In this 206-page CTR report, telecommunications includes cable, interactive media, voice, data, and video transmission. The report explains how these telecommunications technologies work, what business needs they address, how they are being implemented, and the costs of implementation. Vendor offerings of key products are also covered.

Telecommunications: A Dynamic Industry

The telecommunications industry is changing at a rapid pace. New technologies which promise to make a significant impact on existing computer systems, operations, and procedures are emerging every day.

CTR's Telecommunications: Today's Ten Most Critical Telecommunications Technologies with a Focus on the Internet report provides a detailed evaluation of 10 telecommunication technologies that are considered the most critical in today's business world.

This new report from CTR is a comprehensive guide to the confusing array of products available. The 10 technologies highlighted in the report will truly change the face of telecommunications.

The report answers vital questions concerning each technology, including the following: What are the most popular applications for the technology? How does the technology work? What are the capabilities and limitations of the technology? Who are the equipment vendors associated with the technology? What is the future outlook of the technology?

This CTR report includes an in-depth discussion of the following telecommunications technologies:

1. Cell-based Telephony

Cell-based telephony involves the integration of voice and fax with data to enable multimedia applications over high-speed, statistically multiplexed wide area networks (WANs). The report explains other related technologies such as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), variable bit rate (VBR) technology, and voice over frame relay (FR). The report also discusses how cell-based telephony can benefit Internet and intranet users.

2. Virtual LANs

Virtual local area networks (VLANs) allow for flexibility of design and easy modification of traditional LANs, while operating independently of the underlying physical wiring. The report discusses practical business uses of VLANs, explains the International Standards Organization (ISO) reference model, and examines the pros and cons of this technology.

3. Gigabit LANs

High-speed gigabit LANs involve the use of Gigabit Ethernet and 1G-AnyLAN standards over coax and twisted-pair media. The report discusses the possible Gigabit LAN variations and the standards associated with this technology.

4. Automated Network Management

Automated network management incorporates intelligent agents and application integration with a focus on the entire network. The report examines three approaches to automated network management, as well as the technology standards, challenges, and business markets associated with this technology.

5. The Virtual Private Intranet

A virtual private intranet is an internal wide area, Web-based network that uses browsers for posting and updating information and expediting business operations. The report defines the three stages of intranet development, compares virtual private intranets with the Internet, and explains why this technology is growing so rapidly.

6. Java Programming Language

Java is an operating system-independent software language that is used for developing Web pages. The report examines the marketing strategies Sun Microsystems has used to promote this software and discusses the third-party developers of Java. Also included is valuable information concerning network security and how to achieve simple interoperability with Java.

7. Network Appliances

Internet network appliances are hardware devices that make Internet access easier and more affordable. These appliances include devices that convert television sets to Web browsers and smart phones into devices that can send and receive e-mail. The report discusses the strong market potential of Internet network appliances and examines the development efforts of IBM, Microsoft, Netscape, Oracle, and Sun Microsystems.

8. Cable Modems

Cable modems allow high-speed access to the Internet via cable TV coaxial wiring, asymmetrical digital subscriber lines (ADSLs) over twisted-pair copper, and direct broadcast satellite dishes. The report examines the advantages of cable modems, as well as the limitations of the infrastructure. Also included is a discussion of cable modem architecture, specifications, and standards.

9. Personal Satellite Phones

Personal satellite phones are laptop-sized base units that provide phone service to areas where cellular service is not available. The report discusses the latest technological advances in satellite phones and how these advances are breaking the price and size barriers.

10. Data Mining

Data mining finds and predicts associations based on data residing in existing databases. The report discusses the valuable functions of data mining, necessary data mining tools, and the reasons this new technology has been so successful.

Computer Technology Research Corp. (CTR) is an internationally-recognized research and publishing company. Since 1979, CTR's reports have provided information on major technologies, trends, products, companies, and markets concerning the computer industry. Our reports assist executives, users, and vendors with making strategic decisions regarding information technology products and services.