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| IP Telephony -the big wave
of global communication systems? |
| Posted: 02-05-2006 | Views: 12 |
| Author: Jonathan Kirsten |
IP Telephony -the big wave
of global communication systems?
IP telephony, or Internet Protocol telephony deploys the
Internet infrastructure to transmit voice and fax calls.
IP phone systems digitize voice and transmit it in the
form of packets to unique IP addresses designated by the
user. Slow to get off the blocks, Internet phone systems
have gained significant ground in the recent years. This
is largely due to the rapid rise of convergence as the
ultimate destination for communication technology. In
this context, voice over ip phone systems are seen as
a crucial first step in the march towards achieving seamless
low-cost connectivity by integrating data, voice, and
video onto a single Internet based platform.
Enterprise communications at the cross-roads
A recent study by META group, a subsidiary of the global
consultancy major Gartner, indicates that convergence
is fast catching up among businesses across the globe.
As per the study, 26 per cent of the Global 2000 Enterprises
are in the process of migrating to converged networks,
whereas another 42 per cent will be taking it up in the
next one to two years. Impressive figures indeed! In the
same vein it predicts that the IP lines deployed by the
hybrid 'computer phone systems', are bound to see a 50
per cent growth annually in the coming years. One reason
why enterprises are boarding the IP telephony bandwagon
is that it enables them to generate substantial cost-savings
by using their existing IP infrastructure for voice traffic.
Plus, prominent communication equipment vendors, such
as UK based Actimax Plc, have clearly cast their mandate
in favor of the Internet phone system. Going by the Actimax
Web site, the benefits of adopting an IP phone system
include:
1. Connecting remote workers at no extra cost
2. Integrating IP applications with telephones to harness
the best of two technologies
3. Connecting geographically disparate sites together
at no extra call cost
IP telephony - the
roadblocks
From the above, the IP phone systems appear simply unstoppable
and clearly the future of the global communications. But
then why is it still moving at a relatively slow pace?
For example, an overwhelming majority of enterprises in
upcoming markets still remain unconvinced by its efficacy.
In the developed world too the picture is not so rosy.
As per estimates put forward by world telecoms major Ericsson,
'pure-play VOIP phone system PBXs account for less than
five per cent of customer premises equipment (CPE) shipments'
across the globe. Apart from this, businesses implementing
VOIP phone systems too prefer to remain on line with the
traditional wire line telephony. The reasons are not hard
to find. META group studies point towards the a still
lingering adverse public perception about reliability,
degree of integration with legacy systems, and the money
that needs to be pumped into the new applications.
Besides, a number of countries, including India and China,
are still to recognize IP telephony, which puts a big
question mark over its usability in these fast growing
markets. Apart from this, convergence require a high degree
of customization for companies in different sectors. Experts
also point out that converged networks are still to come
up with common technical standards that are essential
to make the technology ubiquitous.
An idea
whose time is nigh
Despite the remaining hurdles, it clearly emerges that
the future belongs to converged networks, which means
that we are in for a greater proliferation of voice over
IP phone systems both at the workplace and in life away
from office. The technology has got too many things going
for it. After all how can we turn away a system that offers
advantages such as greater efficiency and productivity
while lowering your total cost of ownership? Those of
you who have had a feel of concepts such as 'Computer
Telephone Integration' will know what we are talking about.
And, to those still to get a taste of this upcoming communication
revolution, we can only say: Go out and try it for yourself.
It makes more sense to be an active participant in the
technology sweepstakes than to wait and let the convergence
wave sweep you off your feet.
About the Author:
John Massey is the Managing Director of Actimax , who’s
background in the communications industry goes back over
30 years is invaluable in the company being one step ahead
of the competition.
This article is free
for republishing
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/ |
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