It’s estimated that by 2017, the number of SIP users will have grown from 7.2 million in 2010 to 59.1 million[1]. But why such a massive increase? To answer that question is to understand where the telecom industry is going in regards to voice technology, and that’s an important thing to know if you’re a business owner. After all, the telephone is often the front line between you and your customer. So, let’s take a look at the four factors driving SIP migration…
The death of POTS
Thanks to a strong push from providers, plain old traditional [phone] service (POTS) is disappearing. The reasons are numerous: decaying infrastructure, lack of new technicians trained on repairing/maintaining traditional phone technology and higher overhead costs associated with POTS technology, just to name a few.
While this may not have a huge impact on larger businesses with more complicated phone systems, small businesses will have to adapt. Many, if not most of them, will look toward a SIP solution to replace dying communication technology.
Short- and long-term cost savings
Because of the consolidation of communication infrastructure associated with SIP lines and SIP trunking, business save on overhead – there is less equipment for them to maintain and house, and the technology simply costs less to implement. When considering the long-term implications of SIP migration, one report estimates businesses will generally see a 60% reduction in telecommunications costs[2] after they migrate to SIP.
Enabling unified communications (UC)
Utilizing Internet Protocol for voice communication opens the door for integration of voice and other communication mediums on the same network. UC technology can provide access to voice, instant messaging and video conferencing from one interface on desktop computers or even mobile devices. When implemented properly, this can have a big impact on workplace efficiency.
Functionality and practicality
The bottom line is SIP technology just offers businesses more optimized communication capabilities. The ability to control and balance traffic, capacity and call routing; the ability to more easily scale the number of lines up or down to meet business demands, and greater internal control of every communication medium in use is simply more appealing from a usability perspective.
A popular budget vacation trend is the staycation, a new term that references staying local and exploring the area. Without the responsibilities of work and constraints of social engagements, vacationers can discover their own city and nearby towns in as if they, themselves, were tourists. Because staycations free up money generally geared for lodging, flights, gas or pet boarding, more money can be devoted towards bills (without skimping on entertainment and exciting local activities). Consider coordinating a staycation with popular local events, such as Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Sift through online media and local newspapers for free activities held locally, including author readings, concert events or dance classes. Evaluate the top tourist destinations in your city–from aquariums to art museums to major sports teams–and schedule at least two experiences during your staycation. Splurge on a discounted hotel downtown to get away for a night and live it up like a city tourist. Plan a day trip to a nearby town for wine tasting, horseback riding or berry-picking. Additionally, discover the great outdoors in your region through a day hike or overnight camping trip. Learn about the nearby topography and native animals and plants through kayaking or bicycling adventures. Remember to catch up on sleep, finish at least one home project and put your vacation savings towards any outstanding debt to make a staycation a worthwhile experience.
During a struggling housing market, vacation homeowners often slash rental prices to solidify an occupant in a competitive market. Recently, the Columbia State Newspaper reported that South Carolina coastal homes had reduced rental rates from 10 to 25 percent (see Resources). For those traveling on a budget, look for last-minute destination rental deals. Additionally, shop around the market to achieve the best rate, vacation during an off-peak time and look for beach-access homes (versus waterfront) for deeper savings. For beach home rentals, consider spots less-plagued by tourists–such as Cape Hatteras, Biloxi or Tybee Island–to keep more money in your pocket. Additionally, mountain cabin rentals offer a unique vacation experience coupled with financial savings. Consider traveling to Dahlonega (Georgia), Durango (Colorado), Missoula (Montana), Chattanooga (Tennessee) or Asheville (North Carolina) during the off-peak months to discover charming cities, outdoor adventures and magnificent scenery. For travelers who appreciate extremely rustic conditions and hope to reduce any extra vacation costs should contemplate ChillBilly Acres in Canada. At $15/night, travelers can visit Ontario and Toronto (without the glitzy hotels and hefty price tags) and experience the natural wonders surrounding the cabin.
Oftentimes, the best vacations are ones that allow for personal discovery, an outdoor experience and financial savings. Plentiful camping opportunities abound throughout the country; Consider the season to help assist in choosing the best camping experience. Warm, summer weather allows for enjoyable camping in Montana, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota and Colorado. Cooler, winter months should warrant a visit to the Southern states, from Arizona to Florida. Evaluate your ownership of camping supplies to determine any vacation-related costs, and purchase any needed equipment at discounted rates. Discover America’s Parks for inexpensive camping and hiking opportunities that offer magnificent encounters with nature, such as Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California or Zion National Park in Utah (make sure you get a permit before camping, if required). Consider Manzanita Campground in Sedona, Arizona for easy access to downtown Sedona and multi-function trails that wind through the Red Rocks. At $18/night, campers can reserve a spot, pitch a tent, make s’mores and enjoy a relaxing evening. Don’t have outdoor supplies and not up for sleeping beneath the stars? Many state parks offer onsite lodging (sometimes as low as $35/night) that provide an inexpensive opportunity to discover America’s great outdoors.
There’s a fantastic infographic that was put out by onlinecolleges.net that I want to share with you. It speaks directly to the impact Google has had and continues to have on our everyday lives and more specifically, our collective memories. You’ll notice they do a great job of separating out what they call “The Google’s Brain” into four separate quadrants, touching on each of the four and including the benefits of each these quadrants provide all of us with… well all of us that use Google, anyway.
Beach Fun 
Road Tripping
Cruising
