31.07.08
One Scottish council has reaped the rewards of voice-over internet protocol (
VoIP) installation this week, it has been reported.
When fire struck at local government headquarters in Fife, the mobile nature of VoIP appliances meant 60 workers were able to continue working without interruption.
IT systems were affected by the small blaze at the Glenrothes complex, leaving two departments without a phone line or computer access.
However, the versatility of VoIP equipment meant operations could be moved to a separate building on site where work continued uninterrupted.
Since no IT experts were required to conduct the simple relocation process, no additional costs were incurred.
Linda Robertson, senior IT manager at the council, said the new telephone system allowed the teams to "speedily get people back working again with the minimum of disruption".
"It is proof the phones and our contingency plans have worked," she added, reports Public Technology.
According to Elizabeth Riches, the deputy leader of Fife Council, the fire showed that VoIP technology had "increased the council's responsive" to the communities it serves.
VoIP technology has been introduced by Fife council during the last 18 months, with 12,000 telephones being replaced.
