There are different ways for small businesses to take advantage of the benefits of business VoIP. However, some small businesses have found that there are complexities or difficulties that get in the way of them maximizing the impact of the new technology. Lack of good advice, a misconceived plan or a deployment by inexperienced personnel can all led to problems. The keys to a successful transition to a VoIP based network start with a clear understanding of the business case behind it and an implementation plan that best fits the company's overall objectives. If your company is in one or more of the following situations you will tend to be successful:

• expanding and need or likely to need larger offices.
• have a significant percentage of employees that travel on business or work full-time or part-time from home, using laptops.
• making acquisitions and need to integrate with other business.
• have international offices.
• have a growing volume of incoming calls.
• have not replaced or upgraded their phone infrastructure in the last 5 years.
• have a good penetration of Ethernet cabling and have communications equipment that is less than 3 years old.
• operate in an industry with dynamic competition where strong customer service levels are essential.

Overall, VoIP based phone systems offer great potential for small companies and can help to keep costs under control while growing a successful business.