| With the increasing demand for and use of | | | | over both 3G networks as well as WiFi. |
| 'smartphones' by business men and women, the need | | | | The ability to communicate seamlessly within the |
| for applications to combine mobile technology with | | | | existing interface supplied by Hosted VoIP or PBX |
| business PBX or hosted VoIP solutions is greater than | | | | systems can significantly reduce costs. Instead of |
| ever. Using mobile phones for business was formerly | | | | separate monthly charges for expensive cell phone |
| cost prohibitive, with roaming charges and internet | | | | plans including mobile internet access, the business |
| access fees racking up hundreds of dollars a month in | | | | network can be utilized for calls and data transfer. The |
| cell phone bills that had to be paid either by the | | | | concept of avoiding high per phone plans with |
| employee or the company. | | | | overages for roaming or exceeding data limits is |
| AT&T seemed poised to control the 3G network, | | | | replaced by high quality calling and messaging via SIP |
| keeping costs high for several years yet, but | | | | based systems. |
| competition from Verizon, which recently introduced a | | | | In the months to come, several of the latest mobile |
| business mobile app to integrate cell technology with | | | | phones are expected to be revealed and with even |
| existing PBX business systems, has sparked | | | | more compatibility available for use on 3G and 4G |
| competition between the two giants. 'Find me follow | | | | networks, the advantages in reliable service and low |
| me' applications, which allow communication between | | | | cost alternatives to company supplied mobile phone |
| business VoIP systems and employee's mobile phones, | | | | plans cannot be denied. |
| have become an important part of the unified | | | | A further advantage exists in the fact that calls made |
| communications landscape. | | | | from a mobile phone connected to a SIP client will |
| The Android phones are leading the way towards the | | | | show on the recipient's caller ID as coming from any |
| full scale integration of mobile and VoIP networks; as | | | | designated business number. This allows a professional |
| usual, Apple balks at embracing alternate technologies, | | | | presence to be maintained, while allowing managers |
| but will have to keep pace if the iPhone is expected to | | | | and employees to stay connected in and out of the |
| keep up. Recently developed applications include | | | | office. When combined with a 'find me follow me' |
| Android based SIPDroid, which permits calls to be | | | | feature, there's never a reason to miss an important |
| made over existing networks using either WiFi or 3G | | | | call. |
| technology, and the iPhone app Acrobits, also usable | | | | |