The routing of software and the software of routing: Selected areas of convergence in IT and telecommunications

With user expectations increasing to encompass web-based and interactive voice response interfaces to everything from billing to performance monitoring, 'intelligence' pushed down to all types of networks and toasters, and competition squeezing limited IT budgets, how can telcos compete? Convergence in several IT and telecommunications areas has increased the burden on architects and solutions providers to carefully weigh their options for the selective use of network and systems management technologies. Lines between voice and data systems, between transaction processing monitors and object request brokers, between networks and management systems-all have been blurred as voice-overIP component transaction monitors, and intelligent networks have become more ubiquitous. Despite the confusion that ensues from the proliferation of technology options, many opportunities exist in the context of today's IT and telecommunications convergence for those willing to survey the landscape. This article discusses several of these areas of convergence and attempts to reduce some of the confusion generated by the plethora of technology options.