Business VoIP phones go mainstream

The use of IP telephony solutions, which use the internet to make and receive telephone calls, is "moving into the small business mainstream".

VoIP phones, along with other emerging web-based applications, such as social media, instant messaging and video conferencing, can reduce the need for business travel, the FOX Business Network has said.

However, businesses need high-speed internet access to utilise these tools and must plan properly when choosing from the numerous services available, according to the business news website.

Chris Cambron, new media director at technology and marketing consultancy Obsidian Edge, told the FOX Business Network that businesses should look past their browser when investing in a high-speed internet.

"Are they going to use it for basic email and internet access, or will they want features like web-based applications?"

Mr Cambron added that businesses that plan to use their internet connection more intensively should prioritise good customer support over price when choosing an internet service provider.

A third of all VoIP phones revenue will be generated by business use of IP telephony solutions by 2014, Infonetics Research said recently.