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ON THE EVE OF the telecommunications industry's largest showcase, it is remarkable how far IP services have advanced in corporate networks of all sizes in four years.
As Telecom '99 kicks off, this Internaional Telecommunications Union-sponsored event will highlight IP-based technology, all of which is a world apart from the voice-centric telecom gear on display at the last meeting, held in 1995.
This event traditionally zeroes in on telecom-equipment manufacturers and global carrier activities. But this time, trends such as business globalization, IP and the convergence of telephony and data communications, have changed the business for everyone.
Alliances-such as the Global One, the Sprint Communications Corp., Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom deal; and Concert, a global venture between AT&T Corp. and British Telecom Ltd.-will take center stage here. These carriers' services help multinational companies get uniform services across a common carrier network.
Carriers still handle the bulk of sales overseas, but there are signs of change on the horizon. For example, VARs are doing more international work as their customers' needs increase.
Applied Digital Solutions conducts international...