiency.

    ULAP Voice is part of a broader hosted PBX infrastructure designed to align with existing telecom and service environments. It’s structured to reduce operational complexity while supporting flexibility in branding, configuration, and regional deployment.

    What we’ve prioritized:

    Rapid deploymentSystems that can be provisioned quickly to support evolving market needs.
    Brand-ready structureA framework that accommodates partner branding and integrates with broader service stacks.
    Regional resilienceArchitecture that supports operations across markets, while meeting local compliance requirements.
    Enterprise-grade capabilitiesAdvanced routing, call analytics, softphone readiness, and multi-location support are foundational—not add-ons.

    Rather than reinventing what already works, the goal has been to build adaptable infrastructure that aligns with how providers operate today—and where they want to go next.

    Looking Ahead

    The transition away from PSTN is more than a milestone in telecom history. It signals a broader shift toward communications infrastructure that is more distributed, intelligent, and responsive to real-world business demands.

    For providers planning their next move, the focus isn’t only on technology—it’s on finding an approach that balances scale, flexibility, and readiness for what’s next.

    Article references:

    1 BT Group: Your Guide to the PSTN Switch Off

    2 Market Growth Reports: SIP Trunking Services Market

    3 SNS Insider: SIP Trunking Services Market

    4 Market Research Future: SIP Trunking Service Market

    5 Globes Newswire: SIP Trunking Services Market

  • Your Guide To Virtual Business Numbers

    Your Guide To Virtual Business Numbers

    A virtual phone number lets you communicate from anywhere to anyone in the world, with almost any device connect to the internet. Between cost, ease of use and maintenance, they’re becoming increasingly common with businesses.

    This article will help you understand what it is, its benefits, how to get one and other alternatives to virtual numbers for your digital telephone system.

     

    How a Virtual Phone Number Works

    Virtual phone numbers aren’t exactly the same as traditional numbers that are connected to smartphones or landline phones. These numbers are identities in the cloud that can be linked to numbers you already own. It’s also known as cloud telephony (and you can read more about it in our article

     

    Old telephone systems required users to tie numbers to a device, whether it was a cell phone or a landline. Traditional landlines are fixed and cannot be carried around; you have to be close by to use them. Mobile phones are much better and more mobile-friendly, but your number is still directly tied to your device through your SIM or eSIM.

    Virtual numbers let you stay connected with clear calls using fast internet, no matter where you are or what device you’re using. This means you can make and receive calls with good quality even if you’re not in the same place as your phone. A convenient way to stay in touch without worrying about poor reception or dropped calls.

     

    Synced Communication Across Multiple Devices

    Many employees either have a remote setup with a digital home phone, or in-office desk phones. Virtual numbers simplify contact by connecting one phone number to multiple devices simultaneously. Digital phone systems with virtual numbers can receive calls to the same number on any of them. This also works for using the same phone number across your team or region.

    With more people working outside the office, calls need to be more accessible to keep businesses running smoothly. Virtual phone numbers help businessmen stay connected, without being dependent on specific devices. You can still be reached if you have your laptop but not your mobile device.

     

    Virtual Phone Numbers for International Businesses

    A small business might need a few lines and not spend more than a hundred dollars every month. Large companies with hundreds, thousands or even more employees have much more inflated bills. Consider the costs of international calling, and the bill can multiply frighteningly.

    Virtual phone numbers are a popular standard because without much hardware, it’s cheaper to maintain and use. Since it does not depend on the device, scaling incurs greatly reduced additional costs.

     

    Unique Features of Virtual Phone Numbers

    Virtual phone numbers can release you from the obligation of waiting in one location for phone calls or having to hang on to a single device to ensure you don’t miss an important call. Additionally, the virtual nature of the service makes it great for both remote companies and professionals who are frequently traveling.

    Phone numbers, coverage and calling plans are usually defined by your provider. If you’re travelling beyond your provider’s covered region and making long distance calls, your bill could skyrocket.

    Virtual phone numbers are connected through the internet, not the limitations your provider’s call coverage. The rate you’re charged for is defined by area-code-to-area-code, not where you’re located.

    Imagine you’re based in the United States but travelling through Indonesia. You need to contact the bank; you use your +1-area code virtual phone number to make the call. Because you’re connected through the internet, your call is charged at the domestic rate and not international. Even if you’re calling from over 9,000 miles away!

     

    Personal 169 (1200 x 800 px)

    • International Presence. You can get virtual phone numbers with area codes on your caller IDs local to the areas you serve. You won’t have to add more devices, it’s the same line.
    • Local Call Rates. With numbers in those area codes, customers can call your business at domestic rates. Even if you’re not physically in that locale.

    Regardless of the size of your business, virtual phone numbers could cut down telephone service costs significantly. Domestic calls remain cheap, and it’s affordable to take calls globally.

