The Tin Can VoIP Blog

This Blog is Dead

2008-05-31T18:20:00.002-07:00

I am retiring this blog (TinCanVoIP). I can't think of a reason to keep it around so if want it back, you should email me: nu ll va ri ab le at gm ai l. co m and be sure to visit my main blog: Nullvariable.com as it will remain open and alive!

WildPackets Tackles Wireless VOIP Management

2008-05-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

WildPackets Tackles Wireless VOIP Management: "Taking aim at the spotty connectivity of wireless VOIP, network analysis software maker WildPackets claims it has found a way to capture and analyze wireless data from multiple channels in real time.

This is a key ingredient to helping businesses monitor and manage wireless voice-over-IP applications. Networking vendors Cisco Systems, Vonage and Avaya sell their VOIP apps to thousands of corporate offices, but neither these product providers nor other network analysis and management vendors provide adequate tools to ensure service quality, according to WildPackets."

Uh Oh!

2008-05-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

Update
It looks like our upgrade is going to be delayed for a few days, feeds and posts should appear normally for now.

Sorry for any issues you may experience, we are moving to a new hosting server and changing to WordPress! Please bare with us and be sure to check out the new theme in a few hours!

Making VoIP Work For You

2008-05-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Web Worker Daily » Archive Making VoIP Work For You «: "A common misnomer about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is that it requires you to be using a headset, tethered to your computer. This is simply untrue as modern VoIP services and solutions use either a) normal corded and cordless phones or b) a specialized phone that resembles a cordless phone or cell phone - just modified to utilized VoIP technology."

WiFi VoIP Network

2008-05-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Where are we going from here? - The Tech Report: "How can we make voice communications available to rural communities in mountainous regions of the developing world? I have been searching out answers to this question for almost two years now. For the past several months I have been researching and blogging about some of the technological aspects, focusing specifically on long-distance WiFi to determine the feasibility and cost involved and what resources are required. I have yet to research other technologies which I expect are needed, such as VoIP, bridging with existing telephone systems, wireless mesh networking, power systems, and building towers. In the next couple years I will dig into these aspects and hope to implement my research and experiences."

Nimbuzz - VOIP/IM aimed at mobile and social networks

2008-05-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Nimbuzz - VOIP/IM aimed at mobile and social networks - washingtonpost.com: "Back in early 2007 Netherlands-based Nimbuzz launched a beta for its free application which supported voice, presence, and SMS. TechCrunch UK reports that Tuesday will see it aim squarely at mobile handsets and social networks, launching with Java and Symbian client software which will work across an impressive 500 handsets. This will allow users to make and receive calls across 50 countries, particularly emerging markets where PCs are just too expensive for most people. (An iPhone client is under development). Nimbuzz will offer free mobile VoIP, conference calling, IM and group chat and photo and file sending across multiple IM communities, including Skype, MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo!, AIM, Jabber and ICQ, plus 23 social networks, including apps/widgets for Facebook and Myspace, which are key to its distribution strategy."

Jangl Employees Resign and Head to Jajah

2008-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Jangl Employees Resign and Head to Jajah - Small VoIP companies are struggling to make it in a competitive market - dslreports.com: "It appears that several mid-sized VoIP companies are failing to realize their potential and being edged out of the market. One of the biggest of these companies is Jangl, a VoIP business that began by offering anonymized online calling and then moved on to the development of click-to-call VoIP widgets for social networking sites. Despite having done moderately well in these areas, the venture capitalists backing the business aren’t interested in continuing their support. Talks of acquisitions came to a standstill this week and major players in the organization resigned. It appears that many of them are going to be moving over to work at Jajah, a company that has done significantly well for itself in the VoIP industry over the last year or so. It is unclear what will be happening with Jangl at this time but it seems safe to say that it’s not a name we’ll be hearing much of anymore."

ATCOM Business Telecom Solutions Inks Deal with Lee County - PR.com

2008-05-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

ATCOM Business Telecom Solutions Inks Deal with Lee County - PR.com: "Lee County has equipped its offices with a solution that includes a Unified Messaging system, providing access to e-mail, voicemail and faxes, all from the end users e-mail inbox. Lee County has future plans to add additional government buildings to their VoIP network as they expand on this technology to create a seamless voice network connecting all of their facilities. Future applications may include remote IP workers and mobility solutions as the organization continues to roll out productivity enhancing applications to its end users."

CyberData Announces First Shipment of VoIP Intercom

2008-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

CyberData Announces First Shipment of VoIP Intercom: "The SIP-enabled VoIP Intercom is a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE 802.3af) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) door entry device that connects into existing local area networks (LANs) with a single cable connection.

The intercom is compatible with most SIP-based IP PBX servers that comply with the SIP RFC, and its tamper-proof design allows the unit to be mounted securely and safely, according to the company.

