British government departments will be able to reduce costs and greatly increase the efficiency of their operations, thanks to a new VoIP initiative.

Global Crossing Unified Communications, developed in partnership with Siemens Enterprise Communications, will aid central government departments and the criminal justice system by providing fully managed hosted IP technology.

Anthony Christie, manager director of Global Crossing UK and Europe, said that the communications solution would significantly enhance government productivity.

"With this initiative, government is breaking new ground by adopting a uniquely flexible, 'secure communications anywhere' IP-based managed solution," he said.

"By implementing this solution, they will contribute a key element to the HM Government's broader transformation goals, which include reducing infrastructure costs, by ensuring staff can work effectively as they deliver high-quality public services, wherever they are located."

David Leighton, sales director public sector for Siemens Enterprise Communications, believed the initiative would give government users greater control of their communications needs.

"This strategy embodies Siemens' open communications strategy of simple and straightforward communications regardless of time, device or location," he commented.

"The open SIP platform provides unsurpassed scalability, flexibility and the highest level of security to meet the critical requirements of government departments."

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