VoIP You

As you get a little older, you start to look back fondly on the items that played a major role in your youth. For some, it might entail digging up old tapes and thinking about those times before the digital revolution when hearing the constant whir of a cassette (audio or video) was commonplace. Others (if they're not afraid to date themselves) might even stroll down memory lane with some old albums or even the dreaded 8-tracks. It's nice to reminisce for a bit, before of course you turn towards your computer to download your favorite new song, turn on the DVD player, and settle back for some crystal clear sound and visuals.

Don't be sad, but the good old analog phone is about to go the way of the cassette and other obsolete technologies. Cell phones have replaced landlines for many, and now VoIP has started to take the phone to the next level. To quote the people at Modem Central:

"To be honest, analog modems stink. Analog phone lines stink. We've been using them because nothing better has been available, but that's changing."

In the near future it will be harder and harder for the giant telcos to convince consumers that the phones of the past still have purpose. Even the venture capitalists have pictured the fall of analog voice in their minds:

"'In the next 10 years any analog voice call will become digital,' said Edward Sim, managing director at Dawntreader Ventures..." (From Siliconvalley.com)

It's great to remember the little things that brought you joy as a kid, but don't get so nostalgic that you miss what's out there now. Let your old phone line take its place on memory lane with your copy of Thriller and your old cassette Walkman.