Company officials explained that it operates as a SIP-based door entry system with DTMF access control, or as an emergency phone with mass notification capabilities."

VoIP 'particularly useful for small businesses'

2008-05-09T05:08:00.000-07:00

VoIP 'particularly useful for small businesses': "Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are particularly useful for small businesses, allowing them to stay in touch with employees and customers when they are out of the office, according to an industry expert.

Colin Duffy, Internet Telephony Services Providers' Association (ITSPA) council member and chief executive of ITSPA founder members VoIPfone, said that services such as having voicemails forwarded as MP3s to your email inbox or calls to a landline number redirected to a mobile can help small and medium-sized business owners."

Failed VoIP 911 Call Contributes to Toddler's Death

2008-05-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Failed VoIP 911 Call Contributes to Toddler's Death: "In the wake of a failed 911 call using VoIP that may have contributed to an infant’s death in Canada, officials are urging those who use the service to register new system locations whenever they move.

Last week, an 18-month-old baby in Calgary died after his parents called 911 through a VoIP service. The digital home phone system, short for “Voice over Internet Protocol,” uses computer modems rather than regular phone lines.

In this case, the service provider used the family’s former address in Mississauga, Ontario – instead of Calgary, their new home – when the baby, Elijah Luck, went into medical distress. The service provider has said the call was cut off, so it relied on the address it had. The boy died in a hospital a half-hour later."

Avaya reportedly in talks to be sold

2007-05-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Avaya reportedly in talks to be sold | Tech News on ZDNet: "Telecommunications equipment maker Avaya is in talks with private equity and strategic bidders about selling all or part of the company, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Avaya, which has a market capitalization of more than $6.1 billion, is in talks with private equity firm Silver Lake Partners about a leveraged buyout, according to the report.

Avaya also has held recent talks with rival Nortel Networks about a possible deal, but the two sides failed to agree on a price or on whether Nortel would use cash or stock to fund the deal, according to the report.

Avaya and Nortel are still in contact, however, and a deal could materialize, the newspaper said.

Avaya could not be immediately reached for comment. Nortel and Silver Lake declined to comment."

Your food or my tusks! Elephant robs motorists

2007-05-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Your food or my tusks! Elephant robs motorists: "NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An elephant in eastern India has sparked complaints from motorists who accuse it of blocking traffic and refusing to allow vehicles to pass unless drivers give it food, a newspaper reported on Monday.

The Hindustan Times said the elephant was scouting for food on a highway in the eastern state of Orissa, forcing motorists to roll down their windows and get out of the car.

'The tusker then inserts its trunk inside the vehicle and sniffs for food,' local resident Prabodh Mohanty, who has come across the elephant twice, was quoted as saying.

'If you are carrying vegetables and banana inside your vehicle, then it will gulp them and allow you to go.'"

Sony to add VoIP facility to PSP

2007-05-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

News | Sony to add VoIP facility to PSP - NMA: "Sony PSP owners will soon be able to use their devices to make VoIP calls in the UK following an agreement with BT.

A camera and microphone unit will shortly go on sale to enable the 24m PSP owners to call others with the handheld gaming console. Over time the service will be extended to allow video calls to be made to PCs, fixed-line phones and mobiles.

PSP owners with access to a BT wireless hotspot can already connect to the 21CN platform and make calls for free."

Intel-Jajah Hookup Shows Changing VoIP Landscape

2007-05-12T03:13:00.000-07:00

Intel-Jajah Hookup Shows Changing VoIP Landscape: "Intel's investment in Jajah, announced Thursday, says a lot about the direction in which VoIP technology is headed.

VoIP technology is still in its early days, and is often sold as a free-standing service complete with dedicated hardware (see Vonage). But more and more, VoIP applications are becoming embedded in larger applications or devices. Google is working on building VoIP software into its spreadsheet software. eCommerce pages at eBay feature click-to-call VoIP buttons."

VoIP Usage Increases, But US Businesses Not Ditching Traditional Phones

2007-04-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

VoIP Usage Increases, But US Businesses Not Ditching Traditional Phones: "“VoIP is particularly attractive to businesses with dispersed workforces, where long distance savings can be easily achieved,” says David Lemelin, In-Stat analyst. “However, VoIP is not typically embraced as the sole source of voice communications for the vast majority of businesses that have adopted VoIP to date.”"

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

Multiple VoIP solutions are used by 36% of businesses that have adopted VoIP, with broadband IP telephony solutions resonating most strongly with smaller businesses and IP PBX with larger ones.
Hosted IP revenues will exceed Broadband IP Telephony (BBIPT) by 2010 in the business market, despite more BBIPT lines being in place.
Roughly 14% of US businesses have at least some workers who use voice-enabled IM for business purposes.

