The Voice over Internet Protocol market is unruly and characterized by a variety of approaches. These approaches range from the desktop to the carrier switch to the Internet. The players are as equally far flung, from the traditional cornerstones of the Plain Old Telephone System to the new generation startups, to the steps of local, state, and federal governmental agencies. Such dynamism makes it difficult for IT managers to filter the flood of information and assess how Voice over Internet Protocol might fit into their networks. Unless Public Switched Telephone Network undergoes some massive restructuring, its long-term existence in its current form is in serious doubt. Emerging Internet technologies will be the low cost solution for managers looking for mixed traffic connectivity. Only in the end, after all the smoke has disappeared will we know which business models survived the shake down in this well-paying market. Other problems are bound to appear in the arenas of technology and regulation. At this point there is an important progress to be made in the area of Voice over Internet Protocol to achieve the quality we enjoy today with the Public Switched Telephone Network. The only sure thing from this technology or any other that will always be faithful, reliable and never become outdated is that the Government will find a way to ensure their profit stream.…
