Hosted VoIP receives boost

The future of hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has received a boost with the recent publication of two industry reports suggesting a bright future lies ahead.

In the first three months of 2007, research firm Infonetics found VoIP equipment revenue fell by eight per cent, which, according to TMCnet associate editor Mae Kowalke, indicates the industry is "shifting to a software, on-demand, online delivery model".

TMCnet forecasts that hosted VoIP service providers will therefore benefit as software-based solutions match consumer demand for services that are easy to access and flexible.

In addition to this, Ms Kowalke pinpointed a JupiterResearch publication which revealed how young people are behind the surge in online payment options.

The study shows how those under the age of 35 were turning to different methods of payment and consumption than their over-35 counterparts.

This, the TMCnet associate editor believes, is evidence of younger generations "creating consumption trends that may very well dramatically alter how products are developed and marketed in the future", which is likely to be reflected in demand for hosted VoIP.