VoWLAN revolution on the cards
While VoIP (voice over internet protocol) may have been hogging all the media headlines recently, with soaring rates of adoption among UK businesses of all sizes, experts within the field of internet communications predict that it will soon be overtaken by voice over wireless LAN systems.
Just as with VoIP, the new communications system, known as VoWLAN, makes use of broadband networks for the purpose of vocal conversation within the workplace, though this is done via a wireless network.
Again, as with its predecessor, the most obvious benefit to businesses is one of cost, with calls between VoWLAN units free alongside cheaper rates on traditional national and international calls.
While at present the new technology is likely to be confined 'in-house' – that is, where a business has its own wireless network, such as in an office block or warehouse – the growing number of Wi-Fi hotspots means that firms will be increasingly able to use VoWLAN systems 'on the road' and thereby benefit from its instantaneous communications ability.
Given the recently-published Wi-Fi Hotspot Index revealing that London is leading the way in providing wireless technology outside of the confines of the office, with the city accountable for just over one per cent of the total global wireless uptake, it looks likely that Western Europe will likewise lead the way when it comes to the uptake of VoWLAN.
Indeed, a report from the global analysts IDC confirmed just this.
According to their estimations, the VoWLAN market within the region will grow by 67 per cent to be worth almost £350 million a year by 2011, though even then this would still represent a sector in its infancy.
"VoWLAN in the enterprise is only now starting to attract widespread attention and is addressed in many calls for tenders that are currently out on the market," explained Evelien Wiggers, research manager for European Enterprise Networks at IDC.
The firm's senior research analyst of the European VoIP sector, Roger Mol, added: " Given the benefits that voice over W LAN can bring to an enterprise, we expect the number of companies ready to implement VoWLAN to quickly grow in the next few years. This will particularly be the case in large enterprises, whereas a large uptake in medium and small companies will only start to take off in the next few years."
Just as with VoIP take-up is expected to be largely confined to large businesses, at least in its early years, with cost once again being the biggest factor stopping their smaller counterparts from adopting the new systems.
By 2011, just two per cent of small businesses in the UK are expected to have taken up VoWLAN in comparison to 58 per cent of the large enterprises, according to the same predictions. 
About Us