Sirocom delivers a life cycle approach to VoIP

Virtual network operator offers customers three-stage migration without total overhaul of systems

Virtual network operator Sirocom has launched a flexible approach to Voice over IP (VoIP) with a life cycle system to entice firms over gradually.

The take-up of VoIP is expected to rise steadily, but some firms still hold reservations over cost and convenience issues, with many content to maintain systems and look to VoIP in the future.

VAR Sirocom is offering customers a three-stage migration to move over to VoIP without a total overhaul of exhisiting systems.

Dave Macfarlane, chief technical officer at Sirocom, said: “We are not selling a fixed, one-off solution. This is a strategy, which is a customised, realistic roadmap to VoIP.

“We feel we have the network relationships to deliver a flexible system to customers. Our contracts are three to five years in length, but we only have annual commitments to carriers,” he said.

Macfarlane stated that 70 per cent of firms say carriers do not understand their business and Sirocom are offering an alternative to traditional operators.

Matthew Ball, research analyst at Canalys, was supportive of Sirocom’s plans and believed that flexibility could be key for resellers pitching in the VoIP space.

“There are a lot of barriers in the VoIP market and if resellers can offer an easier migration path then

they stand a better chance of success,” he said.

Ball highlighted issues of security and cost, particularity for smaller firms who are unwilling to move over to VoIP and claimed that carrier flexibility is also of benefit to customers.

“Carrier’s tariffs often help firms at different times so it makes sense to have a choice and this is a real advantage for end-users,” he added.