June 2019 Summaries

The shift towards as-a-service models in communications is driven by the need for scalability and cost efficiency, particularly for businesses with fluctuating call traffic. Traditional ISDN connections are limited in their ability to scale and can be expensive. In contrast, cloud communications powered by SIP trunks offer more agility and flexibility at a lower cost. Over half of companies surveyed have adopted SIP trunking, citing cost savings as the primary driver. For communications providers, outsourcing infrastructure, legal, and regulatory aspects to the cloud can enable them to scale their services more easily and efficiently.

The third part of a five-part series discusses the differences between three types of Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging - short codes, toll-free numbers, and local 10-digit numbers (10DLC). While short codes were once the only way to send high-volume A2P messages, technology has evolved to allow toll-free and local numbers to deliver A2P messages at scale. The right type of A2P messaging depends on factors such as message volume, number cost, time to market, and user experience. Short codes are best for 'text-in' campaigns, while toll-free and local numbers may be more suitable for other types of messaging.

Messaging deliverability can be complex, and understanding the distinctions between application-to-person (A2P) and person-to-person (P2P) messaging is crucial for effective communication. P2P messaging, akin to a two-way street, involves slower traffic with local, ten-digit numbers, suitable for low-volume exchanges, while A2P messaging operates like a highway, enabling high-volume transmissions such as notifications and alerts via short codes, toll-free numbers, or Local A2P numbers. Choosing the appropriate messaging route is essential for ensuring messages reach their intended recipients effectively. The series further explores messaging deliverability, with upcoming parts addressing types of A2P messaging, best practices, and SMS delivery measurement.

The text explains the differences between VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol), highlighting their distinct roles and capabilities in telecommunications. VoIP is described as a method for transmitting voice data over the internet, while SIP trunking is a protocol that facilitates multimedia data transfer, including voice, text, and video, across various networks. VoIP calls are confined to internet or private networks, requiring a computer to manage software and connections, whereas SIP trunking can operate over diverse networks like ISDN, VPNs, or the internet, with equipment that functions independently. SIP trunking offers enhanced security as it is embedded in the phone exchange and network provider's equipment, allowing for a direct connection to the provider for sensitive data handling. In contrast, VoIP relies on centralized control by a separate provider, posing security risks and potential downtime vulnerabilities if the provider's system fails.

Omni-channel is a marketing strategy that provides customers with a unified experience across all channels, allowing them to seamlessly move between touchpoints without losing the overall interaction with the brand. This approach benefits customers by providing a better, unified customer experience, eliminating confusion, maximizing convenience, and solving problems faster. Toll-free numbers can be the foundation of an omni-channel strategy as they are widely used in various industries for voice calls and high volume messaging. Despite misconceptions, toll-free voice is alive and well, and companies like Bandwidth offer reliable and redundant networks to support both voice and messaging needs.

Nemertes Research's latest study, "Workplace Collaboration: 2019-2020", reveals that businesses are moving to the cloud and adopting SIP trunking. Out of those using on-premises technology, only 36.4% plan to continue doing so, with the rest planning on moving toward cloud-based technology. For PSTN access, businesses have two options: Option 1 - Cloud platform or Option 2 - Bring-your-own connection via SIP trunking. The study found that 52.2% of organizations are using or plan to use SIP trunks, with 33% of successful organizations using it compared to 20.5% of unsuccessful ones. Next-gen SIP trunk technology offers easily accessible virtual phone numbers for local presence, APIs for number provisioning, messaging support, and flexibility for scaling up or down depending on needs. The webinar highlighted that everyone is moving or planning to move to the cloud, regardless of industry or organization size, with SIP trunking providing increased flexibility needed for this move, especially for large organizations.

The first part of a 5-part series on message deliverability discusses how carriers evaluate messages. When you hit send, your SMS is translated into data and sent across an elaborate web of interconnected carrier networks. As it travels, the message is checked for SPAM by various checkpoints that may differ by carrier and can be subject to change at any time. Criteria considered include the sender's reputation, messaging type, volume, and content. Keeping these criteria in mind increases the chances of successful delivery.

Despite being considered outdated by some, 17 billion faxes are still sent annually due to their safety and accessibility. With the shift towards SIP trunk technology, sending a fax with a SIP trunk is becoming more common. T.38 protocol enables faxing over data networks, converting fax signals into images for transmission. CSID identifies the recipient's fax machine. Each number must be designated for receiving either voice calls or faxes but not both.

The adoption of SIP trunking is on the rise as businesses increasingly rely on internet-based cloud communications and phase out ISDN. In a recent Nemertes study, 57% of businesses had already adopted or planned to adopt SIP trunking. Unlike traditional copper wire connections, SIP trunking allows for flexible capacity management and cost savings. Businesses can increase or decrease the number of channels as needed in almost real-time, reducing overall PSTN access spend by an average of 16.1% and operational costs by 39%. Additionally, modern SIP trunking services support digital transformation through virtual phone numbers, emergency call routing, texting capabilities, and integration with business processes for messaging purposes.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a set of rules that dictate how voice data packets travel through data networks, enabling voice traffic to be carried over the internet. SIP trunking allows businesses with SIP-enabled phone systems to potentially call anyone within their network's coverage. Bandwidth offers global network and VoIP infrastructure with direct PSTN connections in 60+ countries, covering more than 90% of the world's economy.

In-country routing from the cloud is a gamechanger for businesses seeking to establish a fully localized two-way calling solution across multiple markets. This approach offers an alternative to compromised quality and reliability of international calling services or the complex process of establishing one's own network of carriers. By using software and APIs, in-country routing enables businesses to create a seamless telephony experience for their customers without the need for multiple contracts and complex pricing structures. This solution provides access to national telephone numbering plans, local CLI and ringtones, access to local Emergency Services, and ensures the best possible calling experience with minimal latency and high quality.

Connecting users to applications via the internet presents challenges in terms of privacy, security, and reliability. While the internet is widely accessible, it can lead to latency issues and decreased quality for real-time communications like video or voice chat. Encryption methods such as VPNs improve security but may increase latency and negatively impact call quality. Private interconnects offer a more secure and reliable alternative by minimizing hops between infrastructure services, prioritizing traffic, and reducing latency. By directly connecting infrastructure over private networks, businesses can maintain control over their systems and ensure high-quality service.