Baltimore County is almost finished installing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phones in its facilities, which has already saved the county $456,000 this fiscal year.

From Baltimore County’s news release,

Lower Costs, More Features

This change cuts by about half the number of individual telephone circuits and eliminates monthly phone line fees paid to Verizon. The new system greatly reduces maintenance and management costs including the considerable expense of shifting phone lines due to routine employee transfers.

The VOIP system offers better flexibility and mobility, a more efficient hardware infrastructure and offers enhanced calling features including expanded conference calling, caller ID and the opportunity for integrated video calling.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said that the new technology initiative is projected to save $765,000 next year and upon full implementation, could save the County budget between $800,000 and $1 million every year.

“It’s great when you can apply a technology solution that improves service at the same time as it reduces operating costs” said Kamenetz. “We are delighted by the magnitude of saving we will experience not just once, but year after year.”