NL International Briefs

Successful VoIP adds value to broadband: ABIA new study from ABI Research notes that despite a low number of Voice over IP subscribers worldwide by 2010, VoIP will continue to show dynamic market growth. The research firm adds "the most successful business model for VoIP services uses its strength to add value to existing broadband subscriptions." Broadband technologies principal analyst Michael Arden says, "VoIP’s greatest benefit is that you can consolidate many things. For example you could have your email working with your voicemail, working with your telephone, working with your Outlook calendar. Such enhanced value services are a key drawcard." VoIP providers granted 911 extension from FCCTens of thousands of Voice over IP subscribers in the United States, which could have had their service disconnected this week, will now have one more month to let their provider know they understand the pitfalls associated with 911 calling. The Federal Communications Commission granted VoIP providers a one-month extension to obtain the confirmation from subscribers. "During this additional period of time, the bureau expects that all the interconnected VoIP providers that qualify for this extension will continue to use all means available to them to obtain the affirmative acknowledgements from all of their subscribers," reads the FCC notice. Skype prepares to open up platform to othersTo mark its second anniversary, Skype plans to open up its platform to anyone who wants to integrate its presence and instant messaging services into their web site or application. This move will allow anyone to connect to Skype’s member base which has surpassed 51 million people in two years. "As we enter our third year in business…we think now is a perfect time to make these popular features available to anyone who wants to build community and communications into their web site or applications," Skype co-founder and CEO Niklas Zennstrom said in a news release. Microsoft acquires U.S.-based VoIP providerMicrosoft Corp. has acquired Teleo, a San Franciso-based Voice over IP provider. Microsoft plans to add features to its MSN Internet portal. The acquisition comes as Google and Skype plan to take on telephone service providers with their Internet-based services. The Teleo purchase gives Microsoft a push in its fight with these two competitors, as well as other communications providers. Google introduced Google Talk last week, which like MSN Messenger, Skype and Yahoo Messenger, allow users to have talk in real time through their computer. U.S. telcos struggle to get networks back up and runningIt goes to show you that the country’s telecommunications infrastructure is fragile, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. American telephone companies struggle to get their networks back up and running to provide critical communications to rescue efforts. As reported in the Washington Post, a spokesperson for BellSouth Corp. said the company estimates that about 53,000 lines were out in Louisiana and Mississippi. The actual numbers are likely to be higher, however. The three largest wireless operators in the region have all indicated that their services have been affected as well. Cisco switches address IT manager productivityCisco Systems Inc. has introduced several advanced to its Internetwork Operating System for its Catalyst 6500 Series switches that allow IT managers to become more productive by boosting their operational efficiency and increasing network uptime. IP PBX shipments to outpace PBXs this year: In-StatNew data from In-Stat indicates that IP PBX shipments will exceed those for traditional PBXs this year. The total PBX market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% through 2009. But traditional PBXs are in rapid decline, offset by momentum of IP PBXs.

NL International Briefs

News | 09/01/2005 4:00 am EDT

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