Telecom Junkies

Telecommuting has caught the attention of businesses across the country - from those that want to ensure business continuity in the face of pandemic and terror threats to those looking to save on real estate costs. Some are turning to IP and others are getting by with workers’ home phones and cell phones. Hear what the Junkies have to say about the dollars and sense of telecommuniting and its impact on productivity and networks.

Telecom Junkies debate out-sourcing telecom auditing. Hear Voice Report Publisher Jason Huffman and Tribune Company Telecom Manager Chuck Taylor interview two Massachusetts guys running an offshore telecom analysis firm in Pune, India.

The Junkies serve up one of the hottest topics to be covered at IPComm 2006 - MPLS. Telecom attorney extraordinaire and IPComm 2006 presenter Laura McDonald and MPLS procurement guru Ben Fox give you a taste of what to expect from carriers as you consider transitioning to an MPLS network. 'Apples-to-oranges' comparisons, RFP advice and provisioning surprises are just some of the flavors you'll experience. Take a bigger bite at IPComm 2006 - www.ipcomm2006.com.

The Junkies get geeked up about Unified Communications (UC). Hear from Tony Rybczynski, Director Strategic Enterprise Technologies with Nortel, on the recent annoucement by Microsoft and Nortel on their joint UC efforts. Joining Tony are communications veterans Sheila McGee-Smith and Irwin Lazar to discuss the current UC offerings by leading vendors. They also cut through the hype on what UC can and can't do and what to expect going forward.

The Junkies discuss disaster planning as the nation heads towards the first post-Katrina hurricane season. Hear how John Lyon, the telecom manager at Louis Armstrong International Airport, in New Orleans, is preparing differently this year. Also, hear the best practices advocated by communications disaster planning veterans Ken Steinhoff and Ken Agress.

The Junkies discuss the alleged $1 million VoIP fraud that has the VoIP security community abuzz. But how real is the threat? Are hackers lining up to try the same approach? Hear what three top VoIP security experts recommend telecom and IT managers do now to protect their IPT switches.

The Junkies discuss Sprint's play for enterprise wireless business. Get the lowdown on dealing with old perceptions, like network quality and coverage area issues, as well as mobility applications like EVDO, HSDPA and a host of other wireless acronyms you need to know.

The Junkies discuss the Department of Treasury's surrender in its battle against enterprises seeking refunds of the Federal Excise Tax. But is the battle really over? Get the latest from the two telecom attorneys who forced the Treasury to raise the white flag.

The Junkies discuss LEC special access rates. No one knows for sure if and how much they will jump after the current rate freeze is lifted...but if you’re banking on WiMAX to be the answer, you better think again!

The Junkies discuss the myriad of GPS business applications and technology. Hear how a large US city's taxi authority uses GPS, as well as a unique take on GPS from a company that cleans up the pet poop in your backyard. You don't want to miss this!

The Junkies discuss telecom auditing strategies and tactics to uncover big savings for your shop. Find out key steps to successful bill auditing and the most common pitfalls to avoid.

The Junkies discuss Aberdeen Group's recent study on Wireless Management, who's best in class and who's lagging behind, how to manage expenses and keep wireless under control.

Episode 4 - Life After the Carrier Mega-Mergers. The Junkies discuss how carrier mega-mergers could impact you and strategies to come out ahead.

Episode 3 - Holy SIP! It's VoiceCon. The Junkies discuss the conference's coverage of the hot topic of SIP and its implications for enterprises, as well as dive into the 'hype' around network security.

Episode 2 - Help! My Enterprise is Hooked on Crackberries. The Junkies debate the enterprise's dependence on Blackberries and other mobile devices and speculate on the outcome of patent litigation.