Will Global Internet Changes Leave UK Businesses ‘Offline’?

UK businesses rely on their communications and business telephone systems to reliably connect them to customers, suppliers and other business contacts. Yet changes are coming that will affect the way every single firm operates on the Internet. Businesses need to be aware of the adoption of IPv6 and ensure their systems are fully optimised for it. Unless businesses are suitably prepared, the adoption of IPv6 could mean their IP address is not universally accessible by customers, suppliers and other business contacts.

The problem is due to translation issues between the existing IPv4 and the new IPv6. To date, there is no universally reliable method - the complexity of the differing protocols is too great to allow for a consistently acceptable level of service. According to Business Communications and IT solutions Experts, SynergyPlus, only 8 per cent of all European Internet Providers have gained 4 Stars of IPv6 readiness by the European Regional Internet Registry (RIPE NCC).

"It’s a huge issue; essentially 92 per cent of all European Internet Providers are not known to be fully ready to connect their customers to the whole Internet when IPv4 runs out. Our data partner Exponential-e is among the few who are optimally prepared and recognised by RIPE NCC. The likelihood is that a great many UK firms are not currently receiving a similar level of service. Our advice would be to speak to an independent communications specialist now to ensure that your business won’t be compromised when the changes take place".

The complexity of technology supporting everyday communications is now so great that businesses of all sizes increasingly seek support from specialists. Whilst innovations such as Hosted IP have brought cost-savings, there is now an ever growing need to regularly review business communications systems. A unified communications strategy is another case in point; companies not using it may miss out on greater flexibility. It allows staff to access multiple functions from multiple locations. With expert configuration, video conferencing, data applications and business telephone calls can now be seamlessly integrated into a fully connected and cost effective strategy.

"To take full advantage of the latest innovations, it’s vital to seek impartial advice. You need to be sold products and services which genuinely keep pace with both your business needs and changes to the technology itself. IPv6 is a good example of why this is so essential. The logistical consequences of being unprepared have been compared to suddenly having your business colleagues and customers speak to you in a new language - one which you have not learnt. There may be many UK companies who aren’t yet clear whether their Internet Provider is fully prepared for the change".

To speak to an expert at SynergyPlus about IPv6 or any aspect of business telephone systems including Hosted IP and unified communications, call 0800 915 6666. Information on the full range of SynergyPlus services can be found on their website: http://www.synergyplus.uk.com/