VoIP set to rise as mobile phones 'take over offices'?

The desktop phone is on the way out and companies across the board must start preparing for the dominance of mobile devices in the workplace, according to one analyst.

Writing for Computer World, Robert Mitchell said research by IT analyst Gartner revealed mobile phones are poised to become ubiquitous office equipment.

Companies must enhance their wireless signal access and use dual-mode devices over a boosted Wi-Fi network to deal with voice traffic, Mr Mitchell continued.

"Calls routed over the internal Wi-Fi network must integrate with the corporate PBX or VoIP call management system to allow for least-cost call routing," he added.

Businesses that make substantial amounts of phone calls such as those with sales people could make big cost savings, the expert concluded, but technology will have to be coordinated to get the best value.

According to research by Gartner earlier this year, spending on IT is set to increase in 2011, which could include communication infrastructure projects.