Many companies are beginning to position unified communications systems such as videoconferencing on a cloud-based system, new research has suggested.
The study by marketing intelligence body In-Stat has claimed that major IT providers such as Cisco and Microsoft are working with hosted communications firms to make the move possible.
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It also suggested that two trends – SIP trunking and the industry's move towards higher data rates – are likely to enhance unified communications platforms further.
Dave Lemelin, an analyst at In-Stat, said there are "several flavours" of unified communications emerging in the cloud.
"There are versions that operate as a hybrid mix of customer-owned equipment with managed/hosted services targeting mid-size businesses, those that act as fully hosted offerings with smaller businesses in mind, and those that are revamped broadband telephony services," he added.
At the end of last week, BT announced it has formed a partnership with Polycom to create a new range of videoconferencing services.