Industry news

VoIP uptake increasing

The potential of VoIP is being realised, with more businesses across the world adopting the technology.

A study of the trend in South Africa, which could be indicative of the global situation, has seen over half of the country's businesses now using VoIP services, despite them only being made available in the area four years ago.

Many firms said they use it for its cost-cutting credentials, with worker flexibility also being a major factor in the uptake.

The country has shown a trend which is indicative worldwide, in that smaller businesses are less willing to adopt the technology.

It has been attributed to a lack of technological expertise, but is expected to change soon.

Arthur Goldstuck, managing director of World Wide Worx which carried out the study, said: "In 2008, the expectations of SMEs are for dramatic growth in VoIP adoption, namely another doubling."

The number of internet users increasing has spurred adoption of new technologies like VoIP, according to IDC's Digital Marketplace Model and Forecast.