Did You Know That Expertly Made Telecommunications Systems Can Still Be Compromised?

You would think brilliantly designed and supposedly foolproof technology would be impenetrable; that’s not always the case. If you’re talking about telecommunications systems from overseas, you would be wrong.  What a lot of people don’t understand about technology is that it is far from standardized.  Consider that hardware and software provided by foreign suppliers ARE vulnerable to attack.  This is especially true in the cases of companies that have strong government ties. 

What Could Go Wrong?

In theory, you could be opening your telecommunications systems to a major threat from overseas.  If you are doing business with a company from another country, you are not governed by the rules and standards of the United States or Canada.  You are buying hardware or software that is outside of your country’s jurisdiction.  You have no control over what the software or hardware might be doing to your system.  This could even leave your system vulnerable to security threats,hacking attacks or all sorts of spyware.   Professor David Skillicorn at the school of computing at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario states that "If you buy…software that's essentially produced by the government of another country, then you have no control over what that [system] might be doing.”  Skillicorn added, "It's the reason we don't buy fighter planes from the Russians. If you're running on hardware that somebody else built, and you don't trust the somebody else, then it's never going to do.”

Indeed, trust is a major concern in these matters.  And since globalization is a relatively new phenomenon, this principle of trust must be emphasized to North Americans who naively download everything on the net, regardless of its origins.  Thomas Dean, a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering at Queen's stated that “[Companies] can hide things in software.  Hardware components…can record things.  They can transmit things.”

Yes, some so called telecommunications systems that you find overseas could literally be built just to be a “backdoor”, just a thinly veiled attack on your system.  Canada recently had an altercation worth reporting.  The government allowed China's Huawei Technologies to do business with major Canadian companies, including Bell, Telus and WIND Mobile.  This raises the threat of rogue telecommunications systems, and it’s all the more scary when you consider that the United States and Australia have already blocked Huawei Technologies from doing virtual business in their territories.  Accusations have been made regarding Huawei performing espionage for China, though predictably, the company denies such allegations. 

These supposed rogue telecommunications systems are largely conspiracy theory at this point, since even suspicious computer experts cannot produce any evidence that any tampering has occurred.  Huawei stated publicly that “All stakeholders, including governments, have a clear understanding of the tools we use…We've worked openly and transparently in consultation with our customers and governments…”

Naturally, if the company were corrupt and performing clandestine operations they could not openly admit it.  This is hardly a “new” issue, as intelligence agencies have always been cautious when dealing with foreign-controlled technology.  After all, such a company would have easy access to North American secrets, or could ever install a virus or malware program to disrupt business.

It’s not only a matter of countries doing war, but even international competitors who are itching to get ahead in business.  Skillicorn further commented, “It means that if you buy a switch from a company it [could] take a copy of everything that passes through it and send it off to another [country].”

Why It’s a Risk

Why can’t North American competitors simply inspect the telecommunications systems and ensure there is no tampering?  Because you’re talking about very miniscule additions, the likes of which are not easily found.  Companies and computer experts would literally have to tear the units to pieces and examine them…hardly worth the investment! 

Skillicorn expressed confidence that intelligence briefing between Canada and other countries on friendly terms would not consider using any overseas company for secure communication.  However, there is a certain laxness at the so called “next level down.”  For instance, consider the fact that governments are already using encrypted communication over shared channels.  Shared channels,in essence, means public infrastructure.  That means you are open for a threat, just as with “shared hosting.”  Now it’s just a matter of determining, more like hoping, that your encryption is strong enough to protect your information. 

Remember that even if data cannot be extracted from supposedly secure telecommunications systems that it is fairly easy for an expert programming team to disrupt a system using what is called a kill switch.  That could have huge ramifications for the military, not to mention commercial companies.  So how secure is your country, your company, your business?

If you're concerned with your present telecommunication security levels, please feel free to contact one of BroadConnect Telecom's experienced staff.

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Polycom Telemedicine Carts: Can They Actually Reduce Medical expenses and Hospital Stays?

