Well, maybe. This headline sure caught my eye in the Technorati tags today.

Cut Gas Costs With VOIP

Posted by Tom Annerino in General, Internet, VOIP, Business Phone Systems on April 24th, 2006 5:27PM (Permalink)

With gas prices soaring ever higher and commute times getting longer adding a VOIP phone system is a real necessity.

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) enables your office to become virtual. With high-speed internet access available almost everywhere and VOIP technology, you can answer your phone from anywhere. All of your phone system features can be accessed from an intercom, to dialing out from your system lines, to transferring calls. VOIP phones enable transparent communications to and from remote locations. VOIP Phone Systems like the Avaya IP Office even allow for Soft Phones that can be loaded onto your PC. With a wireless USB headset you can go down to your local Starbucks and connect back to the office.

Ok, so the headline is really an attention grabber, but it isn't without some merit.

I helped pioneer telecommuting solutions at AT&T many years ago. It took an extensive business case, proving in savings in real estate costs and improved efficiencies. Today the case is much easier to make. Telecommuniting has become a way of life, but VoIp provides convergence tools that make it easier than ever for employees working from home to participate in corporate telecom systems.

With the widespread availability of broadband to the home, VoIP and VON solutions are quickly paired to creat a virtual office anywhere the employee lives. And the reasons to implement a corporate telecommuting program are abundant.

Alternate work programs, like telecommuting, can provide a persuasive recruiting tool. One one to hire the best and brightest is to offer work arrangements that allow them freedom to spend time with family, to pursue personal interest, to engage in the community, and to innovate. Teleworking options can be a powerful incentive to talented candidates.

Telecommuting can truly reduce real estate costs. The office space required to house 100 employees varies from area to area, but is expensive anywhere. A telecommuting program that alternates weeks, allowing 1/3 of the staff to telecommute each week could reduce office space expenses by one third.

As companies plan for major events like a potential flu pandemic, telecommuting solutions could enable a healthier workforce by keeping people separate, working from home.

And yes, telecommuting options save gas and reduce energy expenses. With the rising cost or petroleum, this approach allows employees to save money and presents a responsible employer an opportunity to contribute to the health of the planet.

VoIP is just one in the set of enabling technologies, but it plays a significant role. As you look at network convergence solutions, don't overlook the possibility of implementing effective telecommuting solutions. Corporate telecommuting plans can add a powerful tool to your bag of tricks.



Technorati Tags: VoIP, telecommuting, telework, alternative work