Communications today are virtualizing at a rapid rate, as public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) are abandoned in favor of IP-based network alternatives. Many virtual and VoIP-related solutions now come in the form of software available through hosted services or the Internet, which makes them easily accessible and more appealing. But a recent study by TechTarget found that, despite the boom in virtual communication tools, more IT teams are looking for VoIP hardware than for software-based telephony clients for their PC and mobile devices.

Specifically, VoIP phones are on the top of IT shopping lists right now. The TechTarget study surveyed 358 IT professionals, and found that more than 80 percent of them intended to go with hardware in the next 12 months by purchasing IP phones. Roughly six in 10 respondents also said they plan to buy software-based telephony clients that run on the PC. In line with the increased push for VoIP systems is an apparent push for more services that support the growing mobile workforce, as half of TechTarget’s respondents noted that they were looking for software-based IP clients for mobile devices.

This hike in demand for VoIP services is not surprising. With the economic hardships of the past few years, many businesses have become hyper-aware of their budgets, actively searching for points where spending can and should be cut. Telecommunication is a huge cornerstone of any business, but while older legacy systems and PSTN connections can be cumbersome and expensive, IP-based communication networks are cost effective and offer a suite of additional communication tools and features.

These key factors were noted in TechTarget’s survey, in which almost 65 percent of respondents said reducing telecom costs was the main driver for switching to VoIP. Another 60 percent of IT professionals noted cost savings from operational efficiencies as the second biggest VoIP driver. The implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (News - Alert) (SIP) trunking, development of IP phone-based applications and call center improvements were chosen by 35-40 percent of respondents as additional factors for choosing VoIP.

Today, even carriers like AT&T (News - Alert) are switching to IP-based networks. They offer many benefits for businesses large and small, and it’s clear that in the new year the push for more VoIP services will only continue.