Tech Tips: VoIP Solutions and Broadband Protection

Q: Dear IT Guy, the outsourced IS Department at our Law Firm is proposing a Voice Over IP solution for our 50 attorney office. Our older PBX seems to work fine but is in need of an upgrade due to our expansion. Do you have any recommendations regarding our upcoming decision regarding VoIP?

A: Thanks for the question reader. VoIP is becoming a great option for many firms, with easier MAC's, voicemail through Email options and interconnection between firm offices. This is particularly true if you go with the VoIP leader Cisco and are removing your old PBX completely or adding a completely new location without any existing system.

If completely removing your existing PBX is not possible, I would research other companies that are using the hybrid PBX/VoIP system that your IS Department is proposing. VoIP has the advantage of allowing attorneys to work from any networked office by plugging in their handset. This also can be extended to a home system set up with a VPN connection. In a time of expensive workspace, this can have a great ROI on your VoIP investment.

Q: IT Guy, I do a lot of travel and am concerned about the broadband Internet access I receive at the hotels I have been getting access through. What can I do to protect myself from unauthorized access into my laptop?

A: Dear traveler, your concerns are well grounded. Many hotels do not have secured networks and more frequently they are becoming targets for malicious attacks due to the level of classified information commonly found on executive traveler's laptops. I recommend software by ZoneAlarm, for a small cost your IS Department should be able to install this personal firewall that will eliminate most threats of unwanted entry.