     

    Remote Work, Regional Teams and Frequent Travelers

    Remote work has continued to grow in many business strategies; virtual tools like online phone numbers are perfect for modern business phone systems.

    They free users from fixed phone locations, specific devices and sometimes even expensive call rates. They’re great for companies with remote workers, but also for frequently travelling businessmen, diplomats, regional teams, contact centers and more.

     

    Virtual Phone Number as An Option For Smaller Businesses

    Personal numbers aren’t always appropriate or comfortable for purposes of business communication. Virtual phone numbers can be linked to private telephone numbers so your business contacts can call you from a number distinct from your personal one.

    Setups made possible by virtual numbers such as this are a great option for slim operating models or sole proprietors.

     

    Access to Other Digital Tools, Suites, and Services

    Virtual phone numbers offer several features beyond voice calls. These include voicemail, calendar integration, online faxing, team messaging, and virtual reception. They also offer upgrades that non-virtual phone numbers don’t usually provide.

    Businesses can integrate their virtual phone numbers to popular digital workspaces like Microsoft365, Zoom, Salesforce, NICE, and Simplify360.

    You can connect your phone number to video conferencing features, whiteboards, schedulers, and even cross-integrate it between multiple apps. These integrations can make your phone number and working experience more fluid.

     

    How To Get a Virtual Phone Number

    Acquiring a virtual number can be simple. Vendors that offer a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service often provide online numbers with their services. For example, Google Voice offers a free local number to Google account holders; Zoom Phone offers numbers in 49 countries and more with its partner providers; etc.

    When you choose your provider, you will port your existing phone line or choose a new national number. Then, you’re free to browse plans to add toll-free or even vanity numbers. Your options will vary according to your provider, so it’s best to choose one that matches your needs.

     

    Considerations When Getting a Virtual Phone Service

    Getting a virtual phone number is a great option for businesses to have. It’s useful for keeping costs down, separating business identities, localizing your market presence and many other factors.

    Access and usage. Keeping tabs on business virtual phone number usage and access is often necessary for ensuring that business numbers are used appropriately and by the correct personnel. Service providers usually offer add-ons that help you better monitor phone line usage and ensure everything runs smoothly.

    Price and value for features. Some providers offer free virtual numbers with their services, which could be perfect for smaller businesses. Larger companies might want more functionalities with their virtual numbers, for better features and integrations.

    Global availability. Not all regions have virtual numbers as a readily available option. If you’re operating in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia, you might find that popular services won’t offer virtual numbers in those areas.

    While the first two considerations will help seekers narrow down their criteria in a service provider, the third is a challenge posed to businesses (and companies expanding into) these markets that want the convenience virtual numbers offer.

  • How Microsoft Teams Direct Routing works with SBCaaS

    How Microsoft Teams Direct Routing works with SBCaaS

    Microsoft 365 is one of the most popular office suites with many features to help with modern workplaces and remote work.

    One special feature is the Microsoft Teams Phone that lets your teams make and receive calls on the platform. Businesses can use Microsoft Teams Direct Routing to connect teams and existing telephony systems directly to the platform. This allows for a direct connection between the two systems.

    Since this enables cloud-based calling between their phone systems and Microsoft Teams, companies use an SBCaaS to keep their calls and data safe.

    Let’s explores how Microsoft Direct Routing and SBCaaS work together to help businesses.

    Learn more about ULAP’s SBCaaS here

     

    Understanding Microsoft Teams Routing

    Microsoft Teams Direct Routing offers businesses to connect their private branch exchange (PBX) systems to Microsoft Teams. Organisations can use the Teams platform’s calling features and file sharing together in one place. Direct Routing for teams offers several key benefits:

    • Enable cloud-calling and lower call costs without additional infrastructure
    • Use their existing telephony hardware while integrating with Microsoft Teams.
    • Unify communications on a single platform, streamlining operations and improving user experience.

    Challenges:

    • Need to encrypt calls to protect sensitive data
    • Need to monitor connection up-time / availability
    • Not all phone providers offer this service, and vendors are not available in all regions
    • Regulations can vary according to region

     

    Direct-Routing-as-a-Service (DRaaS) with an SBC

    Direct-Routing-as-a-Service (DRaaS) is a service offered by providers and vendors to manage this connection. They will usually setup, configure and manage this connection for you through an SBC (Session Border Controller).

    A Session Border Controller (SBC) is like a gatekeeper for VoIP calls, making sure data flows securely between networks.

    Here’s what it can do:

    • Enhance Security: Encrypt and secure VoIP traffic to protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats
    • Reliable Connectivity: Ensure high-quality voice communications with minimal latency and downtime.
    • Scale As You Need: Easily scales to meet the growing needs of your business without requiring additional hardware investments.
    • Compliance: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements by providing detailed reporting and monitoring capabilities.