VoIP Too Complicated? Tell That To The Cable Companies

2007-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

InformationWeek Weblog: VoIP Too Complicated? Tell That To The Cable Companies: "According to a new survey from Forrester Research, most VoIP services -- including free peer-to-peer (P2P) client applications like Skype, Google Talk, and Yahoo -- are too complicated for the average user. Then why are the cable companies so successful with their VoIP offerings?

The Forrester survey claims that most free P2P offerings are confusing. If these services are going to take off with mainstream consumers, then the services need to be improved. The services also lack sufficient security and they do not label their security levels accurately, the study warns.

OK, so the average consumer doesn't trust a free VoIP system. In short, these apps are still too techy. Then why do they love VoIP when it comes from the cable company? This answer is simple. Cable voice services (the cable guys rarely say VoIP -- it's too technical and intimidating) are easy to use and work just like a regular old phone system. In fact, most are easier to set up than Vonage, the company that built the model most of the cable providers have copied.

Another study released this week confirms cable's dominance in the VoIP market. According to researcher In-Stat, the number of U.S. homes with VoIP now stands at more than 10 million, up from roughly 9 million in the third quarter of 2006. Mo"

Will the Vonage stay save the company?

2007-04-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

According to the Chicago Tribune:

Vonage Holdings Corp. on Friday won a temporary stay of a federal judge's ruling that it can continue operating but cannot recruit new customers during its patent dispute with Verizon Communications Inc.

I still feel that this may be the death blow for this company. First not being able to recruit new customers will hurt Vonage. Second they may begin to lose a large number of customer back to traditional phone service or other VoIP providers. Larry Dignan at ZDNet found that options were very limited and suggested that his cable provider's VoIP solution might be the only decent option. With the cable companies holding a solid customer base and having an already estabilshed business model with plenty of capital and 'free' advertising this may be the best and most frequently chosen solution for many customers.

Sure there are plenty of VoIP service providers out there but very few are as easy to use or as well promoted. My family has been using Vonage for a couple of years and I am still searching for the best solution to take Vonage out of the picture so that risk is minimized. Perhaps Vonage will make a case and survive but the lawsuit with Verizon is only the first of many that could come. I believe that Sprint has a pending lawsuit against Vonage as well.

The best thing about Vonage possibly going under is that it could bring awareness to other VoIP providers and protect the market from future attacks by threatened telcos by diversifying the existing customer base that is now very aware of VoIP and likes the benefits and advantages that it offers.

One of the choices for VoIP providers that seems to be gaining real momentum is SunRocket. Reviews that I've read rate the quality and customer service as top notch. I'll try and get a more in depth review on their service soon.

Packet8 VoIP for only $19.99 a month

For many colleges, VoIP doesn’t make the grade - Network World

2007-04-06T00:43:00.000-07:00

For many colleges, VoIP doesn’t make the grade - Network World: "Even the lure of phone systems that withstand disasters combined with the benefits of unified messaging don’t outweigh the costs to bring IP communications to college campuses, according to a survey by ACUTA, the Association for Communications Professionals in Higher Education."

Vonage Vs Verizon - The future of VoIP at stake

2007-04-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Vonage could be out of business tomorrow if they are not granted an injuction. One of the largest and most well known VoIP providers Vonage is facing an issue they may not be able to beat. Vonage is currently trying to appeal a lawsuit which Verizon won. "In early March, a jury awarded Verizon $58 million in damages and a 5.5% royalty on future sales" Also according to Forbes Vonage is spending about $400 per new customer. We've all seen the TV ads but Vonage has been operating at a loss for some time now. The reality is that Verizon and other major telco companies are starting to feel the pain. According to Forbes:

U.S. VoIP providers generated $886 million in revenue last quarter, according to research firm TeleGeography. That revenue would have likely gone to plain-vanilla telcos like Verizon and AT&T, which lost more than 2.3 million phone line subscriptions during the three-month span.

The reality is that the larger companies are starting to act like the RIAA and MPAA in how they are handling competition. I fear that our current patent system may instead of helping inventors be hindering competition. I believe that instead of using patent lawsuits and suing poor families these large companies should be spending this money on changing their business models to better accommodate the future instead of trying to keep consumers locked in the past.

GigaOM disagrees (and many other bloggers as well) with Forbes and a direct quote from a Vonage spokesperson and feels that the deal Vonage made with VoIP Inc may provide them with the patents and technology workarounds they need to survive. Cnet further reports that this is not the case:

Schultz explained that Vonage is using the VoiceOne network, which is owned by VoIP Inc., to transport voice over Internet Protocol calls.
"VoIP Inc. is not providing technology to Vonage," Schultz said. "We're simply dumping minutes onto their network. It's no different than any other carrier partnerships that Vonage has with companies such as Level 3 or XO Communications. We've had dozens of these partnerships for years."

I fear that if this kind of bullying continues smaller innovative companies will stop attempting to compete with bigger rivals. This is certainly not the spirit that American businesses used to follow.

Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/intelligentinfrastructure/2007/04/05/vonage-voip-patent-tech-intel-cx_df_0405vonage.html
http://gigaom.com/2007/04/03/vonage-voip-inc/
http://news.com.com/Vonage+clarifies+purpose+of+deal+with+VoIP+Inc./2100-7352_3-6173754.html

RoboGirlfriend - I Want One Of Those

2007-04-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

RoboGirlfriend - I Want One Of Those: "In a busy, work-hard, play-hard culture, one thing keeps us on track and makes our lives easier: technology. Just when you think you're organised enough, along comes a product that you suddenly realise you couldn't imagine life without - from the Blackberry, which has made it possible for us to work all the time, to MySpace, a service revolutionising our social circles and eradicating the need for real friends. Finally the last frontier has been conquered. Prepare to modernise your love lives with the RoboGirlfriend, exclusively from iwoot.com."

Be your own mobile carrier with Sonopia

2007-04-03T14:28:00.001-07:00

Starting today you, yes you, can be your very own mobile carrier through the company Sonopia. Sonopia allows individuals to create their own calling plans and then sell them to others. Your wireless carrier is just like any other with unique calling plans and allows you to send out messages to your subscribers.

read more | digg story

Are Phishing Attacks Coming From Your Computer?

2004-10-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Symantec: "Most phishing attempts come from about 1,000 compromised 'zombie' computers owned by broadband customers, and the phishing attacks are likely generated by less than five phishing operations, according to a survey by CipherTrust Inc."

William Gibson on the internet

2004-10-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

"The 'Net is a waste of time, and that's exactly what's right about it.
- William Gibson "

Christopher Morley on the Telephone

2004-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

"A million hearts here wait our call,
All naked to our distant speech--
I wish that I could ring them all
And have some welcome news for each.
- Christopher Darlington Morley,
The Rocking Horse--Of a Telephone Directory "

New Trojan program squashes adware - (Computerworld)

2004-10-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

New Trojan program squashes adware - Computerworld:

"A new Trojan horse program that attacks and removes troublesome advertising software, known as adware, is circulating on the Internet, according to antivirus company Symantec Corp.

The program, called Downloader.Lunii, was discovered on Monday. When run, it attempts to kill off computer processes and delete files used by common adware programs like Powerscan and BargainBuddy. However, Lunii isn't entirely benevolent. Like other Trojan horse programs, it also modifies the configuration of Microsoft Windows machines and attempts to download files from a remote location, Symantec warned."

Study: VoIP to proliferate in U.S. households | Tech News on ZDNet

2004-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

ZDNet: "The number of U.S. households that use Net phone technology is expected to reach 12 million by 2009, a new study has shown.

About 17 percent of all homes with broadband in the United States will use Web telephony in 2009, up from just 1 percent by the end of 2004, according to a study released Thursday by research firm JupiterResearch.

But companies that offer voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services may have to fight off two key challenges: landline companies that already have strong brand recognition with customers and the increasing popularity of wireless telephony among the younger population, JupiterResearch said."

Analysts: Microsoft's VOIP Move Is Only Natural

2004-10-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

eWeek: "Microsoft is expected to release its latest enterprise instant messaging server, Live Communications Server 2005, later this month, and industry analysts suggest that its enhanced capabilities signal a concerted and not entirely surprising effort to move into the telephony and VOIP (voice over IP) market."

Earthlink offers free VoIP service to existing customers

2004-10-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Earthlink is now offering VoIP to its customers free of charge. All you have to have is a high speed package and a good microphone or an ATA. You cannot however call traditional numbers. Calls can be made to other Earthlink customers, Free World Dialup subscribers, and SIPPhone users.

Earthlink also offers pay VoIP with real phone numbers: www.unlimitedvoice.com

2004-10-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Cox brings VoIP service to more cities
CNET News.com: "Company also plans to launch a business-class Net phone service in Roanoke, Va., as cable providers battle to gain market share. (Networking)"

2004-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Mobile-Phone Ban May Be Near End
Wired News: "Tired of listening to travelers yakking on their cell phones in the airport lounge? You may have to put up it with in the cabin too, as regulators consider scrapping rules that ban use of most wireless devices in flight. By Joanna Glasner."

2004-10-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Calif. passes cell phone recycling bill
CNET News.com: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes recycling of discarded mobile phones mandatory for handset makers. (Networking)"

2004-10-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

Hanging up on telemarketers
CNET News.com: "As it celebrates its first anniversary, the Do Not Call list seems to be a winner for consumers. Are there lessons for e-mail? (The Net)"

2004-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Cisco Sells 180,000 VOIP Phones to Bank of America
Extremetech: "The third-largest U.S. bank will replace desk phones in 5,800 offices and branches, along with 362 switches that direct call traffic."