>>x y zebra, Article about Intel enhancing Windows for telephony raises technical issues as well. If able to do telephony from a PC, do we need a separate telephony network or will the Intel scheme only work to another computer? As I understand FTEL's capability, one can
make calls from PCs to regular phones or from regular phones to regular phones in areas where they have a gateway. Perhaps the Intel scheme would require the FTEL hardware to work in such a phone-phone situation? Am under the impression that Intel has come a long way in improving the clarity and reducing echo found on previous PC telephony
attempts by using NCTI's Clearspeech software but am very unsure of how they could do it in other than a PC to PC environment. CAP<<
Cap,
O.k., I am not a techie, and I have read some of the links you provided. What follows is my best effort at understanding, digesting and elaborating in a subject that I am not really qualified to even read... but, who cares...
It gives me the impression that both Intel and Microsoft are focusing in expanding their basic products, Chips, and Operating Systems.
In order to continue succeeding at this, (in the past, both, extremely successful), they have to come up with features/products that directly, indirectly, or in some way, such features/products will continue to perpetuate the dependency of their respective markets on their respective products and services.
To do so, they either develop their own, buy/license the technology, and/or engulf the one that owns it, (or they drive it out of business).
Such, in general has been the history so far.
As for Internet Telephony, all of a sudden, is becoming/has become important and no longer the toy of a few techies, and the like.
It is now evident that IT will be a commercial venture.
With the enhanced interest of MSFT and INTC (and many others), it would seem to me logical in view of the following "common-denominators":
1. Use of Internet. (need for open architecture).
2. Difficulty in "connectivity" possibilities (existing devices, software etc.)
3. Opportunity in International Markets. Given huge rates in many countries, and the fact that in many parts of the globe, THERE ARE NO EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURES.
4. Possible, new threat cloud upon MSFT (hence INTC), from the DOJ (Department of Justice, which no doubt will be influenced by our beloved members of congress, specifically from the hundreds of committees working "for the good of the commoners"), that will force MSFT (in particular), to become a "gentler" giant.
This translates to me, and after reading what you provided, (as far as I could grasp the technical part), into the following conclusion. (My interpretation of course):
MSFT & INTC will strive to obtain the best technology available in order to integrate this technology into their current "harem" of offerings and above all, make the IT "upgrade", part of the already existing NETWORK of installed computers around the globe, and further make it capable to interface with the "plain old telephone", by a mere "software upgrade". No need for a new computer or additional hardware.
This will accomplish the solution to the problem, that currently many "IT" participants face today, (including, to an extent, FTEL), that in order to make their technology viable commercially, they have to create or (ally with) a "network" of devices so the phone call can reach the largest possible number of telephones.
This creates a very interesting scenario indeed...
Because, now the telephone companies are facing a real threat.
It is not the same for A.T.& T., MCI, BT, TELMEX, etc. to face little old FTEL, or NTSPK or whatever, (even with their corresponding alliances), which in cases these alliances simply enhance the existing competitors own networks, so in a way competition remains as before, it simply has better technology.
Now, MSFT and INTC will mount an attack on the telephone companies, via the existing network of existing computers, with a full fledged marriage with the Internet, such combination will be viewed very differently from the scenario where a bunch of MIT techies in an "amatory" relationship with the Internet, attempting to connect with each other.
In addition, let us not forget that amongst all this technology ("IT"), there is an implied "value added feature" to MULTI-MEDIA, already high in the list of priorities to both giants. (MSFT & INTC).
I am certain that this argument/vision has been considered before, except I think this is becoming a more evident reality now.
The key for FTEL (and others) is if their respective technology is necessary, (hence valuable) for MSFT and INTC to accomplish what I am perceiving as the above described scenario. In addition, if the answer is yes, then the next question should be, Is FTEL talking to INTC and/or MSFT?
After the recent news in respect to Internet Telephony, put together with how Mr. Gates operates,(particularly now that he is facing the possible threat of darling Uncle Sam), I think that we are about to enter an explosive period in this Internet Telephony.
The bottom line is: where does FTEL fit in this picture? In addition, Is FTEL up to the tremendous challenge that is upon this industry?
To the negative critics that have punished Mr. Peters with their Internet stones, for changing course in mid-stream, I say this:
It is obvious that you have never been involved in sports. In Mr. Peters we have an excellent quarter back, (you could say a field marshal), that in the face of his defensive line falling, he has the cool head to calmly change course and change the play, to find the right combination and complete the pass or the run as needed and achieve not only the next first and ten, put to continue in the game that will lead to success.
The best thing is that this is no football game, this is business.
Anyway, I hope that the above contribute some positive and not merely repeated what others before me have said.
I hope that this will translate into a positive for FTEL, after all I have to agree with the following:
"I'm not interested in making decent profits, I'm interested in making indecent profits."
Ed Seykota
As for the technical part, I hope I interpreted it appropriately, sometimes I really get lost in the technical technicalities of the technological age. Say what?.... |
