IP PBX and VoIP 'offer advance telephony at fraction of cost'

Even the smallest company can deploy a sophisticated telephone system using digital private branch exchange (PBX) and voice over internet protocol (VoIP), according to a technology expert.

Paul Taylor, the Financial Times' "gadget guru", says digital PBX systems have overcome many of the problems associated with their analogue counterparts, such as high cost, complex set-up and inflexible features.

The new generation of IP PBX and VoIP, he said, allows any company to develop an advanced system with multiple lines and features quickly and easily.

Furthermore, Mr Taylor commented that digital PBX systems are relatively inexpensive and can be tweaked or updated with even limited knowledge of IT and networking.

"Typically, [IP PBX systems] offer advanced business phone system features at a fraction of the normal cost and are easy to set up and operate," he said.

Most systems can be installed over an existing network within an hour, he added.

Paul Taylor has spent 22 years with the Financial Times and currently writes its weekly technology column as the paper's "gadget guru". He is based in New York.