Thus Warns Of Consumer VoIP Architecture

Thus, one of the major UK telecoms providers, has warned that the architecture of some consumer oriented VoIP products. The warning is levelled against those consumer targeted VoIP solutions that use a peer-to-peer model where calls are routed through a distributed network of computers. Thus warn that the transfer of data and voice is therefore against the user’s consent.

Applications, like Skype, are built using a proprietary peer-to-peer architecture. However, these programs are often designed in such a way to circumvent firewalls by masquerading as an internet browser. Thus warn that using a consumer oriented peer-to-peer program in a corporate environment can make it difficult to audit and control packet transfers.

Thus also warn that these peer-to-peer applications are bandwidth-intensive, which can become a costly drain on finances while slowing down the transfer of data within a corporate network. They recommend that companies test and certify any peer-to-peer VoIP application before allowing employees to install and use on their workstations.