Work and Pensions' VoIP service handles 1m calls a day

A voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephony service installed at the UK government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is handling more than one million calls a day.

Over 35,000 staff at 435 sites around the country are using the technology which connects their voice and data networks, allowing information to be shared and easy communication between offices.

The Integrated Communications Network Services (Icons) project being installed at the DWP is reportedly one of the largest converged network programmes in northern Europe.

According to ComputerWeekly.com, over 24,000 VoIP handsets and 4,000 fax machines and other analogue devices are currently in use over the network, while employees have been given the ability to work outside the office due to the secure network system.

The time it takes to find, share and access information has been reduced and the DWP is also aiming to foster more collaboration between employees through video conferencing over the network.

Such a large-scale and wide-ranging system is evidence of the flexibility of VoIP systems and the confidence large organisations have in its ability to improve their working practices and boost efficiency.