BenQ-Siemens CF61

1.The answer is True. In fact, it is the tremendous savings ofup to 80% off traditional phone calling that makes VoIPattractive to consumers and businesses. The only equipmentneeded for VoIP is your PC and a microphone (if one is not builtinto your PC). Beware of VoIP service providers that require youto purchase additional equipment and/or sign contracts.

2.The answer is False. Although the public has been fed a steadydiet that the minimum requirement for VoIP is a high speed(broadband) connection, this is absolutely false.

Over 90% of the VoIP providers have used this false premise as asmokescreen to take your focus off the fact that their prioritywas and is to line their own pockets rather than expend thetime, effort, and funds to develop technology that incorporatesdial up capability.

The technology required for dial up connections to use VoIPinvolves the ability to compress data packets down to a minimumsize of 8 kbps prior to traveling over the Internet.

3.The answer is False. Security should be the most importantfeature of any VoIP solution provider. Firewalls do notincorporate protection for VoIP. VoIP security shouldincorporate protection against identity theft, Trojan horses,viruses, and worms.

Craig Pollard of Siemens advised that “Voice must be protectedlike any other application". He further stated that, "Along withIT directors and telecom managers, a number of financialdirectors came to our road shows, which may not be surprisingconsidering the damaging potential of VoIP threats if a networkis not properly protected."

Over 90% of VoIP solution providers do not operate on securelines. These providers, in order to save a few dollars at yourexpense, operate on industry standard codec (encryption codes)and industry standard protocols which are publicly open andinterpretable. Hacker friendly providers offer hacker manuals,software, programs, and even processor chips that makesaccessibility to your computer from these industry standards –as enticing as chum is to sharks in a feeding frenzy.

When a computer hacker gains unauthorized access to yourcomputer, their sole purpose is to steal your identity and sellyour personal and confidential information to other criminalentities. In addition, they often plant Trojan horses, viruses,and worms into your computer.

4.The answer is True. Industry insiders such AT&T says, “VoIPtraffic is projected to account for approximately 75% of theworld’s voice traffic by 2007”. This suggests a major paradigmshift in communication.

5.The answer is True. Not only can you make all your phone callsanywhere in the world from your computer, you can also travelwith your computer phone. Simply by bringing your unique numberand password, you can download your phone
with your entirecontact list. Of course, PC to PC is usually free betweensubscribers. PC to telephones and cell phones typically involvesfees at drastically reduced rates when compared to traditionalcalling rates.

6.The answer is False. P2P networks use industry standard codec(encryption codes) and industry standard protocols which arepublicly open and interpretable.

John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the HighTechnology Crime Investigation Association 2004 InternationalTraining Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We haveseen worms and viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And withthe increased use of the Internet and especially peer-to-peernetworking, we have seen malicious code spread more quickly andinfect more personal computers than ever before. The cost ofthese worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks…reaches intothe billions of dollars.”

P2P networks such as Skype operate by taking bandwidth(information carrying capacity) from customers on their serviceto assist other customers using their service - analogous to asymbiotic relationship. The tools that enable them to accomplishthis are bundled in the software their customers agree to inorder to download and access their VoIP service.

Another grave concern for both individuals and businesses whenusing P2P systems is unknowingly having your computer used as asupernode. A supernode occurs when your computer is arbitrarilyassigned as a hub.

When you are running the software for P2P services, yourcomputer’s disk space, bandwidth, and processing power are usedto help other users on the same system operate their softwaremore efficiently because of their own network or firewallconstraints.

We as consumers still have a lot to learn about VoIP, as thistechnology is the new era of communication and is continuouslybeing changed.

All VoIP service providers need to incorporate the protection,needs, and desires of its customers, as well as address securityand dial up capability.

All VoIP service providers should invest in developing aproprietary patented technology that incorporates compression ofdata packets so that their VoIP can be used on dial upconnections, as well as cable, satellite, and wireless.

All VoIP service providers should develop and create their ownproprietary high end encryption codec with patented technology,simply because they do not want their customers to be victims ofviruses, worms, Trojan horses, or have their identity stolen asa result of using their VoIP service.

Simply put, all VoIP service providers should place theprotection, security, and needs of their customers FIRST. Ofcourse, they are in business to earn profits, but it should notbe at the expense of exposing their customers to unscrupulousentities.

Want to hear and experience what exceptional sound quality onoptimally secure lines sounds like? Download a 7 day free trialat http://www.free-pc-phone.com and see for yourself.

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint thisarticle in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long asyou leave all links in place, do not modify the content andinclude the resource box as listed above.