VoIP solutions can make UC a 'reality'

Companies should consider adopting VoIP solutions as they can make unified communications (UC) a "reality", it has been claimed.

UC moves all forms of communication, including voice, email, instant messaging and fax, onto the internet network, allowing users to manage them with one programme.

Nerino Petro Jr, an advisor to a US-based lawyer training programme, claimed businesses who introduce IP telephony solutions can then make the step to a comprehensive UC strategy.

He wrote on wisbar.org: "VoIP is helping to make unified communications a reality. But voice calls are just one part of UC, which also encompasses convergence of voice mail delivered to your email inbox."

Businesses can improve efficiency and reduce response time to communication, while other programmes such as contact management software can also be integrated with UC.

Mr Petro Jr added that businesses can incorporate each aspect of UC incrementally in order to lessen the workload on IT staff.

"You can implement the various aspects of UC in stages. This can prevent your staff or infrastructure from becoming overwhelmed," he said.