Skype for Web Expected to Shake Up VoIP Market

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Video chatA new product that is expected to make waves in WebRTC (real-time communications) evolves from the VoIP (voice-over Internet protocol) pioneer Skype–the low-cost, global videoconferencing platform.  Reportedly, more than 33 million hours of Skype time are used every day.

Skype always had been limited to app-based communications, but that will not hold true for much longer.  According to a recent blog post, Skype is beginning to beta-test a Web-based option.  Currently, this option would require a small plug-in, but Skype has confirmed that it is looking to move toward full WebRTC compatibility.

This new Web-based Skype allows for standardized video and sound transmission directly from browser-to-browser.  Despite big-name backing from groups, however, it has struggled to find much real-world adoption.

Will Skype for the Web bring WebRTC into prominence? Let’s take a look.

1 – WebRTC is coming–sometime soon.

Skype is not commenting on when full WebRTC implementation is coming; leaders say only that they are working on it (alongside the Internet Explorer development team).  Whether this is weeks, months, or years in the future is entirely up in the air.

While this likely won’t prevent millions of Skype users from embracing the new plug-in Web service, it still will limit Skype’s availability.

2 – Only certain browsers are supported.

Currently, Skype for the Web is compatible with these browsers:

  • Internet Explorer (Mac/Windows)
  • Firefox  (Mac/Windows)
  • Safari (Mac-only)
  • Chrome (Windows-only)

Theoretically, a move to full WebRTC compatibility would necessitate full Chrome-for-anything compatibility as part of the deal.  Whether this happens–and how long it takes to happen–is sure to inspire plenty of discussion.

Linux users are also frozen out at present.

3 – Lack of WebRTC standardization is slowing development.

Skype Chief Software Architect Bernard Aboba acknowledged the issues facing Skype and full cross-browser WebRTC compatibility.

In short, he said, the compatibility issues are not solely a decision on the part of Skype or Microsoft.  The WebRTC standards still have not been fully-agreed on, and no browser currently supports all the features that Skype believes to be necessary.

This will undoubtedly influence the development time necessary for the plug-in-free version of Skype for Web.

Big Changes on the Horizon

Despite the questions raised, few see this as anything but good for consumer and small-business level VoIP and videoconferencing.  Web-based Skype is expected to increase the system’s usage.

Once WebRTC technologies are finalized and standard among browsers, it will be well-positioned as a market contender.

Adopting VoIP Doesn’t Prevent Toll Fraud

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SecurityWhile there are several security concerns when implementing voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) services at a business, one that rarely receives attention is the potential for toll fraud. Some businesses even mistakenly believe that a switch to VoIP will prevent fraud. If anything, VoIP makes the business more susceptible to toll fraud.

If businesses host their own PBX system, converting VoIP to copper and back, it creates a tempting honeypot for hackers.  If the hackers gain access to the system, they have nearly unlimited ability to place phone calls at will.

These are not cheap intrusions.  The average cost of a toll-fraud VoIP attack is about $36,000.  Given that some PBX units are cheap enough that even SMBs can afford them, that’s a potentially ruinous (and entirely avoidable) cost.

How VoIP Toll Fraud Works

The basic premise is relatively simple.  VoIP fraud occurs almost exclusively in third-world countries whose local telephone grids charge huge rates for access.  Hackers collaborate with unscrupulous phone grid operators to hook first-world VoIP systems into the grid, so that the business can be charged astronomical prices for phone calls to nowhere.  Then, they split the profits.

Since these fees are charged directly to the victims’ phone company and numerous laws/treaties require their prompt payment, the victim is virtually always left on the hook for the charges.

In some cases, particularly enterprising hackers may even establish their own “dark” phone company, selling services to local users at low rates while running the calls through hijacked first-world computers.  However, this aspect of the practice is becoming less common as cell phones and consumer VoIP lower the costs of voice communication.

Law enforcement is rarely an option in these cases.  The local police or government entity might be part of the deal, and U.S. law enforcement won’t touch such cases.  An active defense truly is the only option for preventing VoIP fraud.

The Deeper Dangers Of VoIP Fraud for SMBs

In most larger business networks, VoIP is kept separate from the overall data network.  This means that if an intruder gains access to their PBX or other phone-switching hardware, that intruder can’t get access to anything else.

However, many smaller businesses don’t segregate their networks in this fashion.  For them, a PBX attack could be the first hole poked in their security by a phalanx aimed at taking over the network.  Poorly defended VoIP systems make excellent staging grounds for larger attacks.

Besides keeping these networks entirely separated, the solution here is an active, always-on security system.  VoIP and cloud systems security cannot be left to chance.  A network needs an active security system that’s consistently monitoring for intrusions and reporting any irregularities as soon as they occur.

Without this, a business is leaving itself open to attack, fraud, or potential systems disruption.

