October 26, 2010
Addressing UC Security Concerns
Network World
Irwin Lazar writes about some security issues that should be considered for unified communications implementations.
“SIP trunking creates a new vector for attacking enterprise phone systems. In most VOIP architectures, the PSTN serves as a firebreak between the enterprise phone system and the rest of the world. Risk of attack from the Internet is low as the VOIP system is physically and potentially logically isolated from the outside. Introducing SIP trunking changes this, as the enterprise phone system is now vulnerable to IP-based attacks via the SIP trunk. Session border controllers or SIP-aware firewalls can mitigate security concerns.”
HP No. 2 to Cisco in Ethernet port shipments
Network World
Jim Duffy writes about the Ethernet switching market.
“By acquiring 3Com, HP solidified its position as the No. 2 vendor in Ethernet switching revenue behind Cisco. It is also now the No. 2 vendor in port shipments, surpassing D-Link, according to market researcher In-Stat. HP now accounts for 20 per cent of the port shipments in Ethernet switching in the second quarter, while D-Link is responsible for 19 per cent, according to In-Stat. Cisco and its small business unit account for 42 per cent of the ports shipped in Q2, while Netgear contributed eight per cent, the firm found.”
Effectively Deploying UC in the SMB
Network World
Irwin Lazar writes where SMBs are interested in spending their money.
“A key concern for SMB IT leaders is how to enable effective communication and collaboration for an increasingly distributed workforce. Emerging technologies such as IP telephony and unified communications can play a role along these lines. They can improve collaboration and provide faster access to the right people at the right time, thus improving areas such as customer responsiveness and the ability to respond to sales opportunities. SMBs are nearly as aggressive in their desire to leverage emerging technologies to meet these challenges as large organizations. According to Nemertes benchmark reserach, 47 per cent of SMBs classify themselves as either ‘aggressive’ or ‘bleeding edge’ in their view of new technology deployment.”