VoIP 'leading the way' as telecoms alternative

VoIP is "leading the way" as an alternative to traditional telecommunications because it offers businesses the opportunity to cut their costs while illustrating to customers that they embrace cutting-edge technology, according to one expert.

Sean Finney of California-based United Data Voice told Business News Daily that web-based telephone systems allow companies to "do the things we've done before, but better and cheaper".

Over the past few years, the site noted, expanding bandwidth has meant the internet can carry ever-larger amounts of data, which creates greater opportunities for savings.

Furthermore, VoIP is a "scalable system" that allows companies to add more users as they grow.

Mr Finney said picking the right provider is crucial when adopting VoIP, as is ensuring voice data has precedence over other data to prevent delays to calls.

For companies with many different locations, an IP PBX system could prove beneficial as it allows all employees to access VoIP services through a single network that "treats them as if they were in one building".

This helps to eliminate long-distance calling costs between offices and means a single point of contact can act as the receptionist for staff across many separate sites.

In related news, Andrew McGrath of Virgin Media Business recently said the falling costs of high-speed internet and VoIP services are making it easier for companies to offer flexible and home working arrangements to their personnel.