VoIP News: May 2007

Scottish web users have been the quickest in the UK to adapt to VoIP services with nearly one in five using it to make calls over the net, according to new research. Industry regulator Ofcom released the figures in its report on the state of the communications market in Scotland, which looked at the availability, take-up and use of VoIP connections as well as other new technologies. Compared to other parts of Britain, Scotland leads the way on VoIP with 19 per cent of adults with a connection using it - ahead of England with 18 per cent, while Wales and Northern Ireland trail on 16 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

Sony and BT have teamed up to extend the functions of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) to include voice and video calling through VoIP. Using Wi-Fi connectivity users will be able to make calls through the handheld console by attaching a microphone. "The PSP is an excellent device for both gaming and communications, because of its high quality screen and audio capabilities," said BT's chief of mobility and convergence Steve Andrews.

Digium has partnered with Vyatta to work together to create easily set-up, integrated VoIP and data systems in one network. The open source voice communications company has allied with Vyatta to search for improvements to current systems including routing, firewalls and network functionality. "Presently, various VoIP don't interact well with traditional security devices," Dave Roberts, a vice president with Vyatta told CXOToday.

The future of hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has received a boost with the recent publication of two industry reports suggesting a bright future lies ahead. In the first three months of 2007, research firm Infonetics found VoIP equipment revenue fell by eight per cent, which, according to TMCnet associate editor Mae Kowalke, indicates the industry is "shifting to a software, on-demand, online delivery model".

About The Wireless Event: PicThe Wireless Event, now in its fifth year, is about delivering effective enterprise applications using wireless networks and mobile devices. If you are looking for ways to cost, plan and deploy technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G, RFID and WVoIP to enhance business communications and processes, improve productivity and reduce costs, then come to Olympia on 23-24th May and see us at stand number 1622.