VoIP set to form part of 'green future'

Increased communications through voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services will become more environmentally-friendly in the future, it has been predicted.

According to Danny Bradbury, a writer for environmental publication BusinessGreen, VoIP handsets will work in tandem with increasing use of data centres towards a greener future.

This will be achieved by the use of power scheduling, meaning the systems will turn themselves off outside of work hours and so reduce their energy usage.

Mr Bradbury was informed of the need for these upgrades by Freeform Dynamics service director Jon Collins.

Mr Collins advised that "the network doesn't have the best track record when it comes to green, which is ironic given that it is an area of great potential".

He added that this was particularly disappointing "considering the efficiency gains that could be achieved if the data was in the right place at the right time".

However, VoIP systems arguably are already a much greener option for firms as they can allow cheaper home working - meaning fewer employees pollute the air by travelling to work.