With mobile phones being brought into unified communications networks, the need for SIP apps is increasing. The Acrobits app for the Apple iPhone is designed to allow on-the-go access to your VoIP network at all times, over WiFi or even 3G networks.

Features for the Acrobits app include:

• Push notification. If you aren’t runing the app, you’ll receive a notification when an incoming call is relayed to your phone. Simply hit ‘answer’ to accept the call.
• Bluetooth capability. Easily handle calls even when you hands are full.
• Call history with all calls grouped intelligently for your convenience.
• Call recording and playback – capability to record each party as a separate track in the wav file if desired.
• Up to 12 ‘quick-dial’ contacts available in one panel
• G.729A codec available as a separate app for better sound quality over 3G.
• Easy configuration, speakerphone support, and caller ID phone number resolution.
• Integration with your iPhone phonebook, and contact / phone number search function, plus support for sip:username urls.
• Multiple SIP account capability, with easy switching between accounts.
• Easy importing of accounts from major VoIP providers.

Configurable RTP port, SIP proxy support, VPN support, STUN server support and automatic server discovery.

The Acrobits softphone is now available as a downloadable app with 3G capability. Compared to other VoIP mobile apps, customers say it is easier to set up and provides a clearer relay of SIP calls. The layout of each screen is logical and the necessary amount of switching between screens is minimal.

Since iPhone does not allow apps to run in the background, the push notification feature is a welcome addition that allows users to see when an incoming call is being relayed, and not miss an important call. Apple Push Notification Service requires at least iPhone OS 3.0 and a connection to the Internet, either via a cellular data network or Wi-Fi. This feature works on the Apple iPhone, iPad, and and iPod Touch.

The advantages of having a mobile application that allows SIP calling is that your calls are routed through your own VoIP network, reducing mobile costs and permitting the integration of your mobile number with your main business office. You can set up several SIP accounts to make and receive calls, and arrange settings so that outbound calls show your main business phone number instead of your personal mobile caller ID.

The Acrobits softphone app is available for purchase through iTunes, and costs $7.99.

Acrobits is by no means the only good mobile VoIP application in the App Store. In its current state, it actually does not have support for a lot of business features, so if you’re looking for an accompaniment to your hosted business VoIP service, you might want to try out a few others, or wait for an updated business version.