News Archive - October 2010
Microsoft speeds up its shift to cloud computing
October 31, 2010
In 2005, Microsoft's then-CTO Ray Ozzie wrote a memo, saying the company was at risk if it didn't reinvent itself as a provider of software and computing services over the Web. By March, 90 percent of the company's engineers will be working on cloud-related products, CEO Steve Ballmer said. Revenue from the server unit is expected to exceed $10B within a decade.
Security Manager's Journal: Slammed with a $100,000 phone bill
October 29, 2010
This article describes how a security manager at a large company fell victim to somebody placing straight-forward SIP calls through the company's gateway, running up a $100K phone bill. Should he claim the title "Security Manager"? This article definitely shows us that the phone companies are still not really providing businesses with reasonable international termination service.
Intel forms alliance to promote cloud computing
October 28, 2010
As part of its Cloud 2015 project, Intel has announced the formation of the Open Data Center Alliance, a coalition to help standardize the many facets of cloud computing.
Polycom integrates videoconferencing with Lotus Sametime
October 27, 2010
Polycom announced that its room and desktop videoconferencing systems have been integrated with IBM Lotus Sametime to offer business customers a fuller range of unified communications tools.
Cisco Ships 30 Millionth Cisco IP Phone
October 27, 2010
Cisco announced that it shipped its 30 millionth IP phone, a milestone for the company and the industry. Now, a new focus is placed on video as Cisco leads the charge to revolutionize communications once again.
'Moving to' versus 'building for' cloud computing
October 26, 2010
Microsoft Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie has written a memo that has generated tremendous buzz among the cloud computing community. Ozzie notes the future introduces a "post-PC" era, in which software becomes "continuously available" and devices evolve into "appliance-like connected devices."
Skype cuts off mobile VoIP app Nimbuzz in prep for IPO
October 25, 2010
Skype has asked Nimbuzz, makers of a popular VoIP mobile app, to remove support for all Skype services starting October 31st.
Apple leapfrogs RIM in Q3 smartphone sales
October 22, 2010
A Strategy Analytics' report says that Apple overtook RIM during the third quarter, shipping 15.4 million smartphones compared to RIM's 12.3 million.
LifeSize launches first videoconferencing bridge
October 21, 2010
Videoconferencing specialist and Logitech subsidiary, LifeSize Communications, has released its first in-house developed stand-alone videoconferencing bridge, finally putting an end to criticisms that it is an 'endpoint company' not a provider of compete videoconferencing systems
Skype 5.0 For Windows Debuts With Facebook Integration, Call Recovery And More
October 14, 2010
Skype is about to become much more social with the launch of Skype 5.0. The company announced that Skype version 5.0 for Windows will include a deep Facebook integration. Video calling is on the rise (video calling on Skype accounted for approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the first half of this year), so Skype is giving users a free trial of group video calling. The new version of Skype also features automatic call recovery, which helps you immediately reconnect calls that are interrupted due to Internet connection problems.
Mobile video calling to hit 29 million users by 2015
October 12, 2010
Video calling is expected to be used by 29 million people around the globe by 2015. Apple's FaceTime video-calling feature will help jump-start the mobile videoconferencing business, but it likely won't spur a full "mass market" adoption within the next five years.
October 12, 2010
Mirial launched the first professional videoconferencing client for Android devices supporting both SIP and H.323 standards, featuring high-quality video conference and optimized in order to get the most out of the mobile networks.
Windows Phone 7 debuts: One phone won't rule them all
October 11, 2010
Microsoft introduces Windows Phone 7. There are nine Windows Phone 7 devices that will be available in the U.S., from manufacturers Dell, HTC, Samsung, and LG.
The Looming Problem With Home Videoconferencing
October 8, 2010
Could the boom in home videoconferencing services slow down the Internet? Or could this new trend set the stage for significant performance improvements by carriers that provide service to customers using these more bandwidth-demanding services?
Cisco to sell videoconferencing box for the home
October 6, 2010
Cisco Systems announced that it's going to start selling a $599 box that turns living-room TV sets into big videophones. Cisco said that the "umi" device will include a camera and will be controlled by a remote. The service will cost $25 per month on top of the purchase price.
Nielsen report shows smartphone buyers flocking to Android
October 5, 2010
Skype comes to Android 2.1 and above
October 5, 2010
The Skype for Android software allows users to make calls to Skype accounts, mobile phones, or landlines. Users can also send and receive text messages via the application when communicating with Skype friends.
Cisco Executive Expected to Lead Skype
October 4, 2010
Skype, the popular Internet video and phone service, has hired a top official at Cisco Systems, Tony Bates, as its new chief executive, according to people briefed on the move.
Skype, Avaya, Form Enterprise VoIP Alliance
October 1, 2010
In the new alliance, Avaya is providing enterprise level control and management around Skype so that Avaya customers can manage Skype as a fully supported enterprise communications platform.
Electronic Meetings to Progress AMS to Resume
October 1, 2010
The experts group working on the ITU-T's next-generation IP Multimedia Communications system will resume electronic meetings to progress the work on this revolutionary new standard.