Smaller firms who invest in a VoIP phone system will portray a more professional image to their customers as well as saving money, according to an industry expert.

VoIP for business users have access to calling features that will help portray a better image to their customers, it has been suggested.

Although features like voicemail are now ubiquitous, the ability to use auto attendant through VoIP could help firms seem more professional in the eyes of their customers, an industry expert said.

Auto attendant technology allows callers to be automatically transferred to a user's extension through VoIP.

For smaller firms who cannot afford to feasibly employ a receptionist to handle telephonic communications, VoIP could be a worthy investment as it allows phone calls over the internet which can save money and is more environmentally friendly.

"In general, most small businesses are most attracted to VoIP due to the cost savings it can offer," said Samuel Schneider, marketing director at US-based IT firm Bandwidth.com.

But VoIP for business features can also help firms give a more professional image - a benefit beyond cost saving, he added.

A VoIP phone system could help smaller firms who require mobile networking, engage in homeworking or use virtual offices.

Research by the Bathwick Group, reported by business and technology website silicon.com, found that 60 per cent of small businesses were considering an investment in VoIP during 2007.