Versatility of VoIP highlighted
Businesses and public sector organisations are finding how versatile new communication technologies - such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) - can be.
Recently, the Ministry of Defence revealed that it was employing the latest IT technologies, including VoIP, to improve the way some of its soldiers were trained.
The government body explained that soldiers in the Royal Logistic Corps are to use a state-of-the-art virtual training computer package to help them train.
According to the MoD, the system includes a VoIP communication system to allow trainees to speak to each other through headsets as they would in real operations.
It is hoped that the VoIP system will mean soldiers learn how to operate most effectively under fire and how to best react to various scenarios, including road side bombs and ambush.
Minister for defence equipment and support Baroness Taylor commented: "The MoD is committed to train the UK's forces in the best way possible within a relevant contemporary operational environment, with modern effective equipment that promotes confidence.
"The Royal Logistic Corps are the backbone of military supply convoys in theatre. This latest technology will help save lives on operations."
The move comes after a group of historic buildings in the UK also revealed they were making use of VoIP systems to improve customer service and how research is conducted.
Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) maintains and operates the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage and it recently installed a VoIP system across the buildings.
As well as improving customer booking and enquiry services, the new VoIP tools will let research staff from the various buildings collaborate more effectively on research and restoration projects.
VoIP will allow employees to host audio and video conferencing events and also share documents.
What's more, one school in Wales recently highlighted how it was using internet communications to improve learning.
Website Walesonline.com reported that Padre Pio school in Pontypool is set to benefit from video conferencing and VoIP services in a new facility. These tools will help the kids learn through play and experience.
"This technology brings the world to the school. The possibilities are endless. We can link up with Nasa and speak to an astronaut, speak to a curator of the British Museum or link up with schools locally or in another country without leaving the classroom," head teacher Paul Welsh explained to the site.
It was this versatility that means that many experts are predicting VoIP will become the dominate mode of communication in the future.
Figures from Infonetics Research suggested that year-on-year growth in VoIP appliances will soar in 2008.
Stephane Teral, a principal analyst for VoIP at the firm, said that while the overall market has only increased by three per cent in the last 12 months, it is expected to accelerate as the year progresses.
"The five-year outlook looks good as well, as demand for VoIP networking gear continues unabated, driven by a long term migration from circuit switched to packet," he explained.
If you would like more information on 8el's VoIP solution, please call our sales team on 0118 338 3062 or email info@8el.com.
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