What Every Business Owner Needs to Know.

SIP Trunking: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Tired of phone lines and traditional telecommunications providers? You're not alone. Big businesses and small startups alike are turning to SIP trunking as a way to empower users and make communications simple. But what exactly is SIP — and should your company take a drink?
Tech Target defines Session Imitation Protocol (SIP) trunking as “the use of voice over IP (VoIP) to facilitate the connection of a private branch exchange (PBX) to the Internet.” That's a mouthful.
Bottom line: it's like virtualizing your telephony services while still maintaining the call clarity, speed and security. And it's rapidly gaining ground as businesses opt for VoIP-based alternatives over traditional integrated digital services networks (IDSNs).

In Britain, for example, there were one million SIP trunks active through 2013, and by 2018, it's predicted this number will more than triple to 3.3 million. Despite its growing popularity, many business owners aren't sure how it can benefit their bottom line and what trends are on the horizon for this technology. Here's what you need to know:

Small SIPs: The Basics

Conventional telephone systems also run using a “trunk,” which is any line or link that can carry multiple signals simultaneously. Unlike a traditional telephone trunk, SIP-enabled systems allow direct connection with an Internet telephony service provider (ITSP).
This makes it possible to extend VoIP systems beyond the confines of company walls but without the need for an IP-based public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateway through the firewall. In other words, you can skip the traditional phone provider and still get all the same benefits.

Big Gulps: Key Benefits

SIP trunks also come with a number of built-in benefits. First is the ability of SIP technology to combine data, voice and video content into a single line, meaning you don't require separate media channels for each type. As noted by Microsoft, trunks can carry instant messages, multimedia conferences and user information with equal facility. The result? Simplified communications and reduced operational complexity, leading to lower costs.
It's also important to note that SIP trunks perform all the functions of standard PSTN offerings such as making and receiving local and long-distance calls and accessing directory assistance. These networks also support email exchanges and Internet browsing along with the ability to integrate both mobile and traditional phones.
Since the service isn't based on physical circuit-switching, adding or removing a line is easy and requires no downtime. The big takeaway here? Everything is simplified, streamlined and easy-to-use, no matter how many lines you're connecting.

New Flavors?

While it's possible to realize cost savings and improve operational efficiency with basic SIP trunking, there are several trends for business owners to watch as this technology matures.
First is the use of cloud-based SIP networks. Instead of storing all telephony data on company-owned servers, cloud-based SIP trunks offload this responsibility to providers. The result is further cost reduction and increased data security owing to the redundant nature of the cloud.
What's more, many of these networks are HIPAA and SOC2 compliant, meaning even companies dealing with health care or legal information can keep their data secure. And in the event of local disaster, using a cloud-based SIP means your communication service stays up and running.
Enhanced PBX options are also trending, thanks to SIP trunking. As noted by No Jitter, the PBX and IP PBX markets are changing significantly, with some companies choosing to carve up these networks into smaller service subsets.
Cloud-enabled SIP trunks, however, permit the creation of virtual PBX networks ideal for smaller businesses that can't afford the real estate or manpower costs of “traditional” PBX. Everything from interactive voice response to advanced call-back features is available, giving all the benefits of an enterprise-level system without the cost.
What do business owners need to know about SIP trunking? That it's now possible to toss your old PBX or telecommunications provider and grab a tall glass of improved communication, reduced costs and emerging telephony trends.
SIP Trunking: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Tired of phone lines and traditional telecommunications providers? You're not alone. Big businesses and small startups alike are turning to SIP trunking as a way to empower users and make communications simple. But what exactly is SIP — and should your company take a drink?
Tech Target defines Session Imitation Protocol (SIP) trunking as “the use of voice over IP (VoIP) to facilitate the connection of a private branch exchange (PBX) to the Internet.” That's a mouthful.
Bottom line: it's like virtualizing your telephony services while still maintaining the call clarity, speed and security. And it's rapidly gaining ground as businesses opt for VoIP-based alternatives over traditional integrated digital services networks (IDSNs).
Related Article: 5 Reasons the VoIP Market Will Reach $88 Billion by 2018
In Britain, for example, there were one million SIP trunks active through 2013, and by 2018, it's predicted this number will more than triple to 3.3 million. Despite its growing popularity, many business owners aren't sure how it can benefit their bottom line and what trends are on the horizon for this technology. Here's what you need to know:

