Chinese joining VoIP phone revolution

The Chinese ministry of water resources (MWR) has implemented an IP-based communication platform which will allow it to use technology like VoIP phones.

The platform links a huge area in the country, with offices in 31 different provinces now connected, and also allows communication like instant messaging and video conferencing.

The platform uses a combined IP PBX and soft switch architecture and was built by Nortel.

Nortel's general manager of enterprise networks in China, Jerry Huang, said that thanks to the IP based solution "the ministry's employees can coordinate their activities whenever, however and from wherever they need, simply and effectively".

The technology will be welcomed by ministry employees, who potentially face a difficult time in the near future.

An official from the ministry warned on Wednesday that with heavier than usual rains expected, many areas that had dams or reservoirs damaged in the recent earthquake will be at risk of flooding.

The official, deputy water minister Jiao Yong, said the situation was "critical", and repairing reservoirs was their "top priority".