But the exciting thing about MindSpring is that as EarthLink continues to integrate its VoIP and internet services, it will soon be another way to use voice and internet products I already use and like. These are things like trueVoice, DSL and Home Phone, my webmail account, and my voice services site (which, by the way, is one of the neatest things about trueVoice). As a standalone alternative to other forms of communication, maybe it's just interesting. But as an integrated part of my home phone line, my voicemail system, my instant messaging tools, my inbox, and my address book, it becomes a more seamless extension of what I'm doing anyway. When I can set up these services to work in harmony, like if I had one shared identity in all of these systems, then things start to get really interesting. When I choose to use computer-based calling from my array of choices, but the person on the other end doesn't know or care how I'm calling, then it's all working together. It provides a cheap, quick, and easy option for communication where previously it would have been difficult. Just like the real power of VoIP is in its efficiency behind the scenes, the real power of PC-based calling is in its ability to act as an extension of your regular communication habits.
Posted on April 3, 2006 10:03 AM
Today I'm reading about many more interesting developments than usual in the world of communication technologies. AOL has opened up developer access to their instant messaging system, and Cisco is about to announce a new communications platform that embraces SIP technology. There was also news today of AT & T agreeing to buy BellSouth.
Posted on March 6, 2006 11:21 AM
You should now be able to add a Googletalk contact to your Vling buddy list, and send them a text message. The team is working on ironing out a couple of issues, but I saw it working last night in Tom Hsieh's office. Kindly remember that Vling is still in beta, and as such does not yet have the full blessing of a finished and released product.
Posted on January 20, 2006 1:37 PM
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