The other key offering in the IP voice world is HIPT. Like SIP trunks the service is carried using a voice appropriate ADSL on a standard analogue line, or a direct internet access service (dependent on the number of handsets in a given location). The key difference between SIP trunks and HIPT is equipment. HIPT services are deployed through network compatible IP handsets and offer all the functionality of a fully featured and entirely scaleable PBX without the initial cost outlay or ongoing large maintenance fees. In that sense HIPT can be viewed as a replacement of traditional onsite PBX equipment.

With HIPT the key benefits for the end user are flexibility, feature rich functionality and control. Each handset can be managed in terms of the type of services it can access, and the features it can utilise. A customer focused mix and match approach which can allow businesses to control costs and minimise risks.

HIPT costs also have a number of elements. The initial one-off equipment charges (which can be financed) and then a monthly licence fee for each handset, based on the spec of the equipment chosen. The final element is the call traffic.

As with SIP trunking Shimmer has the in-house expertise to advise you on which solution, and what specific deployment of that solution is most appropriate for each of your customers. In the event that we believe IP telephony, either by SIP or HIPT is not the most appropriate for your customers, we will tell you, as our business is about providing the right service for your customers.

Shimmer’s portal has pricing and full listings of all IP voice required products and services to get your customers calling over the Web. More importantly Shimmer has the technical knowledge and experience to ensure that when you recommend an IP voice solution to your customers, you can have faith that it will offer them a service that they can rely on.