Why Over 90% of VoIP Services Are Vulnerable to Attack

John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, "We have seen worms and viruses attack?disrupting basic services?And with the increased use of the Internet and especially peer-to-peer networking, we have seen malicious code spread more quickly and infect more personal computers than ever before. The cost of these worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks?reaches into the billions of dollars."

In an article written by Daniel A. Morris, Assistant US Attorney, Computer and Telecommunications Coordinator with the District of Nebraska stated in "Tracking a Computer Hacker", that the "The modern thief can steal more with a computer than with a gun. Tomorrow's terrorist may be able to do more damage with a keyboard than with a bomb."

Ralph Echemendia, head of Intense School which trains executives regarding network security risks, stated that "Telecom providers are one of the main targets for malicious attackers because they control communications for everybody."

Sophisticated hackers have learned how to tap into sensitive information traveling on the Internet, and their focal point is communication.

How is this possible?

It is fairly simple. First, you should be aware that email services operate off of email servers, and web services operate off of web servers. Both email servers and web servers are built for data and not for voice.

Because VoIP has voice, it requires a system that will convert the voice into data packets to travel across the Internet, and then convert back to voice at destination. However, VoIP should not be considered just another application residing on a data network, as it necessitates a real time service due to performance expectations (e.g., quality of sound).

The majority of VoIP computer phones require a minimum of 20 kps (kilobytes per second) of bandwidth (information carrying capacity) for data packets to travel across the Internet, which is why most require a minimum high speed Internet connection in order to function without corrupting the quality of the voice.

Although in the minority, a few VoIP computer phone providers, some of which are reputable, require a minimum of less than 10 kps (kilobytes per second) of bandwidth (information carrying capacity), which is why their services can be used with dial-up connections or high speed (e.g., cable), satellite, and wireless connections.

Over 90% of VoIP services operate using industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols.

Computers are assigned a different numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address while on line, which is analogous to mail where you would have an identity location with your street number, city, state and zip code.

Relative to a protocol, the IP (Internet Protocol) address is a number that identifies the user and their computer. Industry standard codec and industry standard protocols are open and interpretable to the public. Unscrupulous hackers frequently launch their attacks against VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services that operate on these publicly open and interpretable standards.

Peer-to-peer services, as well as over 90% of all VoIP computer phone services, operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols. In other words, their lines are not secure.

IM services also create targeted vulnerability to vicious hacker attacks by a simple monitoring program made available that enables electronic eavesdropping.

The above information is an excerpt taken from an in-depth and exclusive Report entitled "Why Hackers Love Computer Phones ? A Shocking Report You Must Read!" by Dee Scrip available only at http://www.whypay4calls.com/gtp/to.pl?l=ART-03

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 3

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before the came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,

25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The Validity of the Virgin Birth

As Matthew continues to present his case for Jesus as the promised Messiah, he now moves to the story of Jesus' unique birth as Exhibit B. The main argument is that Jesus fulfills the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 by having been born of a virgin. This miracle is evidence that Jesus is more than just an ordinary man.

Throughout the 20th century, professing Christians increasingly joined non-Christians in denying the doctrine of the virgin birth. It is confounding that so many Christians can believe that Jesus was able to walk on water and raise the dead, yet scoff at the virgin birth as unbelievable. The Bible is clear that nothing is too hard for God, no matter how remarkable it might sound. Those who believe that a virgin birth is impossible simply need a bigger view of God.

One of the most common objections to the virgin birth is that it should not be believed because it is mentioned only twice in the New Testament. The gospels of Matthew and Luke are the only Biblical writers that speak directly of Jesus' virgin birth. Jesus Himself never brings it up in any of His teaching, nor does Paul, Peter, or any of the other inspired Apostolic writers. This argument, however, does not hold water. R. C. Sproul is right to ask "How many times does God have to say something before it is believable?" The two passages of Scripture that teach the virgin birth ought to be sufficient reason for any Christian to accept it as absolute truth. It is a very dangerous thing for someone to pick and choose what parts of the Bible he or she will accept as true. The entirety of Scripture is true, and all mankind will be held accountable for every verse. To place ourselves as a judge of the Bible and to call into question verses we may not want to readily accept smacks of sinful, human pride. If the virgin birth is untrue, then God is a liar. Though some may be willing to make that assertion, I for one will not. "Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." We can always trust God's Word against any man's.

