TekTidbits

Etherspeak Announces Unlimited SIP-Trunking Pricing Plans as AT&T Lays Off Land Line Personnel

A few minutes ago, my friends at Etherspeak forwarded their press release to me, announcing the availability of pricing for unlimited SIP trunking services -their SureTrunk product.  Priced at $32.50/trunk/month for service throughout the US and Canada, SureTrunk is also the only native service designed exclusively for and with the Shoretel platform. 

From the press release:

"This is a sign of our reinforcing commitment towards supporting the resellers and customers of the ShoreTel community. The ShoreTel Unified Communications solution has achieved significant market penetration and we are very pleased to help customers unleash the power and flexibility through SIP-based communications," said Neil Darling, President & CEO of EtherSpeak.

In stark contrast to this news, today, AT&T announced a layoff of 12K workers - all from their wireline business. 

As always, economic downturns serve to sweep out the old and ring in the new.  SIP trunking is destined to move onwards and upwards, and will be especially successful in a down market as a cost cutting method.  Land line phones are doomed, and have been for quite some time.  Hopefully these AT&T workers can rise to the challenge posed by converged networks and find themselves progressive positions in new companies like Etherspeak. 

I am quite impressed with the team at Etherspeak - they are one of those who will prosper in these tough times! 

 

Use Peer-to-Peer Networks to Download Music in France, Lose Your Internet Access!

A new strict antipiracy law was unveiled Friday in France that could mean many closed Internet accounts for those who download music illegally.  This plan, drawn up by the Chief Executive of FNAC, one of France's largest music and bookstores, was developed in conjunction with government officials and service providers. 

Under this plan, service providers will begin issuing warning to illegal peer-to-peer music network users.  If they ignore the warnings, their service could be suspended or deleted altogether. 

This is the world's toughest move so far to stop music piracy - and may set a world precedent. 

I am not sure this is the right way to address this issue - it seems incredibly harsh!  What do you all think?