VoIP extras 'offer benefits to companies'

Many small and medium-sized businesses are finding that voice over internet protocol (VoIP) systems are driving a move to more efficient business applications, an industry expert has said.

Writing on Voip News, Owen Linderholm said that although many businesses were attracted to VoIP by the obvious benefits of lower telecommunications costs, many more were discovering that it can help improve overall efficiency.

One way this is achieved is through integration of VoIP with existing applications such as email, he said.

This allows recorded voice mails to sent out and picked up at any location via a laptop, enabling more people to work on the road.

Integrating VoIP systems with customer relations management software can also help companies to record and monitor their interaction with customers, Mr Linderholm said.

VoIP can also facilitate enterprise resource planning, with management consoles and dashboards providing clearer information on phone system use, which can lead to more effective communication.

According to a recent survey from Data Integration and Extreme Networks, 88 per cent of business VoIP users in the UK were happy with the service.