'Flexible' VoIP solutions attract SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are attracted to the flexibility of VoIP solutions, it has been claimed.

IP telephony solutions are based on software rather than hardware, allowing users to maintain and update the system without the need for additional infrastructure.

Hugo Harber, director of convergence and network strategy at telecommunications firm Star, said smaller companies can easily upgrade the technology as they earn more revenue.

He wrote on freshbusinessthinking.com: "With IP telephony, SMEs can add functionality and flexibility to their communications to deliver an enhanced level of customer service, such as directly connecting web users with customer support staff and using automated functions such as call forwarding and three-way calling."

Mr Harber added that the technology offers other benefits to smaller companies such as cheaper calls and advanced sound quality.

VoIP can also be integrated with other forms of communication, such as e-mail, to improve efficiency.