what will you do when ?

[luv2ski]

OK the last one was fun now for the next question...
With the convergence of voice and data going full steam ahead how do you in I.T/MIS feel about doing all the phone work. With everything going to server based systems we in the telecommunications field see our work dissapearing very fast what will you do when your full time jobs become 2x full time jobs.

Pat Guido
NEXTIRAONE
Pat.guido@nextiraone.com

Formerly Nextira, formerly Williams Communications, formerly Wiltel, formerly Nortel networks, formerly Northern Telecom, formerly, Nynex meridian systems formerly Northern Telecom.

 

[theoxyde]

Probably not much different. Most network techs around my corner of the world are already expected to be telephone experts. We're just moving from the realm of phreakers and phone taps to the realm of hackers and trojans.

 

[Dunstan]

Actually I think (having done it myself and watching others from both sides try)it is far easier for Telecom professionals to move into the data world then the other way around. Telecom Prof have always been expected to have detailed knowledge of Carrier facilities, Wan Transport, Network topology ISDN digital facilities CTI, etc. But unlike Data side equipment there are not schools available for a non installer/customer available to teach the traditionally proprietar world of Telecom (try to get an I and M certification in the s8700, or any of the others from your local tech cschool or program). This is changing with the advent of more open source aps and products in the converged market but it is still a hell of a lot easier to get an installation and maint course on Cisco or MS equipment then it is to learn Avaya, Nortel, et al.

In small shops it is completely concievable that a traditional voice technician can be replaced with a Data technician in a converged environment (little is done daily in small shops with respect to Voice). However in large extensive corporate environments you won't see this happen anywhere near as quickly. There is actually a huge demand for VOIP engineers with an extensive Telco background....

In the environments I find myself (+10000 end points) the need for a VOIP specialist with some "Data knowledge" is in much higher demand then the Network eng with strong Data knowledge but minimal voice background.