Security concerns could slow IP telephony adoption

Security concerns could slow IP telephony adoption

Concerns about the security of IP telephony systems may slow adoption of the technology by small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United States, research commissioned by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) reveals.

A survey of some 300 U.S. businesses with 20-500 employees found that just 48 percent currently trust the security offered by IP telephony solutions available today. By comparison, 76 percent of respondents said they trust the security of traditional telephony systems, 65 percent trust the security of Ethernet data networks and 55 percent trust wireless local area network security.

On a positive for IP telephony solution providers, 31 percent of the SMBs participating in the survey said they will probably have greater confidence in the security of IP telephony systems within the next 12 months.

Nearly one-half of businesses with 250-500 employees experienced an attack on computer networks and/or phone systems in the past 12 months. Smaller businesses were not immune to such attacks either. 38 percent with 100-249 employees, 41 percent with 50-99 employees and 24 percent with 20-49 employees suffered a communications network attack in the past year.

CompTIA commissioned IDC, a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events for the IT and telecommunications industries, to evaluate the awareness and use of convergent technologies in the U.S. SMB market. About 40 percent of responding companies participating in the survey came from the professional services, healthcare facilities and services, financial and real estate services, and retail trade sectors.

Security concerns could slow IP telephony adoption.

The survey also found that delays and disruptions in voice and data communications are costly for SMBs. Disruptions occur at least monthly for 60 percent of the respondents and 70 percent of those occurrences have a material impact on business. For 8 percent of SMBs, the impact puts the viability of the business at risk. Another 28 percent said they lose some business while 34 percent said their customers require additional care as a result. Nearly one-half of businesses with 250-500 employees experienced an attack on computer networks and/or phone systems in the past 12 months. Smaller businesses were not immune to such attacks either. 38 percent with 100-249 employees, 41 percent with 50-99 employees and 24 percent with 20-49 employees suffered a communications network attack in the past year.

For more visit www.comptia.org.