VoIP solutions 'could signal the end of POTS'

The emergence of VoIP solutions as a cheap alternative to traditional landlines could signal the end of phone calls as we know them, it has been claimed.

Tom Nolle, president of software specialists CIMI Corp, believes the "plain old telephone service", or POTS, will soon be rendered obsolete by the growing poularity of VoIP phones and other online communication technologies.

Writing in his blog for Internet Evolution, he says: "When VoIP was first introduced, everybody predicted that voice on the Internet would destroy the old POTS model.

"Now, with even service providers buying VoIP companies, it looks like that's about to happen."

He adds that there have been strong signals that the communications sector is now focusing its attention on VoIP solutions, with many well-known companies now investing in VoIP technology, such as Google.

Mr Nolle has led CIMI Corp, which provides networks and systems integration, software publishing and strategic consultancy services, since its incorporation in 1982.