VoIP gateways offer good 'bang per buck'

The growth of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephony has given users greater flexibility over how they control their telephone systems, allowing them to choose between doing everything themselves or having their service hosted externally - and using a VoIP gateway can help them achieve their aims, an expert has said.

Carla Schroder, writing on VoIP Planet, said some of the advance features offered by VoIP, such as videophones and conferencing, can put a strain on a company's internet protocol private branch exchange (IP PBX).

Using a VoIP gateway, she said, can remove some of the processing burden from an IP PBX.

A VoIP gateway with a dedicated internet connection also makes it easier for users to control and secure their IP PBX. The reduced processing also helps to improve call quality.

For users with hosted services, Ms Schroder says, a VoIP gateway can still remove the load placed on an IP PBX, plus they have the advantage of having technicians on hand to take care of any issues that arise.

Ms Schroder adds that the future of VoIP is probably hosted systems, with VoIP gateways contributing to "far more advanced and cheaper" services.

According to recent research by Infonetics, there were 80 million VoIP subscribers worldwide in 2007.