Modern day life is often fast paced and competitive; seemingly filled with an endless list of tasks to do and people to catch up with. Indeed, lives are busier than they once were, with many people working longer hours. As a result, time is increasingly being seen as a commodity.

This shift in culture and lifestyle is reflected in the everyday transactions that are carried out around the world, from online shopping to eating in fast food outlets. Speed and efficiency are of the essence and this is no truer than when considering the world of technology.

In fact, such things as the internet and mobile phones thrive on the ability to offer people a fast and effective service. As such, businesses are constantly looking for new ways to improve their offerings.

Take the introduction of broadband as a prime example. Up to 100 times faster than a traditional dial up connection, it has significantly improved the speed at which the internet works. Consequently, people can now take advantage of a whole host of useful web applications, like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

Allowing people to make cheap calls over the internet, VoIP providers have helped to considerably reduce the cost of speaking to others: this is especially true for international calls. And, thanks to a new wave of innovative software applications, like those available on the iPhone, people are now able to take that technology mobile.

Therefore, instead of having to rely on your computer to take advantage of cheap call rates, many mobile phones now have the option to download VoIP software, meaning people can make and receive local, national and international calls without racking up enormous phone bills.

This is great news for those constantly on the move, since they can call their friends and family from any WiFi zone, regardless of if they are in the next room, or halfway across the world. Not only that, but if you and the person you want to contact have the same VoIP provider, you can even speak to them for free.

In order to use VoIP services on your mobile, it is necessary to download the relevant application, such as the iPhone App, create an account and add some credit to it. After that, you are then ready to make and receive cheap calls. Additionally, it is possible to make use of the free instant messaging service that many VoIP providers offer, in order to get in touch with others from your VoIP contact list who are also signed in.

Life may be fast paced, but with the technology currently available, there are a number of ways to make sure yours is as efficient as possible. Innovations like the iPhone Apps are a great example of what can be done to maximise the time you do have, without having to worry about breaking the bank.

Jonathan Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.