European SMBs embracing VoIP solutions

Two studies by the International Data Corporation (IDC) have found that European small to medium businesses' IT investments are focusing on cost-efficiency - like VoIP solutions - as well as security.

A quarter of SMBs surveyed have embraced an IP telephony solution in their business with 17.6 per cent planning to introduce one in the coming year.

The study also found that while it was the low costs of VoIP solutions that made SMBs favour them, larger companies also like the focused accountability they offer.

The senior research analyst of IDC's European vertical markets service, Nina Bonagura, said that these two elements were what VoIP providers who deal mostly in the SMB market must focus their marketing on.

"Still, underlining the impact that VoIP has on overall productivity it is crucial to build on longer-term success," she added.

The studies come as there was good news for SMBs in rural parts of Germany who want to embrace IP telephony solutions.

The European Commission has approved a €141 million fund to deploy broadband in the areas, vital for those SMBs due to the heavy VoIP traffic.