Editor's Corner

Just when you think there can't possibly be another acronym created for emerging technologies, the pundits surprise you. Today's is VoFi: Voice over Internet Protocol over WiFi (802.11 wireless LANs). As with most IT hyped technologies, the acronym has arrived well before the technology truly has. According to a recent survey by Webtorials, a networking research firm, just 18 percent of 419 enterprises polled this Spring had rolled out 802.11 phones or had plans to do so within the following six months.

While VoFi holds a great deal of promise -- streamlining business telecom services, providing greater "location" capabilities, to name just a few capabilities -- security, interoperability and stability are just a few hurdles in the way of adoption. Oh, and the vendors have to get moving on providing the tools, such as handsets and services, and those required standards need to be in place. The key to making it happen comes down to collaboration on the vendor side, but with all the other current issues impacting wireless technologies already in play, it's likely going to be awhile until VoFi emerges as a usable and trusted wireless technology.

If you're interested in more insight on the obstacles in play, and what current vendors are grappling with, there's a great in-depth article at CIO Today you might want to check out. - Judy