Small business VoIP use 'increasing'

Increasing numbers of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are adopting VoIP technology, according to new research.

The study, by consultancy AMI Partners, revealed 50 per cent of enterprises with between 100 and 1,000 employees said VoIP would become "critical" to their operations.

Meanwhile, over 30 per cent of companies with fewer than 100 employees came to the same conclusion, the report stated.

Lower costs, better communication channels and improved productivity are considered to be the key benefits of VoIP to SMB bosses, the study continued.

AMI senior consultant Karen Nielsen explained many had put technology expenditure on hold during the recession, but this might be about to change.

"Moving into 2011, cost savings, as well as the advanced features available with IP, will impel more and more SMBs to IP architecture implementation," she commented.

A recent article on Yahoo Business claimed implementing automated phone attendants via VoIP is one of the best ways for small businesses to appear larger than they really are.