One of the most problematic situations in life is the long-term hospital stay.  So imagine the excitement in the air, as Polycom announces its new Polycom Telemedicine Carts Technology, a system that can reduce or even eliminate long-term hospital stays.  Thanks to the cart, namely a RealPresence Practitioner Cart 8000, patients will be able to connect live with onsite caregivers using HD remote technology.  In real HD, patients will be able to speak with doctors and nurses and have “instant” remote conversations regarding health issues.  This will take place easily, even if the patient is separated from the doctor by miles and miles. 

In fact, a patient will no longer have to stay in the hospital just for medical consultations.  The new cart technology conforms to the FDAClass I Medical Device Data Systems requirements.  The system works on mobile device as well as PC connection. 

Ultimately, this project is not just about convenience but also about cost-cutting.  This “telemedicine” technology will help to reduce the cost of transporting patients to large medical facilities or sending out doctors or nurses to patients’ homes.  The cart is built off Rubbermaid Healthcare’s small and lightweight mobile cart platform.  In addition to the HD technology, the system is also resistant to spills and is easy to clean and hold. 

Naturally, this level of video conferencingdoes require major hardware, and so the unit comes with a Polycom EagleEye camera with Polycom StereoSurround technology.  This ensures clarity and easy communication—a vital component when dealing with medical care as communication is essential to recovery. 

So what kind of savings are we looking at here?  According to one source, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, putting only a selected number of Polycom’s charts in patient rooms, it saved $21.7 million.  This form of telepsychiatry in this case, gave patients the opportunity to talk to doctors as clearly, as if they were in the same office in person. 

These carts are not stationary but can be moved to wherever a patient is situated.  Time wise, hospital stays have been reduced as much as six days, and in some cases, completely eliminated, as patients were able to go home the same day. 

These are exciting times for technology, and improvements in convenience and savings are definitely encouraging in recessionary times.

The BCM Era is Over and Avaya IP Office Reigns Supreme (What Does This Mean For You?)

Who can deny that that technology is advancing at an alarming rate?  Why just consider the Nortel BCM telephone system.  This system has been described as one of the best inventions of its type, and helped Nortel to reach a worldwide #1 market position. 

However, technology is moving so fast that Avaya has apparently determined that the best is no longer relevant.  The company is in the process of terminating the BCM product line, as they recently announced an end of sale for the system.  This was not particularly shocking, since rumors have been heard of its termination for quite a while, especially in lieu of the Avaya roadmap two years ago. 

Nevertheless, this will have a significant impact on the North American market for telecommunications.  Nortel MeridianNorstar and BCM claimed nearly 80% of the entire Canadian telephone market, not to mention millions of purchased from around the world.  

However, don’t fear the worst.  The company is not cutting the operation off…they are simply moving customers to a different direction, namely, the Avaya IP office 8.1 system.  The company is confident that its customers will see the value of upgrading to Avaya IP Office for a number of reasons.  They include:

"Now What are the Most Important Reasons to Think About Upgrading to an Avaya IP Office?"

·         Your current telecommunications system is a few years out of date.

·         You have not updated the phone system for a number of years.

·         You have not updated the software for a few years.

·         Your hardware is no longer supported by the company.

·         Your business is expanding.

·         You are relocating.

·         Email is a major point of growth in next decade.

·         Most of your sales happen as the result of your telephone system.

·         You handle heavy conference calls.

·         You use fax services on a daily basis.

·         You require call recording for training or compliance purposes. 

·         You operate in more than one office.

"Don’t Panic!  There is Still Time for Planning"

The company does not expect you to suddenly make the switch.  They are encouraging gradual migration.  They allow customers to reuse Nortel handsets in order to hold onto to some of the investment.  And this is a timely decision, considering that most companies hold off from upgrading because of cost and loss issues.  

Because customers can keep the same phones and simply switch the software, they can avoid much of the new investment that would make the switch unfeasible.  Some companies are already undergoing a switching process, starting the trade slowly, giving only the most important positions (i.e. sales, executives) new phones, but providing entry level employees with the standard phones.

"Yes, There is a Timeline for the Gradual BCM Elimination"

What if your company is completely uninterested in upgrading?  Not to worry.  The company is going to keep selling the product until all units have been sold, and will continue to do so for the time being.  They also will continue to provide customers with customer service and tech support, as they have always done according to contract. 

