Advancements in voice over internet protocol technologies into unified communications (UC) systems is shaking up traditional business practices, it has been suggested.

Whereas before IP telephony became available to the business world time zone difficulties meant some decision would be postponed until the next day, UC will create larger opportunities for communication outside of office hours.

Australian IT highlighted the use of UC systems by consultancy firm Evans and Peck, with the company's information systems manager, Mike Lorimer, saying that implementing the technology as made a large impact.

"We have 300 people scattered across offices around the world, and at any one time 70 per cent of those aren't in the office.

"Now, making a phone call is a one-click exercise and our laptops and phones have been integrated seamlessly," Mr Lorimer explained.

However, this remains a relatively young technology and, while VoIP systems such as an IP PBX is becoming more widespread, firms are yet to fully embrace UC.

Audrey William, unified communications research manager at Frost and Sullivan Australia, said: "I'd expect that it'll be between two and three years, or even five years, before companies start to migrate their IP telephony with unified communications."