Comment Re:Transisition (Score 1) 126
Surely with intellegent devices one could work as they do with websites - you can either user the ip or the domain name. This will require a dns type service of course but it then caters for those who prefer to deal with numbers and those who want a more memerable link.
Another problem would be the need to assure security - some form of security standard (pgp/ssl etc) would be required to ensure communications are correct (not a 'wrong ip') and un-intercepted.
Voice over IP would also mean less of a monopoly, the physical link (cable/sattelite/microwave/wireless/power-line etc) would be controlled but beyond that you could subscribe to any VoIP service you like. As it stands, most tolls are controlled to some extent by the telephone company - particularly in regions where competing companies have to buy time/bandwidth etc from the telephone company that owns the cables.
This would also mean less installation costs - no need for a seperate phone line. In many large businesses (like the one I am in) even digital phones require some special equipment (phone specific hubs/switches, PABX, assigned ports). With VoIP the phone could simply be plugged into any live network socket.
I do see significant gains in VoIP - although the actuall roll out period could be painful, as all phones would need to be replaced. There would have to be careful thought into how it was done and at least some short term backwards compatibility.
Another problem would be the need to assure security - some form of security standard (pgp/ssl etc) would be required to ensure communications are correct (not a 'wrong ip') and un-intercepted.
Voice over IP would also mean less of a monopoly, the physical link (cable/sattelite/microwave/wireless/power-line etc) would be controlled but beyond that you could subscribe to any VoIP service you like. As it stands, most tolls are controlled to some extent by the telephone company - particularly in regions where competing companies have to buy time/bandwidth etc from the telephone company that owns the cables.
This would also mean less installation costs - no need for a seperate phone line. In many large businesses (like the one I am in) even digital phones require some special equipment (phone specific hubs/switches, PABX, assigned ports). With VoIP the phone could simply be plugged into any live network socket.
I do see significant gains in VoIP - although the actuall roll out period could be painful, as all phones would need to be replaced. There would have to be careful thought into how it was done and at least some short term backwards compatibility.
