New pr:More PR out today!!! This is from www.pennycents.com. Sounds like I made a good choice picking this one. Just waiting for it to take off!!!
Will New Technology Make or Break the Telecom Industry?
by Misty Cryer
July 2004
As with the emergence of any new technology, the introduction of IP voice data can be either exciting or terrifying, depending on which side of the issue affects you.
IP voice data, also called VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a new technology that is used to transmit voice conversations via the Internet.
Although IP voice data is new and may have some bugs to be worked out, there are a number of benefits to users of this technology making it highly desirable.
Among the benefits to consumers are reduced communication costs and improved speed of transmitting a high volume f telecommunication traffic resulting in improved line availability. Additionally, VoIP networks integrate voice and data communications into a single package which gives consumers more options with reduced costs.
The greatest advantage I see, from a consumer perspective, is competition among the seemingly monopolized industry of telecommunications. This type of competition is sure to improve prices and service across the industry as a whole.
The efficiency of VoIP technology, when compared to traditional circuit-switched phone systems, is much better and more cost effective for providers of telecommunication services; therefore, they can provide higher-quality service with more options, at lower rates. Traditional telephone technology results in an entire line being tied-up for a conversation. With VoIP technology, several conversations can take place simultaneously on one line without interference.
GlobeTel Communications Corporation (GTEL.OB) and IPVoice™ Communications Incorporated (IPVO.OB) are two players in the newly emerging IP Voice Data market.
GlobeTel is a Delaware corporation established in 2002, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Diversified Group, Inc. GlobeTel has recognized a problem associated with the delivery of IP voice technology which can present message delays due to the need for buffering. They have devised solutions to the problem which employ the use of virtual networks in the countries they provide service in.
GlobeTel’s proprietary software package enables them to provide enhanced services such as call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling, voice mail, voice-to-e-mail, fax service and calling card services.
IP Voice Communications also entered the scene in 2002, after spending four years in the research and development phase. Current revenues are a result of software licensing and integration as well as a new offering of converged communications service.
IP Voice Communications has concentrated on building a market presence in the United States, but business development efforts are underway in China, Eastern Europe and Latin America with expectations that international sales will accelerate the company’s growth and expansion.
IP Voice Communications, still considered a start-up business, reported revenues of $2.3M for the fiscal year ending December 2003. IP Voice Communications envisions entry into the Healthcare and Homeland Security markets in 2004, adding diversity to their product offerings.
GlobeTel reported annual revenues of slightly over $11M. According to their annual report, their two main customers were the source of 93% of their revenues.
Being new companies, both IP Voice Communications and GlobeTel Communications may appear to be “if-y” investments; however, they are both staged for growth and expansion in a new technology-based industry that is sure to evolve rapidly. As for the traditional telecommunication providers – my guess is they may be faced with the choice of stepping up to the challenge of IP voice data, or stepping aside.