However, as technology is ever increasing, the company has found it advantageous to focus on greater opportunities, namely the Avaya IP Office system.  As the future brings brilliant and expanded new technology, so do past products go the way of the dinosaurs.  Still, it’s encouraging to note that Avaya is not forgetting their BCM customers.

In fact, just in case you’re worrying about the future, the company has released a schedule for the product’s final hurrah. 

·         BCM products will continue to sell for the next nine months. 

·         October 1, 2012 marks the last day of sale for systems excluding upgrades.

·         On October 1, 2015, the company will officially stop providing upgrades, expansion and authorization codes.

·         October 1, 2018 will be the last day Avaya provides support for the BCM product line.

Are you making plans to switch over?  Obviously, you don’t have to make a switch right away…but it may help to think up long-range plans.  Whenever a phone system lasts beyond its useful life, you actually lose money by holding onto it, since you’re holding onto inefficient technology—the likes of which the competition has already left behind. 

In the end, you want to be one step-ahead of technology in business, not struggling to catch up!  Fortunately, the company is providing a timeline in advance and sharing information on the upgrade to come.

Avaya Adds a Brand New Feature to Innovative Cloud Software—Collaborative Cloud Framework

Avaya’s Collaborative Cloud Framework offers an exciting new approach to cloud solutions.  The cloud service provider now offers collaboration services and apps through a single, scalable architecture setup.  It sounds like cloud, so what’s the difference?  The difference is in the efficient technology, meaning lost cost.  

(That certainly piqued the interest of you business owners, didn't it!)

Enter Collaborative Cloud and Relevant Products/Services

The Collaborative Cloud Framework was demonstrated by Avaya recently, which showed a new portfolio of what the system can do using what they call Collaboration Pods.  The technology encompasses EMC, VMware and other resources, all in an effort to simplify and streamline the system operation. 

The Collaborative Cloud Framework is Avaya’s way of improving business, letting clients’ access virtual storage solutions, computing and networking features.  Not only are these features available, but they are also optimized for real time collaboration and can even work with real-time applications.  For instance, the pods are fully capable of cooperating with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure as well as VMware vCenter and VMware View, along with EMC and the company’s own networking software.  

Using the Collaborative Cloud Framework and a single Pod-management interface, users can access a single pod-management interface and view relevant products/services, as well as take advantage of group functions and get live tech support. 

Pods Make Superior Technology Easy and Flexible

Avaya's vice president of Technical Solutions Marketing, Jean Turgeon, stated that “Pods provide a fast, easy path to the cloud,” and that relevant products/services can help to establish and exploit advanced unified communications and collaboration applications.  It also helps clients work with an application-powered network along with relevant products/services, without having to deal with significant infrastructure issues.

For one thing, the new technology makes it possible for users to access relevant products/services without the requirement of separate set up and configuration of SANs.  This means that all data is easily storable, accessible, manageable and secure from all threats.  The new software, unique because of its “pod” technology, allows clients to reduce cost and complicated infrastructure issues, especially in deploying virtualized applications. 

Avaya has always been at the cutting edge of IT.  Analyst Laura DiDio of Information Technology Intelligence Corp. stated that the company is not just creating technology but “becoming a caterer”; she said in reference to the company’s ability to provide tech support, managerial assistance and further communications solutions.  The company’s Collaborative Cloud Framework is certainly a groundbreaking creation, as it is scalable architecture, and one that will no doubt be considered relevant products/services in the cloud software market.

The Big Question of, COST

The last question to answer is what’s the difference between this cloud and all the other systems out there?  Mainly in cost, not to mention the benefits it provides clients who are now better able to compete in their market thanks to enhanced operations. 

The Collaborative Cloud Framework also powers another great marketing venture in a Communications Outsourcing Solutions system, which is designed to help communication systems by enhancing performance reducing physical managerial costs.  There is also another system called a Government Outsourcing Solutions which can handle unified communications, contact centres and data networking issues.  What makes this significant is the fact that all software is in compliance with the U.S. federal government's requirements for security relevant products/services.

This scalable system is different, affordable and sure to make some waves in the coming years.