VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol is a new tool allowing telephone calls to be made across the internet, rather than through a phone line.

For those doing this from home, a computer is usually required for connection. However, simple specialist hardware that resembles an ordinary handset is available for commercial users.

VoIP telephone calls are not restricted to other VoIP phones – calls can be made to any type of line. As a result, its is beginning to establish itself as a substitution for a standard telephone line entirely.

Because the information is transmitted over existing broadband networks, the running costs for VoIP operators are significantly less than for traditional line owners, such as BT, who have to incur the cost of maintaining a physical network to government regulation.

This lower cost of operation is transferred to the costs of usage, and can be astonishingly different for international and national costs.

There are also reduced costs associated with VoIP services for customers in terms of internal network management.

An engineer is not required to carry out a number or line change for joining employees, and existing workers can move the VoIP phone to another broadband connection easily, while keeping the same phone number.

Because of this, VoIP offers the benefit of making an internal network completely flexible, offering features that are not possible or practical using a standard line.

The service can be used at home or if travelling as long as there is access to an Internet connection. This means that customers and staff can still contact you via the ordinary land line number, and also means you don`t have to rely on a mobile or public phone to make contact.

Even though a computer isn`t necessary, a VoIP system can be connected to a PC to simplify multi tasking, allowing, for example, you to be connected while using an internet café.

There are VoIP providers that offer the capability of forwarding voice mail and fax to an email address, allowing easier archiving.

Some of these services also allow you to save time with a `spoken aloud` service for such emails, where these are read out upon receipt of a new message.

Benefits also exist for customers. A `virtual` telephone number can be set up, meaning it can be one chosen by you. This includes different area codes to your own normal one.

If it set to a customer`s area code, they will be charged their regular rate for local calls. If you`re not available when somebody calls, the VoIP service can be set to divert to a mobile phone, meaning customers can contact you if you`re away.

A good way of making sure of this is arming all of your team with cheap phones, and linking these to their VoIP service, maximising the effectiveness of the network