Top five VoIP 'cool' features named

Both businesses interested in setting up a VoIP system and the providers themselves may be interested in the current hot trends in VoIP phones, as suggested by one industry analyst.

Writing for VoIP News, Robert Poe listed his top five features that he thinks should be included on VoIP packages, which might provide some guidance for new users looking for the right package for them.

Starting with the cosmetic, Mr Poe highlighted recent VoIP phone improvements that see visual displays and programmable buttons as de rigueur for the technology nowadays.

But he added that this may continue with the integration of VoIP phones with email and other desktop applications, if the right IP PBX and network architecture is available.

Other things that it was suggested customers look out for included high call and speaker phone quality to work well in board rooms and simple navigation wheels like those on recent Seimens OpenStage products.

But the most technical innovation that is on the horizon, according to Mr Poe, is the common use of gigabit connections for VoIP.

Although he says it might be viewed as "overkill", Mr Poe said it is the future for integration between VoIP phones and PCs and urged customers to consider buying GigE-capable phones if they want to prepare in advance.