We are pleased to announce that ENUM, a new registry service that combines telephone numbers and the Domain Name System to simplify the way that VoIP calls (telephone calls made over the Internet) work, is live. It will allow companies and their customers and suppliers to make free or cheaper calls.

In addition to the cost savings, ENUM has the potential to offer a range of other value-added features to corporate communications such as a 'follow me' type function that will allow an individual to choose how (voice, fax, mobile, email, text messaging, location-based services and web sites), and when they would like to be contacted throughout the day. For example, users could direct everything to their mobile device between 9am and 5pm and then re-direct all communications to email after 5pm.

The core principle of ENUM is to translate a telephone number into a domain name. This allows users to continue to use the existing phone number formats they know, whilst allowing the device to route the call using a Domain Name System lookup. Using DNS makes ENUM a quick, stable and cheap link between telecommunications systems and the Internet.

And because the ENUM platform is based on standard DNS functionality it is an open platform, allowing for the development of exciting new applications.

Phil Kingsland, our director of marketing and communications comments:"Making cost savings and improving operational efficiency is at the top of the agenda for most organisations in the current economic climate. ENUM has come just at the right time as it cuts telecommunications costs and enables companies to build better relationships with suppliers and customers in a more cost effective manner.

"For example, if a large organisation and its suppliers used ENUM - all calls between them would be free every time. Equally, smaller organisations, for example in customer service environments, could set up an ENUM number - allowing customers to call for free, without incurring any call receiving costs themselves. Essentially, from today ENUM is set to extend the benefits of VoIP for UK businesses."

How does a company register for ENUM?

• Check our list of available ENUM registrars
• Choose the registrar that best suits your business requirements
• Register your chosen phone number with the registrar
• The registrar will then validate your number (typically via a third party agency) and provide you with an ENUM registration
• Finally, certain technical specifications need to be met for the installation of ENUM - please contact your registrar for further details.