    Telecom providers or cloud vendors can offer SBC as a service (SBCaaS) to make and manage this connection for you. Finding one in the USA, Europe or other countries where this is a growing norm might be easier.

    For regions where regulation and cloud-based technology is still growing, finding the right provider can be challenging. You’ll have to find one available and compliant in your region.

     

    How to find a vendor or provider for Microsoft Direct Routing

    Learn more about ULAP’s SBCaaS here

    1. Identify your requirements: Understand what you need from your solution. From the number of users, call volume, to existing infrastructure and any special features or integrations needed.
    2. Research vendors: Look for vendors who have done Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams, through case studies and professional networks.
    3. Assess technical capabilities: Contact your vendor and ask about their coverage, technical support, network redundancy and regional availability
    4. Compare pricing: Get detailed pricing information and compare to find a plan that suits your budget and needs
    5. Request for demo: Ask for a demonstration so you can assess the user experience and support they will provide.

    Contact our team for ours here

     

    What about ULAP SBCaaS for Teams?

    ULAP SBCaaS manages SBC deployment, maintenance, and monitoring for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing globally. We have network presence in 6 continents and you can check our coverage here.

     

    Easy Global Number Provisioning with ULAP’s SBCaaS

    Maintaining local phone numbers is crucial for businesses to retain local identity and trust.

    We configure your existing or new numbers for you, in full regulatory compliance around the globe. This simplifies the process, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining your business’s local presence.

    Our clients span from Malta, Poland, and the UK, to Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the Philippines.

    Advantages:

    • Local Identity: You can maintain local numbers, so clients can reach you through familiar contact points.
    • Compliance: We work with your local regulatory bodies to ensure you’re compliant with all regional requirements. This minimises potential legal issues and ensures a seamless transfer.
    • Fully managed: Our team manages the entire process, from setup to live. This lessens the burdens on your IT staff and reduces downtime during the transition.
    • Global Coverage: ULAP’s extensive network and expertise covers global teams for a consistent and efficient experience worldwide.

     

    Takeaways

    Microsoft Direct Routing with ULAP’s SBCaaS is a powerful solution for businesses that want to optimize their communication tools. By leveraging this combination, businesses can enjoy enhanced security, improved performance, and seamless scaling.

    Ready to take your business communications to the next level?

    Learn how our SBCaaS can enhance your Microsoft Direct Routing. We’ll walk you through a setup that’s secure, reliable, and an efficient communication solution for your business.

    Reach out to our team for your SBCaaS solution here.

  • 4 Benefits of Integrating Cloud Telephony and SaaS

    4 Benefits of Integrating Cloud Telephony and SaaS

    Cloud telephony refers to the delivery of voice communication services over the internet. When integrated with SaaS platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or any other platform of your choice, it creates a unified communication system that’s cloud-based, future-proofed and flexible for many different roles and use cases.

     

    1. Full-functionality available anywhere.

    Because these solutions can be deployed almost completely virtually (meaning minimal on-site installation required), enterprises can work with their dedicated IT teams to build a communications’ system that’s as unique or as simple as necessary.

    With the right access to global network availability and enterprise pricing for software, companies can fully take advantage of a high-performing network and work on the best the industry has to offer in work tools.

    When it comes to cloud efficiency, here are some of the perks:

    • Real-time updates and synchronization: All your conversations updated in real-time, keeping everything current and accurate.
    • Simplified communication processes: All your tools in one place or device, making communication a breeze.
    • Enhanced tracking and management capabilities: All your call logs neatly organized in one place, making tracking and managing interactions a cinch.

    For example, a sales team using Salesforce can benefit from cloud telephony integration by having call logs automatically updated in the CRM. This ensures that all interactions are recorded and accessible in real-time, which enhances tracking and management capabilities.

     

    2. Enhanced Collaboration

    Let’s dive into team collaboration. Integrated communication tools can do wonders here. With cloud telephony baked into SaaS platforms, employees can effortlessly switch between voice calls, video conferences, and instant messaging without ever leaving the app.

    Key benefits of enhanced collaboration include:

    • Reduced friction in collaboration: Moving smoothly between calls, chats, and meetings, enriching experiences for remote collaboration.
    • Maintaining traditional identities: When combined with cloud telephony, providers can offer you the option of retaining your well-known business numbers so you can use it as one with your collaboration suite.
    • Expanding geographically: Standardizing communication platforms and business numbers is applicable across the world, making management and compatibility easier.

    Consider a project team spread across multiple locations. By using an integrated solution like Microsoft Teams with embedded telephony, team members can quickly jump into a call or video meeting from a chat thread, share documents, and collaborate in real-time. This reduces the friction of switching between tools and fosters a more cohesive working environment.