The virgin birth goes further than just giving evidence of Jesus as the Messiah. The virgin birth declares Jesus to be deity, the very Son of God. Joseph was not his father. God was.

No one, not even the conservative Pharisees, expected this. In fact, had Jesus not claimed to be God, He probably would have never been killed. It was the crime of blasphemy, a man declaring himself to be divine, that put Jesus on the cross. But Jesus was divine. He was truly the God-man. And His virgin birth proves it.

One of the most remarkable things about our God is that He can relate to us. He humbled Himself and became a man. He knows what its like to scrape your knee, to be hungry, to be tired, to be cold, or to have a head-ache. He has felt the sting of being betrayed by a friend. He knows the pain of having a loved one die. He even knows what it is like to be tempted. Is there a temptation that you are constantly battling in your life? Is there a sin that has left you black and blue? Then remember Hebrews 4:15-16: "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Whatever you may be struggling with in your life, know that Jesus can relate. Approach Him with confidence and trust Him for grace. He is ready and able to help you.

The Circumstances of the Virgin Birth

The Parents (v.18-20)

Mary was probably raised in Nazareth, the daughter of poor ? though likely pious ? parents. Joseph was a young and simple carpenter, the son of a man named Jacob, from who he learned his trade. Joseph and Mary's marriage was arranged by their parents, following the custom of the day, and were betrothed shortly before Mary was found to be pregnant. Mary was most likely between the ages of twelve and fourteen, Joseph was probably in his upper teens. When the appointed time had come, Joseph would have approached Mary's father and mother and presented them with a dowry ? a specified amount of money that served to show that he was financially able and willing to support and care for their daughter.

Parents typically hid the dowry away so that it would be available if the new marriage fell into financial trouble. Once the bride's parents had received the dowry, Joseph and Mary would have been officially betrothed. They would have been referred to as husband and wife, and the ending of their relationship would have required a legal bill of divorce. However, they were not yet married. After being betrothed, the bride and groom were to be separated for a specified period as a time of testing. Once this time of betrothal had been endured, then the husband and wife could officially consummate the marriage.

It was during this time of testing that Mary found herself to be pregnant, and it was also during this time that she went to live with her cousin Elizabeth for a few months (who, of course, was pregnant herself with John the Baptist). One can only imagine the embarrassment that Mary must have felt as an unmarried pregnant woman in first century Israel. Her condition would have been seen by many as a fatal wound to her family's reputation. One can also only imagine the hurt and anger Joseph must have felt when he received the news that his wife was carrying a baby, knowing that it was not his. To make matters worse, the Mosaic law holds that a woman found guilty of fornication (whether premarital sex or adultery) could be stoned.

Notice, however, that what I've just described is not the whole picture of what the Bible says. Mary and Joseph were people of incredible faith. In Luke 1, we don't find Mary ashamed and cowering in fear for her life. Instead, we find her singing a song of praise to God. She says, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

Joseph's faith was also astounding. He had the right according to law to immediately charge Mary with infidelity and would have been given the opportunity to throw the first stone. Instead, he chose to divorce her quietly, desiring to protect her life. But after an angel appeared to him, Joseph chose to trust God and kept Mary as his wife, even though it most certainly affected his reputation. There is a lot to be learned from both Mary and Joseph about true Christian faith and obedience. Mary and Joseph, even though they were practically children, are examples for us today. Mary certainly did not remain a virgin, but her and Joseph eventually consummated their marriage and did raise a family together. Jesus' step-brothers and step-sisters will appear later on in Matthew's gospel. In his book "He Still Moves Stones", Max Lucado lists several questions he would like to ask Joseph:

? Did you and Jesus arm wrestle? Die he ever let you win?

? Did you ever look up from your prayers and see Jesus listening?

? How do you say the name Jesus in Egyptian?

? Whatever happened to the wise men?

? Whatever happened to you?

Sadly, we do not know what happened to Joseph. The overwhelming consensus among scholars is that Joseph must have died before Jesus made it to adulthood. This certainly was not uncommon in the first century, since plagues and famines and diseases were rampant and medical knowledge was limited. Whatever the case, Joseph does not appear at any time in Jesus' adult ministry.

