The majority of executives believe a converged voice and
data network gives their communications network the best line of
defence against attack.
According to the results of a global survey conducted by the
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
for AT&T, the majority of executives (52%) believe that having
a converged network gives their companies a better defence against
IT security breaches.
Furthermore, nearly 70% feel that IP helps ensure business
continuity following an emergency.
The survey of 395 senior executives also shows that, at the same
time, network security concerns remain at the top of the list of
barriers to implementing a converged IP network.
While there are concerns that IP-based voice communications can
be hacked into like normal data traffic, the setting up of
alternative IP-based communications in response to a disaster is
far easier than analogue or traditional digital systems.
The EIU research has also highlighted the importance of the
chief security officer (CSO). Although typically the CEO remains
the primary decision maker for electronic security decisions (with
the exception in Europe where the CIO is more likely to hold this
role), the role of the CSO is rising.
The survey found that 12% of companies said the CSO was the main
decision maker when it came to electronic security.
The EIU research white paper Network Security: Protecting
Productivity can be downloaded from the AT&T website at:
http://www.corp.att.com/emea/insights/whitepaper/network_security4.html
Integration is key to effective VoIP
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