Right selection 'a must' for VoIP provider

The growth in voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services available over landline, cable and mobile phones is driving demand for VoIP services - but choosing the right provider is "a must" for businesses looking to switch to IP telephony, a website has suggested.

Technology site TMCnet says that while VoIP can simplify and improve business communications "quite significantly", there are "millions" of service providers in the market and finding the right one can be challenging.

Businesses must therefore consider a number of key factors when choosing their VoIP provider.

These include a provider's reliability, the quality of its services, its value-added features and how its call charges compare against other tariffs.

Furthermore, to take advantage of cheaper long distance as well as international calls, businesses should opt for a VoIP provider that offers local area codes for different regions.

Companies should also consider the cost of installation and access to emergency services when looking at VoIP products.

"There are many providers of VoIP services and so selection requires a bit of caution," the site says.

Over half of UK businesses currently use VoIP, according to a recent survey by Data Integration and Extreme Networks.