The Child (v.21)

The angel instructed Joseph to name the child "Jesus". Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew word "Yeshua" (Joshua), which means "salvation" or "deliverance". Joshua in the Old Testament is a prototype of Jesus, appointed by God to lead His people into the Promised Land. The name Jesus was not uncommon or unusual in the first century, but was as frequent as our Tom or Mike or Bill. As the Jewish people had been waiting for a Messiah, many had named their sons Jesus as a way to express their hope of deliverance from the Romans.

Notice that Jesus has come to save His people "from" their sins. This means that He did not come to save us from just the consequences of our sin, but also from the dominion of sin. As much as Christians like to talk about free will, we should remember that the Bible says that all men are slaves. We are either a slave to Satan and sin or a slave to Jesus and holiness. When Jesus saves someone, He comes into the heart and overthrows Satan's reign. The great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon makes this comment: "Where Christ does a saving work, He casts Satan from his throne and will not let him be master any longer. No man is a true Christian if sin reigns in his mortal body. Sin will be in us?but it will never have dominion. There will be a striving for dominion ? a lusting against the new law and the new spirit which God has implanted ? but sin will never get the upper hand and become the absolute ruler of our nature. Christ will be the Master of the heart, and sin [will] be overcome. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will prevail, and the dragon will be cast out."

The Reason for the Virgin Birth (v.22-23)

Matthew presents us with the point of all these things by saying that they took place to fulfill the prophecy spoken by Isaiah several hundred years before. It should be noted that most Jews of the time did not consider Isaiah 7:14 to be a Messianic prophecy, but Matthew could not help but point out that Jesus' birth fell right in line with Isaiah's prediction. This is not the only time that Matthew will point out a Messianic prophecy fulfilled by Christ that was not recognized as a Messianic prophecy until its fulfillment.

Calvin describes the setting of Isaiah's prophecy this way:

"The city of Jerusalem is besieged. Ahaz [the King] trembles, and is almost dead with terror. The prophet [Isaiah] is sent to assure him that God will protect the city. But a simple promise is not sufficient to compose his agitated mind. The prophet is sent to him, saying, "Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above," (Isaiah 7:11.) That wicked hypocrite, concealing his unbelief, disdains to ask a sign. The prophet rebukes him sharply, and at length adds, "The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." It is remarkable that Matthew, under the inspiration of God, attributes this prophecy to Jesus. By calling Jesus "Immanuel", Matthew is once again asserting Jesus' deity, since the name literally means "God with us". The whole of the incarnation can be summed up in one name: Immanuel, God with us.

A Response to the Virgin Birth (v. 24-25)

Joseph's response to the angel and his message is one of absolute faith and obedience. He did all that the angel commanded: he kept Mary as his wife, refrained from consummating the marriage until after the birth, and he named the baby Jesus. Joseph had learned the truth of the hymn long before it was written:

"Trust and obey,
for there's no other way,
to be happy in Jesus,
than to trust and obey."

How about you? Is your life characterized by faith and obedience? Is there some part of your life that you have not placed in the hands of God? Is there something God is calling you to do that you are not doing? Follow Joseph's example! God spoke to him through an angel; God is speaking to you through the Bible. Are you trusting Jesus? Are you obeying Him?

Justin Nale is pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC.
http://www.mhmbc.org

The Relationship Between Colour & Sales

Make no mistake that emotions are the driving force behind sales, and customers making buying decisions can be influenced through visual elements towards a particular behaviour or emotion that will encourage more sales.

Not convinced? Have you noticed that a lot of restaurants are decorated in/heavily feature reds and/or oranges? Still not convinced?

Pizza Hut
Frankie & Bennys
Burger King
Little Chef
TGI Friday
Bella Pasta (one of the few to focus on Orange rather than red)

These major players understand the psychology behind colour and its relationship to marketing which dictates that red and orange specifically encourage restaurant patrons to eat faster; thus yes you guessed it ? increasing sales within the same period of time.

Red is known as an emotionally intense colour, stimulating a faster heartbeat and breathing. Orange is also an emotional stimulant.

It's entirely possible you are suddenly frantically realising that you haven't considered this at all when choosing your brand design and associated marketing materials and are now wondering whether you are maximising your sales through the use of colour psychology.

Luckily there's no need to panic and start planning a complete (and potentially expensive) re-branding exercise.

