VoIP providers should 'offer firms more in the recession'

Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers should make the most of the opportunity presented in the recession by reacting to the changing needs of companies, an expert claims.

Kent Hellebust, general manager of digital phone services at Telanetix, told Voip.biz-news that the VoIP industry has so far failed to respond to the shifting needs of companies in the downturn.

"Many telecom vendors have failed to re-think their product, making it unsuitable for the fast moving pace of the business retail channel," he said.

"Only those that have focused on simplifying their message, the offer structure and the installation of their products and services for the generalist small business purchaser are able to profitably harness this channel."

In other news, TMCnet's Brendan Read recently described VoIP as "perhaps one of the most important, game-changing technologies on the market".

He pointed out that the service can bring benefits to operating and capital expenditure, as well as greater flexibility, but this first requires an effective roll-out.