     

    3. Enhanced Customer Service

    Digital collaboration suites have expanded to include functionalities that support more than just internal teams. Integrating telephony solutions with customer service platforms can significantly enhance customer interactions. Cloud telephony enables features like automated call routing, real-time analytics, and integration with CRM systems, which streamline customer support processes.

    Key strengths of enhanced customer service include:

    • Automated call routing: Get customers to the right department faster, reducing wait times.
    • Omnichannel solutions: Manage touchpoints within an integrated-platform system, making tracking and engagement management easier
    • Real-time analytics: Use up-to-the-minute data to improve decision-making and service.
    • Integration with CRM systems: Seamlessly pull up customer details for a more personalized touch.

    For example, a customer service team using a platform like Zendesk with integrated cloud telephony can see customer details and interaction history as soon as a call is received. This allows for more personalized and efficient service, improving overall customer satisfaction.

     

    4. Cost-Efficiency

    These smart combinations between cloud solutions can be pathways to significant savings. Traditional systems need hefty upfront investments in hardware and constant maintenance. And cloud wastage puts companies in a complex solution where management must find the delicate balance between accessibility and agility.

    With a cloud solution that’s made to fit your business requirements, companies can right-size slashing those capital cost.

    The cost-efficiency of cloud telephony includes:

    • Reduced capital expenditure: Let your current hardware age out as you transition to a cloud-based, minimal hardware solution
    • Subscription-based model: Pay as you go, giving you financial flexibility.
    • Optimized resource usage: Streamline your tools into one platform and watch efficiency soar.

    Additionally, resource optimization is a key benefit. By consolidating communication tools into a single platform, businesses can eliminate redundancy and improve efficiency. This not only reduces costs but also simplifies IT management and support.

    The integration of cloud telephony with SaaS platforms offers numerous benefits for businesses. From seamless communication and enhanced collaboration to scalability, cost-efficiency, and improved customer service, these integrated solutions are essential for modern business communications. Embracing these technologies can give businesses a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.

  • Leveraging SD-WAN for Cloud Telephony and UC

    Leveraging SD-WAN for Cloud Telephony and UC

    In the era of digital transformation, businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based telephony and UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) solutions to streamline operations and enhance communication. A pivotal technology enabling this transition is Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). By leveraging SD-WAN, companies can significantly boost their cloud connectivity, ensuring reliable telephony services, enhanced application performance, and robust security. Let’s explore how SD-WAN drives these benefits and look at some real-world examples.

     

    1.     Enhanced Cloud Connectivity

    SD-WAN revolutionizes cloud connectivity by providing intelligent routing and optimized network performance. Unlike traditional WAN, which relies heavily on fixed, often inefficient pathways, SD-WAN dynamically selects the best path for data traffic based on real-time conditions. This ensures that data packets take the most efficient route, reducing latency and improving overall communication quality.

    Benefits for business operations:

      • Seamless connectivity and uninterrupted operations
      • High performance even during peak usage times or network congestion
      • Efficient access to cloud-based applications and services

     

    2.     Optimized Telephony Services

    In today’s fast-paced business environment, reliable and high-quality voice and video communications are crucial. SD-WAN addresses this need by managing bandwidth and prioritizing traffic for critical services. By recognizing and prioritizing telephony data packets, SD-WAN ensures that voice and video communications are clear and uninterrupted, even when the network is under heavy load.

    Key advantages:

      • Superior call quality with minimal packet loss, jitter, and delays
      • Better communication experience for both employees and clients

     

    3.     Boosting SaaS Performance

    In today’s fast-paced business environment, reliable and high-quality voice and video communications are crucial. SD-WAN addresses this need by managing bandwidth and prioritizing traffic for critical services. By recognizing and prioritizing telephony data packets, SD-WAN ensures that voice and video communications are clear and uninterrupted, even when the network is under heavy load.

    Key advantages:

      • Superior call quality with minimal packet loss, jitter, and delays
      • Better communication experience for both employees and clients

     

    4.     Security Advantages

    Security is a top priority in the digital age, and SD-WAN offers robust features to protect data and communications. It includes built-in security protocols such as encryption, secure tunneling, and advanced threat detection. These features help safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

    Security benefits:

      • Protection of sensitive information
      • Compliance with industry regulations
      • Centralized control for managing security policies
      • Swift identification and mitigation of potential threats

    In conclusion, SD-WAN is a game-changer for businesses leveraging cloud telephony and SaaS solutions. It enhances cloud connectivity, ensures reliable telephony services, boosts application performance, and provides robust security. By adopting SD-WAN, companies can achieve significant improvements in their network performance and overall business operations, positioning themselves for success in the digital age.