http://telecommonthly.com/2008/05/when-recession-is-good-for-busi...

http://telecommonthly.com/2008/05/when-recession-is-good-for-business/

It is hard to believe, but crumbling profits resulting from the current economic situation might actually be good for some companies. As the pressure mounts and profits plummet, many companies are looking for new ways to save money. Often, this results in layoffs and outsourcing, but contracts are also under review, and savvy businesses are looking in places that they haven’t looked for years - such as their telephone bill.

We asked telecom industry consultant Charles Lomond why VoIP and SIP sales are growing so quickly. “What many businesses have right now is a clogged financial drain with pressure building up behind it. Companies are getting backed up with bills and are just starting to look for new ways to free up the cash flow to keep their operations going. At some point, they have to take action. A lot of companies are cutting back on inventory and salaries, which can hurt their ability to bring in new revenues. But many haven’t looked at their phone bills for years and years. And a lot has changed since then. It is possible for a company to save 40 or even 60% on their phone bills by switching from traditional telephone service to VoIP. While that may not be enough to unclog the drain, it can be enough to keep a business alive long enough to survive the current economic conditions. Smart Telecom agents are starting to go out and offer to overhaul the telephone systems and contracts for these companies. I haven’t been this busy in years.”