DORSET-BASED UK communications firm Bistech is creating 50 new jobs.

Bistech is bucking the current downturn hitting many other companies in the communications sector.

The firm aims to double in size over the next two years, recruiting another 50 employees, half of which will be based at its Ferndown corporate training centre.

Bistech provides voice and data communications systems. It began installing voice over internet protocols (IP) networks back in 1997 "when the technology was virtually unknown."

Voice over IP technology provides the ability to route both voice and data over a network, which can be either a fixed link or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Calls are converted into "IP packets", enabling them to share the same route as other "data packets".

This compresses the data, allowing firms to cut costs.

Other solutions include unified messaging which enables users to access their voicemail, e-mail and fax messages all via one inbox on their PC. Users can access their inbox remotely from any modem-connected PC.

Managing director Mike Hancock said: "Our people are the success story of Bistech.

"We have knowledgeable, intelligent and empowered teams who all strive to improve our service and their own performance."

Bistech currently has 52 employees, many of whom have been with the company for "much of its 14-year history".

Business partners include Toshiba, Cisco, Philips and Panasonic.