Desk phones 'on the way out'

Business communications are moving towards mobile phones and away from desk-bound systems, it has been suggested.

Although many VoIP providers have developed desk phones, the trend is to allow workers the greatest degree of flexibility by setting them free from both their work desk and their computers, according to mobile operating system developer Symbian.

Andrew Moran, head of enterprise marketing at the firm, told Vnunet: "A lot of businesses will buy their last desk phone within the next few years."

Noting that many firms are now turning towards IP-based services using VoIP telephony systems, Mr Moran said that there is a "huge opportunity" to give workers more mobility.

This is in tune with recent developments form mobile giant Nokia who recently introduced its E51 enterprise handset which uses VoIP technology to link to IP PBX networks, while still providing the flexibility of a mobile phone.