Professionals 'unaware of the benefits of unified communications'

Less than 30 per cent of managers and executives are aware of the benefits that unified communications (UC) could bring in terms of employee productivity both inside and outside the office, a study has found.

Research carried out on behalf of VoIP solutions provider Teo revealed that the majority of professionals are restricted in their ability to work effectively when away from their desks due to limited UC functionality.

Of those companies that have implemented UC tools such as VoIP hardware, many may not be utilising them effectively so to get maximum benefit from them.

Thomas Beck, director of marketing and business development at Teo, said that it is important for staff to be able to work remotely as and when required.

"With the help of quality UC systems, employees are able to have all of their communication tools at their disposal instantly, no matter what their location and the potential for greater work-life balance," he added.

David Cargill, a member of the Internet Telephony Service Providers' Association, said recently that VoIP solutions are more accessible for small businesses than traditional telephony systems.