VoIP 'great for small businesses'

VoIP is the "right telephony solution" for small businesses, it has been claimed.

In an article for VoIP Planet, Ted Stevenson said firms that do not have their own IT staff and whose workers wish to concentrate on their core business instead of managing telecommunications systems, stand to benefit the most.

Mr Stevenson went on to suggest there are three key benefits of VoIP: "cost, image and efficiency".

In terms of cost, he explained, IP telephony requires a small initial outlay, operational expenses are usually low and predictable, with many upgrades automatic and free of charge.

When it comes to image, an automated attendant can reassure customers they are dealing with a professional company, while calls can be routed to the right people more often.

Finally, VoIP leads to improvements in efficiency because phone extensions can work regardless of location, voicemail can ensure no call is left unanswered and instant messaging, SMS and videoconference can all enhance communication, the expert concluded.

In a recent article for Smart Business, ATW Management senior IT technician Jose Zamora said one of the keys to a successful VoIP deployment is integrating new technology with existing infrastructure.