Unified communications is emerging as a "key technology" that can help firms improve business process efficiencies, and address concerns over carbon consumption, experts report.

IDC said that companies can use unified communications to "bridge the current chasm of disparate communication applications and systems".

The analyst firm defines these systems as those that do not interoperate and cope with the management of multiple devices that represent separate communication modes.

"Unified communications transforms commonplace business applications into smart, intuitive, collaborative environments for instant decision making and fast turnaround," said David Cannon, programme manager for telecommunications at IDC.

"The new industry focus on unified communications resonates with the need for a flexible and cost-effective solution that leverages new technologies and communication devices."