VoIP solutions 'offer fairly sophisticated functionality'

In terms of functionality, VoIP solutions offer small and medium-sized enterprises a fairly sophisticated level.

That is according to Mike Eagle, general manager of the Federation of Communication Services (FCS), who stated that businesses can access high-end technology that would normally cost them a lot of money.

"You can get fairly sophisticated functionality that would perhaps be available only by a fairly expensive piece of hardware provided by the servers that are operated by the communications providers," he said.

Mr Eagle also noted that connectivity is a crucial aspect in getting the best out of VoIP hardware.

When it comes to security concerns, the expert stated that both models require SMEs to be vigilant, adding that it is more secure to receive a service provided from a data centre rather than one locally on site.

David Cargill, Internet Telephony Service Providers' Association council member, said VoIP solutions benefit SMEs by the fact they can access sophisticated technology without spending huge amounts of money to purchase and implement them.