Eircom is targeting businesses with a new flexible phone solution designed to help them cut costs and become more flexible with their workforce.

Its business solutions unit has already begun rolling out SIP (session initiation protocol) Voice, a service that manages both fixed and mobile calls and data on the one IP network.

The service works in a similar way to Voice Over IP, but adds more functions managed at a network level rather than by the individual company.

Eircom says it will result in cost savings for businesses that use the converged network for their phone calls, eliminating the need for a separate voice line into a premises, while also enabling them to add extra services such as webpage click to dial, instant messaging and video conferencing.

Mobile and home office workers can also use the technology, enabling them to have a single extension number that can be used to contact them regardless of whether they are in the office, working from home or out on the road.

"It enables us to have a seamless connection between the mobile network and the fixed network," said Eircom business solutions' Gary Disley.

“We can give much better call rates for international traffic because we’re carrying it over a data connection, but it also allows companies to have physically fewer voice lines into their organisation. That can present some real savings.”

SIP also allows companies to add or decrease call capacity according to the demands of the business, for example with call centres. The service will be available wherever a broadband connection – copper, fibre or Eircom’s Business IP Reach product – is available.

Mr Disley said a line of 8MB would be sufficient to run the product. That would limit it to next generation access services. However, Mr Disley said it would typically suit larger firms than small enterprises.

Eircom business solutions’ managing director Bill Archer said there was “huge interest” from customers in fixed, mobile and data convergence.