Communications

Data travels across the Internet governed by several sets of rules called protocols. Collectively, these protocols make up the Internet Protocol, or IP. This standardized set of rules is what allows devices to communicate across networks. It's what makes the Internet possible. Recently, you may have come across a term called IP convergence. What does this terminology mean? If IP is the set of rules that governs how data travels across the Internet, then what is convergence? IP convergence refers to the capability of the Internet to act as a single pathway for various applications that traditionally had their own…

I covered in my last installment, how converging your voice and data networks allows you to take full advantage of the benefits VoIP telephony offers. This can be a tricky road, but one very worth the trip. In this post, I'll talk more specifically about some security details you should consider while weighing your decision to go to VoIP and how to mitigate those concerns. Converged Network Security Implications A converged network can create security problems unheard of in the legacy, voice-only telecom world. Traditionally, calls are sent and received over closed, circuit-switched networks. Security and performance concerns are minimal in that…

VoIP for Small Businesses For years, small businesses have eyed larger companies' advanced telephony capabilities with envy. Call centers with features that integrate with customer account information systems, leverage time-based call flows and use shortened numbers for internal dialing have been reserved for only the biggest companies. The small guys can't afford it, and customer service often suffers. This doesn't have to be true! An affordable option for small companies to "look big" and behave responsively is to embrace Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP is a good way to cut costs and add flexibility to your business’s telephony capabilities. It…