Conjungo (www.conjungo.com), the UK's largest independent technology information resource and search engine of ICT providers, has revealed that nearly 10% of searches across its 100-plus technology areas are focused on IP-based telephony and VoIP.

Conjungo, which launched its new site last month in partnership with Comms Dealer, has compiled the stats from the thousands of unique visitors who have used the site over October. "Considering how many potential areas of content we have on our site, 10% is a huge percentage of users interested in one area," said David Cruse, CEO, Conjungo.

"We believe this is an indication of the potential for rapid cost savings that VoIP technology offers combined with a need for truly independent advice for small business on how to find and implement the best solution and supplier," he added.

Conjungo, which has a searchable database of over 15,000 suppliers including over 800 telecom focused hosted VoIP service providers and related system integrators, has also launched a new "Unified Communications" educational section within its "Go Understand" library.

"Unified Communications has been a buzzword for large enterprises for many years now but as the technology heads into the SMB space, more potential users are trying to get to grips with it and understanding the benefits and also potential negative aspects it brings to their commutations practices," Cruse adds.

The new Unified Communications section offers an ebook explaining almost every facet of the technology backed up with real case studies, a six steps programme to help buyers negotiate the best deals and an email based - "Ask an Expert" service to help solve the trickier issues.

One user who has already tried the new telecommunication resources on the site is Simon Bullen, Managing Director for Optimum Workspace (www.optimumworkspace.com), "We actually used Conjungo recently when looking to purchase a new PBX for our business. Originally we looked at a straight replacement for our old system but the guide on Unified Communications was a real eye opener and we are currently reviewing a hybrid solution which will potentially allow us to substantially reduce our call costs between our teleworking staff and the office by using a voice across our Broadband connection."

Conjungo allows buyers to quickly compile a shortlist of suppliers to approach and assures that a supplier is properly accredited with its technology vendor. Conjungo has the approval of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, The European Institute of Purchasing Management, The Communications Management Association and the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Lesley Hansen, Group Marketing Director for TeleWare plc that has its entire channel of resellers and partners signed onto the Conjungo service, added: "The simple fact is that buyers of all types go looking for their suppliers when they are considering a purchase.

"They often need to engage with at least three in order to validate one against the other using various criteria and unless you can be ‘found' at the point they look, you stand a very limited chance of even being considered for selection.

"Conjungo has changed all that by offering buyers of technology the ability to ‘find' the right type of supplier that fits their personal criteria."

Other unified communication suppliers who have added their channel partners to the Conjungo network include Cisco, BT, Swyx and SMC.