Australian bank to switch to mobiles

An overhaul of telecommunications software can provide a timely boost for any business in these difficult economic times. In fact, with the potential to boost efficiency and increase productivity, it might be that a change of tactics in this area is a welcome move at any time.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has become the latest firm to announce it is ready to revamp its range of solutions, which means ditching its existing technology in favour of new models. Delimiter has told how the financial institution is planning to switch to a predominantly mobile-based system, with staff enjoying access to handsets in order to aid their work.

A source revealed to the news provider that every member of staff who does not already have a BlackBerry phone will be given a brand new mobile or desk phone, depending on the nature of their work.

Two vendors are now believed to be locked in a battle to secure the contract to provide the solutions to the bank. It could be that it chooses to run IP telephony or VoIP on the devices it obtains in a bid to enjoy lower costs than ever before and the potential to make international or national calls from any Wi-Fi enabled location.

Delimiter added that as well as taking advantage of the bank's existing IP telephony infrastructure, workers using mobiles will be permitted to run calls on the standard cell networks if they need to do so to ensure they have the ability to get in touch with clients and colleagues at all times.

Earlier this month, Liane Cassavoy, writing for PC Advisor, remarked that VoIP offers businesses the chance to drive down their call costs. It seems no matter where employees are in the world or who they need to contact, the technology is often the cheapest and most efficient way of doing things.