IT contractors could find new opportunities in the growing popularity of voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) systems, an expert has suggested.

David Lemelin, practice leader and senior analyst at In-Stat, has claimed that IP PBX is another area where there will be major growth in the next few years.

This form of system has superior business-grade performance and can often be easier to integrate for management, he suggested.

Despite this, the cost savings offered by VoIP services could be one of the major drivers behind its continued popularity.

Mr Lemelin stated: "We expect the momentum we have seen over the last several years to recover within the next year."

He added that convergence capabilities will be another key driving force behind this trend.

Recent research by Global Industry Analysts has predicted that the wireless telecom sector will replace its time division multiplexing systems with newer IP PBX systems, which could create opportunities for IT contractors.