Irwin Lazar's "Real-Time" Blog

Skype and Asterisk

Skype and Asterisk have announced a partnership that will enabled Asterisk PBX users to connect to the Skype network, enabling calls to/from Skype users.

I think this might alleviate some of the concerns I've heard recently about the future of Skype, especially with regard to its focus on business customers. I think this move presents an interesting opportunity for VARs to bring value to Asterisk users by enabling them to support interoperability with the universe of Skype users. But I don't see this being something for the masses, rather it will be mostly of interest to tech-savvy companies wanting to reach partners, customers, or other Skype users.

Cisco's collaboration strategy

I've posted some thoughts over at Enterprise 2.0 blog

Androids Among Us

Google's first "Android" based IP phone is here.

Om Malik has a great write-up here

My comments over at Enterprise 2.0

Cisco buys Jabber

I've posted some thoughts over at the Enterprise 2.0 Blog, and was quoted in an eWeek article here.

VoiceCon Webinar on VOIP Costs

My colleague Robin Gareiss will be presenting a webinar this friday covering some research we've recently conducted on enterprise VOIP costs.

You can register here. Eric Krapf over at NoJitter provides a preview.

In Memory of Ben Goldman

I just saw the news that Cisco's Ben Goldman was killed in Detroit last week. I knew Ben from his days as an MPLS product manager. He was a terrific person, extremely smart, friendly, and always fun to talk with. He will be missed.

The family has set up a memorial fund, donations can be sent to:

Benjamin Goldman Memorial Fund, C/O Bank of America, 333 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030, Attn: Daryl Dehn