Job opportunities for IT contractors could be set to rise if one expert's predictions about unified communications are accurate.

Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst at Infonetics Research said that increasing numbers of businesses will embrace unified communications (UC) technologies during 2011.

He continued that UC technologies will become available on more devices such as tablets which will allow for more video content.

Mr Machowinski added that the technology will allow for businesses to become more flexible and improve working practise.

"A) it increases the portability of communication tools that are already used, for example on new devices and new locations, b) it gives them completely new tools such as desktop sharing, which are useful for distributed teams."

This comes after Heather Mclean, editor at Mobile Business said that purchasing an entry level smartphone is "like a first step on the ladder" to buying an iPhone.