Google risks 'carrier' label

An IDC analyst has cautioned that voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP) calls from Google Voice and Gmail increasingly makes Google a target for carrier regulation, reports eWeek.

The Google Voice phone management capability integrated into Gmail, moved Google into closer competition with Skype, the consumer VOIP market leader, with some 560 million users.

IDC analyst Irene Berlinksy, says: "With Google VOIP's ability to place calls to any number, it creeps ever closer to regulation and risks classification as a voice service, which would subject it to fees and rules. If this happens, Google VOIP's ability to remain profitable falls.”

VOIP provider, Pervasip is set to acquire Infiniti Systems, a company that focuses on providing businesses with information security and managed services, states Market Watch.

Pervasip's CEO, Paul Riss, says: "Infiniti has already been working with us and has introduced our VOIP services to its largest customer. Infiniti is profitable, generates positive cash flow and has annual revenues in excess of $3 million."

John Bianco, Infinity president adds that the acquisition means Pervasip will be well positioned to capitalise on mobile Internet technologies over its competitors.

Avaya has unveiled a unified communications (UC) platform called Flare that includes both hardware and software, says VOIP Planet.

Avaya has been improving its backend UC platform in recent months with technologies acquired from its purchase of Nortel earlier this year for $900 million.

Avaya's goal is to differentiate its UC offering from rivals by unlocking the potential of session initiation protocol used to manage streaming IP-based communications like VOIP, instant messaging and video conferencing.