Managed IT and telecom services provider Appia Communications has launched its Voice over Internet Protocol telephone services designed specifically to lower the operating costs of non-profit organizations.

Because most non-profits use different providers for local phone service, long distance, Internet access, and voice and data equipment, often valuable human and financial resources are spent managing telecom vendors, says Victor von Schlegell, Appia's president.

"Non-profits face a particularly difficult set of challenges today," said von Schlegell. "One of these challenges is how to carry out their important missions with fewer resources. They therefore want to cut costs, and IT and telecom are good targets for cost reduction since these costs can be reduced without affecting services."

VoIP solutions also allow organizations to save on operating costs, so more money is available for programs and Appia's low calling rates not only reduce monthly expenses, but make it more affordable to operate fund-raising campaigns, he added. Calls between agency offices are free 

Equip for Equality (EFE), a non-profit agency working to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with physical and mental disabilities in Illinois, utilizes an Appia VoIP solution.

 "There have been significant cost savings to EFE since implementing the Appia system, even with the expansion of the system for additional staff over the last few years," said Hugh Smith, the agency's IT director. "Also, since EFE has been on the Appia system, we have found the service to be reliable and key Appia representatives responsive to our needs."