Cloud Data Security: Know the Risks

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xtranet1212bMoving to the cloud is the next step in a data revolution, that is changing the way things are done. Along with the cloud’s exciting possibilities, there are new risks to consider. Understanding those risks is the best way to choose the right provider to allow businesses to reap the benefits of cloud computing.

Security

The same security concerns that existed with traditional communication options are still valid when it comes to cloud storage and networking. However, the cloud is relatively young for these hazards so solutions are yet evolving. Public clouds are more threatened than private or managed networks, but no matter the system, cloud communication makes hacking and viruses easier for thieves. On the upside, a good data center can provide high security to lower and alleviate the risk.

Multi-Tenants

Another danger with cloud solutions is the susceptibility of software to fail in a multi-tenant situation.  Hypothetically, one server may harm another if it’s infiltrated or damaged. This creates a network of data accuracy problems including lost or damaged data that cannot be retrieved. A reputable cloud solution provider is the best way to protect information from being interrupted or stolen from a third party.

Privacy Protection

Using the cloud for business requires trusting employees with delicate information. This adds a third risk: dealing with data access authorization. A poorly conceived cloud network risks insecure authorization that can be accessed by competition or unauthorized employees. This issue opens up businesses to liability from consumers who are protected under a 1986 U.S. privacy act.

European electronic privacy laws are an additional problem for American companies who store data with providers who have servers in the European Union. American businesses in this case are liable, even if the business does not deal with European consumers. Well trusted cloud solution providers must be chosen to control access to precious data.

Third Party Reliance

There are a few other possible risks to be aware of when crossing over to the cloud. These include the danger of relying on a third party to create an entire infrastructure and its platforms. Providers also oversee the installation and maintenance so they must be dependable and quick to respond to problems. Slow service on the cloud hampers productivity.

It’s important to know the risks of cloud solutions in order to choose a provider that will effectively handle the issues. Done safely, utilizing the cloud allows businesses to save money and increase productivity. Choose wisely.

4 Traits of an Effective Cloud Provider

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xtranet1212Partnering with the right provider is a necessity for any business ready to migrate to the cloud. That provider should meet a company’s basic needs, be able to adapt to the business’s unique wishes, and be prepared for future changes in both the industry and technology advancements. In addition, the provider must be chosen with a company’s budget in mind.

The right cloud provider will be ready and willing to work in a mutual partnership. Below are four signs that a business has found the right cloud provider for its needs.

Budget Control

When approaching a cloud services provider, every business should begin with a budget plan. The right provider will be as flexible with fees and usage as with needs and wants.

A pay-as-you-go plan is the top recommended choice for cloud services, because it provides a budget safety net while adjusting to changes within and without the company. Pay-as-you-go is logical and accommodating.

Strong Alliances

Just as every business project requires good communication and feedback, the right cloud provider will listen to and understand basic and specific needs. A business should expect the right provider to present a good plan and to follow through with flexibility and any required training.

In return, the provider can expect expedient communication when issues arise and critical feedback to support future problem solving and adjustments. When a business and cloud provider work together to go beyond meeting the contract terms for the length of an agreement, a dependable and productive alliance may be formed.

Flexibility and Adaptation

The right cloud solution provider will adapt plans and pricing to meet a client’s unique needs. Not every program or application meets the requirements of everyone in the industry. The best provider understands that an improper fit will not make the greatest use of budget and resources.

A provider that cannot adapt to special or unusual needs is not concerned with productivity and long-term success. Smart companies seek out cloud solution providers that are willing to adapt in order to meet a client’s needs.

Open to Change

Change is important. Change is inevitable. Change is a good thing–especially in the telecom field.

Keeping up with industry changes means knowing how to alter and modify plans and tools. The right cloud provider is progressive; they are always looking ahead and planning for the future. To provide customers with more viable solutions, improvements and innovations are necessary.

The right cloud solution provider for any business will keep up with the market, study, and prepare amendments, and always keep customer feedback in mind. Such a provider will help a business grow and be prepared for the future in order to ensure an all around dynamic success.

Making the choice

When researching cloud solutions, businesses will find satisfaction by choosing a provider that is willing to work one-on-one to find the best adaptable and affordable solutions. Moving to the cloud should be a seamless, stress-free process that utilizes the provider relationship so employees can focus on productivity while taking advantage of the best technical advantages in the industry.

Welcome to the XtraNET Blog

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Hello and welcome to the XtraNET blog. As you can see, we’ve recently launched our new website and are very happy to share our new look with the world.

There are so many exciting changes happening in the telecom and IT world today that it makes my head spin. And we like to talk about how it affects us, and how it affects businesses like yours, so we will be sharing it all right here with you.

On this blog, we’ll be posting the newest, most interesting, and most helpful information we discover that will be most relevant to you and your business. Whether it’s telecom, IT, or business related news, you’ll find it here. We will also be talking, from time to time, about new services we provide and new things happening at XtraNET.

So bookmark this page and stop back by from time to time. And of course feel free to leave comments if you like! We love feedback.

Thanks and we’ll talk to you soon!