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Last Updated: Feb 18th, 2008 - 14:39:01 |
VoIP – An Evolving Technology
Voice-over-Internet Protocol is tipped to be the next big thing in technology, provided consumers warm to the concept.
VoIP is forcing its way into the public consciousness. On laptops, in small businesses and through advertising campaigns, Voice-over-Internet Protocol's status can be compared with that of the internet in the mid-1990s. It is ready for take-off.
VoIP is essentially the use of internet technology for low-cost phone calls. For the carriers, such as BT, it means cheaper infrastructure.
Industry experts claim the simple premise of putting calls across a digital connection will eventually become the telephony service of choice. It is not surprising, then, that big players are adding VoIP to their armory.
VoIP promises the kind of extra services that only digital technology can provide. These include being able to 'attach' documents to phone calls, like one would with email, and advanced billing. 'On a basic level it's easy to understand.
Early campaigns on the benefits of VoIP appear to have been overshadowed by media reports of poor service and security threats. Because it's over the internet, it's open to hackers.
The market is at a turning point: it is hung up on negative stories and needs to trigger mass recognition of the benefits. It's the network effect. The more people use it, the more valuable it will be. Companies need to have this explained to them so they can see the benefit of getting in early.
VoIP has matured to overcome problems with sound quality, and encryption ensures a respectable level of security. Promotion of the technology is hindered by lack of understanding among the general public.
VoIP is cheap and flexible. But the message is being muddled.
One hurdle is the umbrella term of 'VoIP' that defines three types of internet telephony. At one end there is the technology that kids and geeks are using on their home PCs, such as Skype (essentially a broadband connection with a phone attached). In the middle are the dedicated services, such as Vonage - which recently appointed Inferno Communications - aimed at businesses and home users. The other end is the domain of the telecoms industry itself, which is an established user of VoIP.
Under budgetary pressures, the phrase 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' is one many businesses live by. The problem in pushing VoIP is that there is nothing wrong with the current telephone system.
An international company will not migrate to VoIP straight away. It would cost too much.
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