A01 chaf6542 06 se fm indd

  1 

Peer-to-peer. The  best-  known peer-to-peer solution is Skype which offers free calls or 

 video-  conferencing between  Internet-  connected PCs that are enabled with a headset 

(sometimes called ‘softphones’). A service called SkypeOut enables calls to landlines 

or mobile phones at a reduced cost compared to traditional billing. This service is only 

really suited to smaller businesses, but could be used in larger businesses for some staff 

who call abroad frequently to bypass the central system.

 2 

Hosted service. A company makes use of a large centralised IP-based system shared 

between many companies. This potentially reduces costs, but some companies might be 

concerned about outsourcing their entire phone directory.

 3 

Complete replacement of all telephone systems. This is potentially costly and disrup-

tive in the short term, but new companies or relocating companies may find this the 

most   cost-  effective  solution.