Opal Telecom, the business division of The Carphone Warehouse Group, is preparing to launch its SIP Trunking proposition in April.

The Opal proposition will enable the channel to benefit from increased margins, greater customer lock-in and competitive advantage. Unlike many competitor SIP propositions currently available, Opal SIP Trunks can connect directly to most IP-PBX systems that have SIP interconnect, without the need for gateways or integrated access devices - interoperability has been fully tested and approved by many of the leading manufacturers.

Geoff Wilson, Business Development Director at Opal Telecom, said: "The Opal SIP Trunking proposition will see us working closely with systems manufacturers - giving them and system resellers a superb opportunity to up-sell to their base. End-users will be able to unlock all the value features of their IP-PBX and reap the benefits and flexibility of Unified Communications."

Opal SIP trunks can be used in parallel with ISDN or analogue trunks, providing Channel Partners with the opportunity to support ISDN customers in mapping-out a gradual IP migration path . The provision of a hybrid solution utilising ISDN and SIP trunks not only provides the reassurance of a managed migration but also a business continuity alternative.

Wilson added: "This is a big opportunity for the channel to broaden their portfolio and develop longer term propositions. We'll provide real support to our Channel Partners in embracing IP and next generation services, enabling them to act now, before others steal the lead."