Small SIPs: The Basics

Conventional telephone systems also run using a “trunk,” which is any line or link that can carry multiple signals simultaneously. Unlike a traditional telephone trunk, SIP-enabled systems allow direct connection with an Internet telephony service provider (ITSP).
This makes it possible to extend VoIP systems beyond the confines of company walls but without the need for an IP-based public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateway through the firewall. In other words, you can skip the traditional phone provider and still get all the same benefits.

Big Gulps: Key Benefits

SIP trunks also come with a number of built-in benefits. First is the ability of SIP technology to combine data, voice and video content into a single line, meaning you don't require separate media channels for each type. As noted by Microsoft, trunks can carry instant messages, multimedia conferences and user information with equal facility. The result? Simplified communications and reduced operational complexity, leading to lower costs.
It's also important to note that SIP trunks perform all the functions of standard PSTN offerings such as making and receiving local and long-distance calls and accessing directory assistance. These networks also support email exchanges and Internet browsing along with the ability to integrate both mobile and traditional phones.
Since the service isn't based on physical circuit-switching, adding or removing a line is easy and requires no downtime. The big takeaway here? Everything is simplified, streamlined and easy-to-use, no matter how many lines you're connecting.

New Flavors?

While it's possible to realize cost savings and improve operational efficiency with basic SIP trunking, there are several trends for business owners to watch as this technology matures.
First is the use of cloud-based SIP networks. Instead of storing all telephony data on company-owned servers, cloud-based SIP trunks offload this responsibility to providers. The result is further cost reduction and increased data security owing to the redundant nature of the cloud.
What's more, many of these networks are HIPAA and SOC2 compliant, meaning even companies dealing with health care or legal information can keep their data secure. And in the event of local disaster, using a cloud-based SIP means your communication service stays up and running.
Enhanced PBX options are also trending, thanks to SIP trunking. As noted by No Jitter, the PBX and IP PBX markets are changing significantly, with some companies choosing to carve up these networks into smaller service subsets.
Cloud-enabled SIP trunks, however, permit the creation of virtual PBX networks ideal for smaller businesses that can't afford the real estate or manpower costs of “traditional” PBX. Everything from interactive voice response to advanced call-back features is available, giving all the benefits of an enterprise-level system without the cost.
What do business owners need to know about SIP trunking? That it's now possible to toss your old PBX or telecommunications provider and grab a tall glass of improved communication, reduced costs and emerging telephony trends.
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UK GENERAL ELECTIONS:Inquiry announced into memo alleging Sturgeon wants Tory election victory.

