Enum directory could revolutionise VoIP

Work has begun on an ambitious new project which aims to integrate the various telephony networks British consumers and businesses use to communicate with each other.

The Enum directory will initially target just the UK's internet telephony networks, collating all numbers into one single directory and network which can then be used like a virtual switchboard to locate and dial up individuals or companies.

But after the IP telephony mapping stage has been completed it is hoped that the directory will also link to the Public Service Telephone Network, effectively making it a one-stop shop for any UK-based calls.

Jay Daley, technology director at Nominet - the company that will run the directory - said that the ultimate goal was for Enum to do for phone numbers what the Domain Name System did for the web.

Commenting on the present VoIP situation, whereby independent IP solution providers face difficulties in locating and connecting with users of other services - Mr Daley said: "That bit of magic is missing - there's no way for one to find another if it only has a telephone number."

Industry regulator Ofcom estimates there are over one million active VoIP users in the UK.