Firms 'must identify most appropriate IP telephony tools'

Businesses in the modern era are in a position to select one or more elements of a unified communications set-up for their operations, such as internet protocol (IP) telephony or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) solutions.

New findings from the International Data Corporation (IDC) show one of the most important decisions facing firms is to select the applications that are right for them.

It recommended bosses spend some time identifying tools and features that will be of significant use to their organisation.

Rich Costello, senior research analyst in the IDC's Enterprise Communications Infrastructure department, said: "It's an ongoing effort for customers to understand and identify appropriate business cases for unified communications."

He urged vendors to continue to focus on the benefits of a fully integrated telecommunications infrastructure.

Andy Abramson, author of blog site VoIPWatch, recently said that VoIP solutions are sure to save companies money, as running costs and labour expenses are likely to fall.