The next big thing

The use of Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP) in the construction industry, is discussed. With VoIP, phone calls are transmitted over the Internet for a fraction of current costs. Internet Protocol phone systems can link to e-mail and databases, going far beyond caller-ID by automatically serving up background information on computer screens when calls are connected. Based on the trials, Cisco plans an initiative called Cisco Coinnected Construction. It will include a line of small, plug-and-play Internet connection boxes for jobsites to 'jump-start' communications. The adoption of VoIP by a ShoreTel customer, BKF Engineers, Redwood City, Calif., has achieved reduced costs and ease of system management.