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Sandhurst's sheikhs: Why do so many Gulf royals receive military training in the UK? A parade outside the building at Sandhurst Continue reading the main story In today's Magazine The death list that names 5,000 victims Is this woman an apostate? Voices from a WW1 prison camp The Swiss selfie scandal Generations of foreign royals - particularly from the Middle East - have learned to be military leaders at the UK's Sandhurst officer training academy. But is that still a good idea, asks Matthew Teller. Since 1812, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, on the Surrey/Berkshire border, has been where the British Army trains its officers. It has a gruelling 44-week course testing the physical and intellectual skills of officer cadets and imbuing them with the values of the British Army. Alongside would-be British officers, Sandhurst has a tradition of drawing cadets from overseas. Many of the elite families of the Middle East have sent their sons and daughters. Perhaps the most notable was King Hussein of Jordan. Continue reading the main story Find out more Matthew Teller presents Sandhurst and the Sheikhs, a Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4, on Wednesday 27 August 2014 at 11:00 BST It will be available on iPlayer shortly after broadcast Four reigning Arab monarchs are graduates of Sandhurst and its affiliated colleges - King Abdullah of Jordan, King Hamad of Bahrain, Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and Sultan Qaboos of Oman. Past monarchs include Sheikh Saad, Emir of Kuwait, and Sheikh Hamad, Emir of Qatar. Sandhurst's links have continued from the time when Britain was the major colonial power in the Gulf. "One thing the British were excellent at was consolidating their rule through spectacle," says Habiba Hamid, former foreign policy strategist to the rulers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. "Pomp, ceremony, displays of military might, shock and awe - they all originate from the British military relationship." Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King Abdullah, Sultan Qaboos Sandhurst alumni: King Hamad of Bahrain, King Abdullah of Jordan and Sultan Qaboos of Oman It's a place where future leaders get to know each other, says Michael Stephens, deputy director of the Royal United Services Institute, Qatar. And Sandhurst gives the UK influence in the Gulf. "The [UK] gets the kind of attention from Gulf policy elites that countries of our size, like France and others, don't get. It gives us the ability to punch above our weight. "You have people who've spent time in Britain, they have… connections to their mates, their teachers. Familiarity in politics is very beneficial in the Gulf context." "For British people who are drifting around the world, as I did as a soldier," says Brigadier Peter Sincock, former defence attache to Saudi Arabia, "you find people who were at Sandhurst and you have an immediate rapport. I think that's very helpful, for example, in the field of military sales." The Emir of Dubai Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his son after his Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst in 2006 Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, with his son in uniform at Sandhurst in 2006 Her Majesty The Queen's Representative His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, The Emir of Qatar inspects soldiers during the 144th Sovereign's Parade held at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on April 8, 2004 in Camberley, England. Some 470 Officer cadets took part of which 219 were commissioned into the British Army Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar until 2013, inspects soldiers at Sandhurst in 2004 Emotion doesn't always deliver. In 2013, despite the personal intervention of David Cameron, the UAE decided against buying the UK's Typhoon fighter jets. But elsewhere fellow feeling is paying dividends. "The Gulf monarchies have become important sources of capital," says Jane Kinninmont, deputy head of the Middle East/North Africa programme at the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House. "So you see the tallest building in London being financed by the Qataris, you see UK infrastructure and oilfield development being financed by the UAE. There's a desire - it can even seem like a desperation - to keep them onside for trade reasons." British policy in the Gulf is primarily "mercantile", says Dr Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, of the Baker Institute in Houston, Texas. Concerns over human rights and reform are secondary. The Shard at dusk The Shard was funded by Qatari investors In 2012 Sandhurst accepted a £15m donation from the UAE for a new accommodation block, named the Zayed Building after that country's founding ruler. In March 2013, Sandhurst's Mons Hall - a sports centre - was reopened as the King Hamad Hall, following a £3m donation from the monarch of Bahrain, who was educated at one of Sandhurst's affiliated colleges. The renaming proved controversial, partly because of the perceived slight towards the 1,600 British casualties at the Battle of Mons in August 1914 - and partly because of how Hamad and his government have dealt with political protest in Bahrain over the last three years. A critic might note that the third term of Sandhurst's Officer Commissioning Course covers counter-insurgency techniques and ways to manage public disorder. Since tension between Bahrain's majority Shia population and minority Sunni ruling elite boiled over in 2011, more than 80 civilians have died at the hands of the security forces, according to opposition estimates, though the government disputes the figures. Thirteen police officers have also lost their lives in the clashes. "The king has always felt that Sandhurst