MS planning VOIP move

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently told attendees at a Microsoft partner conference in Tokyo that the software giant is planning on making a move in the VOIP arena at the beginning of next year.

"The crown jewel of the arrangement will be service and application-level integration of VOIP calling in Windows Vista itself," writes ARSTechnica.

Microsoft has released few details regarding the actual implementation, except to say that it will unify e-mail, VOIP, video chat, and instant messaging, and that it will be integrated into the operating system.

Strong sales of advanced technologies such as wireless, VOIP and home networking products, as well as its Scientific-Atlanta acquisition, helped fuel a strong quarter for Cisco Systems, according to CRN.com.

Unified communications grew approximately 30%, said John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems.

For the quarter, earnings rose to $1.6 billion, or 26c per share, up from $1.3 billion for the same quarter a year ago. Revenue climbed to $8.18 billion, up from $6.55 billion a year ago.

VoipReview.org has released a VOIP speed test tool to help consumers and businesses determine if their broadband Internet connection will support VOIP applications.

"VOIP shoppers can access the tool to analyse whether their bandwidth is fast enough to ensure good call quality," according to a statement on VOIPNews.

More than 2.5 million people have visited VoipReview.org to find, compare and purchase VOIP phone service from the industry's leading providers, says the company.