UC system for SMEs could help avoid start-up costs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could avoid having to pay excessive start-up costs by investing in unified communications (UC) systems, according to an expert.

Contributing to the National Computing Centre's membership website, Simon Paton, managing director of CommuniGate Systems UK, said that companies could find VoIP hardware and email facilities are easier to use through integrated solutions.

In addition, substantial spending could be avoided by accessing these resources through a hosted service and help them weather the challenges posed by the recession.

Mr Paton wrote: "While the high price tag associated with deploying a UC solution has deterred many SMEs until now, the reduction in broadband connectivity costs enables organisations to implement UC as a hosted service."

He added that using UC systems can also help businesses set up more flexible working conditions and work remotely should they need to.

In other news, VoIP solutions may soon be accessible on trains and other public transport infrastructure with the roll-out of broadband services, according to Top 10 Broadband.