Volcanic ash to boost business VoIP solutions?

Companies could increasingly turn to technology such as IP telephony solutions to reduce the impact unexpected events can have on business.

Organisations that rely on hosted IT and communications solutions, such as VoIP phones, have been largely unaffected by the disruption to flights caused by the Icelandic volcano dust, according to a statement from Outsourcery.

Companies can limit and reduce the problems caused by travel disruption via the implementation of new working technologies, Virgin Media Business has said.

Alistair McKinnon, senior product manager for IP Multimedia at Virgin Media Business, said: "It amazes me that more organisations don't embrace some of the newer technologies that are available to minimise disruption on their organisation."

"Technologies are really good to help out when the problems occur, but also they are improving productivity on a day to day basis", Mr McKinnon added.

He explained that technologies such as video conferencing and VoIP solutions allow face to face meetings and other usually travel-reliant business processes to go ahead when disruptions occur.

The government called on employers to do more to promote flexible working last month. Ministers will promote flexible working across the public sector in response to the Family Friendly Taskforce report.