US baseball team goes for VoIP

A US baseball team has been enjoying the benefits of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) deployment, it has emerged.

According to TMCnet, the San Francisco Giants implemented a unified communications solution ahead of their 2009 season.

The club introduced 450 VoIP-enabled telephones into its ballpark and other facilities to streamline communications between players, managers and staff.

Bill Schlough, chief information officer of the San Francisco Giants, told the website: "The Giants were seeking a state-of-the-art communications system that would transform the way our front office staff, the media and our fans connect at AT&T Park."

He said the system will enable the club to "communicate more efficiently, provide enhanced capabilities for our staff and luxury suite patrons, and ensure the safety of our fans".

Mr Schlough added that it will also enable them to make significant savings to cost base via various operational efficiencies.

In related news, a university in Texas will soon be enjoying the benefits of VoIP communications after agreeing a $20 million (£13.74 million) deal with a service provider.