IceNet LLC.IceNet LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control has launched what it says is the first enterprise-class voice over Internet protocol See Internet and TCP/IP. (networking) Internet Protocol - (IP) The network layer for the TCP/IP protocol suite widely used on Ethernet networks, defined in STD 5, RFC 791. IP is a connectionless, best-effort packet switching protocol. (VoIP) network, VoiceWorks Network, to carry voice, data and video traffic over the Internet. The Dallas-based company claims to have more than 50,000 business customers, and promises companies that it can provide long-distance costs for half or less of conventional long-distance charges. VoIP has been gaining significant momentum in recent months with both businesses and consumers--though IceNet plans to focus only on selling through providers such as Internet service providers Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (ISPs), cable companies, value-added resellers, local telephone exchanges and energy/utility companies. This last group would be the most uncertain, since service would be contingent on Adj. 1. contingent on - determined by conditions or circumstances that follow; "arms sales contingent on the approval of congress" contingent upon, dependant on, dependant upon, dependent on, dependent upon, depending on, contingent them distributing broadband through power lines. IceNet President William Stapleton said in an interview that the technology is provided by a network backbone with 25 gateways and 130 POPs (post office protocols), which will allow existing PBX (Private Branch eXchange) An inhouse telephone switching system that interconnects telephone extensions to each other as well as to the outside telephone network (PSTN). (business exchange) customers to migrate to a hosted PBX environment. The company's initial targets among ISPs, cable and local phone exchanges would be smaller or mid-sized firms that would choose not to develop such technology themselves, but would sell it to their own customers and provide IceNet with licensing fees. Local telephone exchanges--there are still hundreds around the country--are often in fianancial straits, and some have gone through bankruptcy already, Stapleton says. Offering VoIP might help them survive, he adds. Meanwhile, the largest telephone service providers--AT & T Corp. and the "Baby Bells" like Verizon Communications
Verizon Communications, Inc. , SBC (1) (SBC Communications Inc., San Antonio, TX, www.sbc.com) A large, national telecommunications company that grew from a multitude of local and regional companies, including Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell and Nevada Bell, into a single, unified brand by 2002. Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp.--have huge investments in land lines and central office equipment that are deterring them from jumping into VoIP, he says. The VoiceWorks IPCentrex system supplies enterprise customers with a complete turnkey application, including billing and hosted PBX options; it also features call waiting, call transfer and conferencing. Stapleton insists that the tone quality issues that plagued the Internet a few years ago have been solved, and research firm InStat/MDR forecasts that 2.2 million businesses will be using some sort of VoIP by 2007. Web: www.icenetllc.com |
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