Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Anyone who has experience with voice knows that user tolerance for downtime is
measured in nanoseconds. The implications for IA are to use creative combinations
of voice and data networks to create redundancy and self-healing link-loss configura-
tions. Further, loss of PSTN voice service to site A may not affect IP software-based
phones with the ability to simply sign on to another site. The business benefit is to
keep mission-critical operations going (e.g., revenue-generating call center agents)
even though other phone users on traditional stations are out of commission.
7.6 Conclusion and Commentary
Business need drives technology; however, technology introduces both business
benefit and business risk. The complexities of some technology are sufficient to war-
rant a deep exploration of the risks inherent in the technology and how those risks
affect technical operations and mission integrity.
