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VOIP: The New Information Technology
May 22, 2005
by Edward Castro
Business Programs Columnist
The average information technology salary increased last year after a three-year slump, according to a study recently released by IT research group Foote Partners. Staying on top of new technology trends and keeping an eye on technology news can ensure you stay relevent and valuable. What are the new technology breakthroughs that you'll need to know about for an entry-level information technology job?
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Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a new technology breakthrough that isn't so new. The work that began in Alexander Graham Bell's lab continues today in the labs of telephony companies looking to take advantage of consumer interest. Technology news articles have explored what the new technology can mean to consumers, but for someone looking for an entry-level information technology job or an increase in their information technology salary, VOIP is worth a deeper look.
What Is VOIP
VOIP is the process of sending voice in digital packets over the Internet rather than through the traditional telephone network. VOIP users access the traditional phone network through switching and routing processes. The switching and routing processes are similar to those required by computer data networks, which is where an entry-level information technology job and VOIP technology merge.
The Timing of New Technology
While VOIP has been around in many forms for years, limited bandwidth prevented the new technology from becoming a useful tool. Of course the advent of broadband has made VOIP not only useful, but the most interesting technology news to appear in decades.
The Advantages of VOIP
Regardless of whether you're interested in VOIP as a professional, either beginning an entry-level information technology job, or as a consumer looking for the next great gadget, VOIP offers many advantages over traditional land line telephony. For instance, recent technology news sources consider these features:
Cost: A VOIP long distance/international call is significantly cheaper than the analog alternative.
Portability: VOIP is possible anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Digital clarity: Digital processes filter out the noise and interference that analog processeses consider routine.
Where VOIP Is Heading
As the new technology develops, features that normal telephone services cannot compete with will make VOIP the standard communication medium. VOIP will allow customers to not only speak with digital clarity, but transfer files, display images, review presentations, and view products on a single call.
The Entry-Level Information Technology Job and VOIP
The highest information technology salary jobs will require a fluency in VOIP. You'll need to know how networking, computers, and hardware products work together to deliver a VOIP solution for small, medium, or large groups of people. With training in information technology, anyone can enter a lucrative career in VOIP. According to the Foote Partners research mentioned earlier, the top non-certified skills that grew in value in 2004 included messaging/groupware (6% of base pay in 2004 vs. 5.5% in 2003) and networking/internetworking (7.1% vs. 6.6%). Additionally, the highest paying non-certified skills last year were VoIP and Gigabit Ethernet. For those looking for a valuable skillset to increase their potential earnings in an entry-level information technology job, VOIP skills should be considered. Getting those skills begins with choosing an information technology program that addresses VOIP and other new technology breakthroughs.
About the Author
Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn’s California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.
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