was a great place," says Sincock, chairman of the Bahrain Society, which promotes friendship between the UK and Bahrain. "Something like 20 of his immediate family have been there as cadets. He didn't really understand why there was such an outcry." David Cameron and King Hamad David Cameron meeting King Hamad in 2012... A protester is held back by police ... while protesters nearby opposed the Bahrain ruler's human rights record Crispin Black, a Sandhurst graduate and former instructor, says the academy should not have taken the money. "Everywhere you look there's a memorial to something, a building or a plaque that serves as a touchstone that takes you right to the heart of British military history. Calling this hall 'King Hamad Hall' ain't gonna do that." Sandhurst gave a written response to the criticism. "All donations to Sandhurst are in compliance with the UK's domestic and international legal obligations and our values as a nation. Over the years donations like this have saved the UK taxpayer a considerable amount of money." But what happens when Sandhurst's friends become enemies? In 2001, then-prime minister Tony Blair visited Damascus, marking a warming of relations between the UK and Syria. Shortly after, in 2003, Sandhurst was training officers from the Syrian armed forces. Now, of course, Syria is an international pariah. Journalist Michael Cockerell has written about Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi's time at the Army School of Education in Beaconsfield in 1966: "Three years [later], Gaddafi followed a tradition of foreign officers trained by the British Army. He made use of his newfound knowledge to seize political power in his own country." Ahmed Ali Sandhurst-trained Ahmed Ali was a key player in the Egyptian military's removal of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi That tradition persists. In the 1990s Egyptian colonel Ahmed Ali attended Sandhurst. In 2013 he was one of the key figures in the Egyptian military's removal of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, now rewarded by a post in President Sisi's inner circle of advisers. In the late 1990s there were moves by the British government under Tony Blair to end Sandhurst's training of overseas cadets. Major-General Arthur Denaro, Middle East adviser to the defence secretary and commandant at Sandhurst in the late 1990s, describes the idea as part of the "ethical foreign policy" advocated by the late Robin Cook, then-foreign secretary. Tony Blair and Robin Cook Tony Blair and Robin Cook at one point planned to end Sandhurst's training of overseas cadets The funeral of King Hussein in 1999 appears to have scuppered the plan. "Coming to that funeral were the heads of state of almost every country in the world - and our prime minister was there, Tony Blair," says Major-General Denaro. "He happened to see me talking to heads of state - the Sultan of Brunei, the Sultan of Oman, the Bahrainis, the Saudis - and he said 'How do you know all these guys?' The answer was because they went to Sandhurst." Today, Sandhurst has reportedly trained more officer cadets from the UAE than from any other country bar the UK. The May 2014 intake included 72 overseas cadets, around 40% of whom were from the Middle East. "In the future," says Maryam al-Khawaja, acting president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, "people will look back at how much Britain messed up in the [Middle East] because they wanted to sell more Typhoon jets to Bahrain, rather than stand behind the values of human rights and democracy." "It's one thing saying we're inculcating benign values, but that's not happening," says Habiba Hamid. Sandhurst is "a relic of the colonial past. They're not [teaching] the civic values we ought to find in democratically elected leaders." line Who else went to Sandhurst? Princes William and Harry, Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Katie Hopkins, Antony Beevor, James Blunt, Josh Lewsey, Devon Harris (From left to right) Princes William and Harry Sir Winston Churchill Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond (but did not complete training) Katie Hopkins, reality TV star Antony Beevor, historian James Blunt, singer-songwriter Josh Lewsey, World Cup-winning England rugby player Devon Harris, member of Jamaica's first bobsleigh team line Sandhurst says that "building international relations through military exchanges and education is a key pillar of the UK's international engagement strategy". Sandhurst may be marvellous for the UK, a country where the army is subservient to government, but it is also delivering militarily-trained officers to Middle Eastern monarchies where, often, armies seem to exist to defend not the nation but the ruling family.

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Generations of foreign royals - particularly from the Middle East - have learned to be military leaders at the UK's Sandhurst officer training academy. But is that still a good idea, asks Matthew Teller. Since 1812, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, on the Surrey/Berkshire border, has been where the British Army trains its officers. It has a gruelling 44-week course testing the physical and intellectual skills of officer cadets and imbuing them with the values of the British Army. Alongside would-be British officers, Sandhurst has a tradition of drawing cadets from overseas. Many of the elite families of the Middle East have sent their sons and daughters. Perhaps the most notable was King Hussein of Jordan. Four reigning Arab monarchs are graduates of Sandhurst and its affiliated colleges - King Abdullah of Jordan, King Hamad of Bahrain, Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and Sultan Qaboos of Oman. Past monarchs include Sheikh S
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