SRAPS: a game changer for IP-PBX and end device management

In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, efficiency and customer satisfaction are crucial for service providers. Snom’s SRAPS hosted provisioning service is an advanced solution that makes everyday life easier for value added resellers and IT specialists.

IP service providers are often involved in multiple projects and face the challenge of configuring and maintaining a large number of IP end devices. This is a time-consuming and costly task, which is often the deciding factor for end users when placing an order, especially for on-site service. With SRAPS, which Snom introduced in 2019 as the successor to its own Redirection Server (RDS), the Berlin-based VoIP specialist marked a turning point in the management of IP PBXs and end devices.

In contrast to a redirection server, which can only forward configuration requests, Snom’s SRAPS offers a hosted provisioning service. It enables automated installation and management of IP phones, even if it is being accessed remotely. Mark Wiegleb, Head of Customer Success at Snom, reveals that around 95% of all installed Snom phones are now commissioned via SRAPS. ‘Drop-shipment models are based on systems such as SRAPS,’ Wiegleb explains. ‘Service providers would not be able to offer and scale their services in the same way if service staff had to install the phones on site and configure them individually.’

Snom has been working continuously on optimising and developing the platform since its launch. In particular, it has invested heavily in making sure it is secure. Snom has also focused on creating a modern, secure and complete REST API for the provisioning service, which enables service providers to seamlessly integrate the platform into their systems and processes. Companies can now customise their IP end devices with individual settings even before they receive provisioning data from the PBX. Whether they are carrying out firmware updates, customising user interfaces or automatically importing client certificates or XML telephone directories, the platform’s uses are many and varied. To further protect user accounts and prevent unauthorised access, the platform also has multi-factor authentication.

Thanks to these features, SRAPS has massively increased the popularity of IP end devices over the last five years, especially in larger projects. Those using it can rest assured that it is GDPR-compliant and that all data is stored in Germany - which is an important factor for many organisations.

‘The advantages for providers and service technicians are obvious,’ explains Mark Wiegleb. ‘Automated configuration and provisioning of phones allows technicians to save time and money and focus on more demanding tasks. Many configuration issues can also be resolved remotely via SRAPS, reducing the time and cost of on-site visits and increasing customer satisfaction.’

Further functions and integrations are constantly being developed, but unlike many competitors, the platform is offered to Snom customers free of charge. ‘This is our concrete contribution to increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of our partners,’ Wiegleb concludes.