Considering Convergence

Matthew Nickasch

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"Secure" VoIP Endpoints Becoming Mainstream

By Matthew Nickasch on Fri, 08/08/08 - 3:02pm.

The demand for VoIP in security-focused environments is becoming more and more prevalent. In fact, US intelligence-gathering agencies such as the NSA are beginning to employ "secure VoIP" endpoints and networks to communicate effectively and securely.

General Dynamics was recently awarded a certification from the NSA for their vIPer voice-over-IP-capable endpoint. This phone utilizes the Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol, a US Government-sponsored project. You can see the press release from General Dynamics here.

If you remember, the STE (Secure Terminal Equipment) endpoints and terminals that have been used for tens of years are slowly being replaced by newer, SCIP endpoints like the vIPer. However, this product from General Dynamics not only supports SCIP, but also Cisco's SCCP protocol, and even SIP. General Dynamics is pushing this multi-protocol technology to eliminate the need for the multiple phones that are required for each user to maintain secure and non-secure communications.

For more information about the vIPer, and the Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol, visit the General Dynamics website.

Happy Friday everyone! Remember, next week, check back for the Digium | Switchvox AA300 review. I'm excited to present the results of a week-long experience with this new and innovated appliance for the SMB IP-PBX market.

About Considering Convergence

Matthew Nickasch is an independent consultant and analyst in the IP communication and convergence fields. His current and previous consulting experience includes systems architecture, virtualization, telecommunications, and converged networks for the financial, education, and healthcare industries. In addition to his consulting responsibilities, he has been active in the research realm, recently publishing and presenting on topics including routing protocol security and ERP and transactional database auditing. While his interests include directory services and corporate compliance, Nickasch's focus is on converged networks and IP communications.