Even if you didn't initially consider this, it's not too late to do something about it, there's no reason why you can't work with your existing brand colours and perhaps work new colours into your scheme that will work harder to encourage those sales ? infiltrating the correct colours through your brochures, web site, stationery and so on.

This way you use colour psychology to strengthen your message yet whilst keeping the same brand that customers may have already become accustomed to seeing and have already 'bought into'.

Now that you are aware that you can do something about your glaring error ;-)) ? here are some tips:

1. Culture: If you trade globally, remember that colours can have a different interpretation in different cultures ? for example in Chinese culture, white is the colour of death.

2. Shopper Habits ? Apparently impulse buyers lean towards red-orange, black and royal blue, and those who plan ahead prefer pink, teal, light blue and navy.

3. Status - Colour preference is influenced by our standard of living; brighter bolder colours appear to attract those on a lower income, whilst those targeting higher income brackets should use more subtle colours.

4. Geography ? The geographical location of your target market should be considered when making colour choices; those in Latin America for example will prefer stronger colours, whilst those in colder regions are attracted to neutrals.

Finally, in many cultures the following colours have the following marketing potential:

Red ? The colour the eye perceives the quickest (although apparently research has indicated that middle aged and older people can find it hard to see this colour). Red can represent energy, speed, anger, danger (blood), excitement, strength, sex.

Blue ? A cool colour preferred by most Europeans, especially men, it can hint at trust, and reliability.

Yellow ? Warm and stimulating like the sun, and encourages feelings of happiness, especially preferred by young people if not used in excess. Can also be associated with betrayal however.

Orange ? A warm vibrant shade without being reminiscent of danger or aggression as in red, good for encouraging impulse purchases.

Green ? Fresh and cool; associated with nature, growth, and hope, but also with illness and superstition.

Purple ? Has links with religion (Cardinals), and can also be seen as a royal colour and therefore is often linked with spirituality and dignity.

Pink ? Soft, nurturing, and security and is used a symbol of love and sweetness. Too much pink can be seen as childish.

White ? Purity, cleanliness, and is associated with nature and light. Take care; in Asia this colour is connected with mourning.

Black ? Can see seen as sophisticated, and elegant, or mysterious but does symbolise death and the occult also, however if used in the right way (as it is often used with prestige/luxury products), such as when combined with gold, it can create a chic exclusive feel.

Gold ? Prestigious and royal colour; expensive.

Silver ? Can also be prestigious if used correctly, or to impart a 'scientific' association.

http://www.trulyace.com
Copyright Truly Ace
Creative Unique Design Services
Logo Design - Graphic Design - Digital Illustration

Is PR All About Image? NO!!

That's like asking if advertising is all about type faces and photography. The answer to both questions is a teeth-clenched "of course not!"

What public relations IS all about, rather than hollow images, is the very real business of dealing effectively with target audience perceptions and behaviors that have a major effect on an organization.

For example, members who believe you're not servicing them adequately; sales prospects who perceive your product as overpriced and are busy taking their buying power elsewhere; or employees who believe you don't give a tinker's damn about them and have dangerously reduced your productivity; or local citizens who believe, true or not, that you dump bad stuff into the river, thus keeping a negative media spotlight trained on your organization,

To answer the headline one more time, public relations is all about insuring that such results don't happen in the first place.

First, if those involved in the examples above had been regularly monitoring those target audiences, they would have had ample warning and the time needed to take corrective action.

So regularly monitoring those key external audiences is a must. What are they thinking about your business, if anything? Are perception problems looming? Are follow-on behaviors developing as a result?

The answers to those questions allow you to set a public relations goal, generally corrective in nature. Examples: you determine that your prices are not only fair, but below several competitors and you plan to publicize and promote that fact; or you plan to meet regularly with employees, listen to them and do something about their complaints, if you can; or you meet with the activist group and share with them the State Environmental Agency's finding that you are in complete compliance with disposal regulations.

With the public relations goal set, we obviously need a strategy designed to reach that goal. And this could be the least complex step in the problem solving sequence because there are only three possible strategies available to us - create opinion where there is none, change existing opinion, or reinforce it. That's it! It must be one of those.

In the three cases outlined above, you clearly would be aiming to change existing opinions.

Next on the public relations agenda are the persuasive messages needed to change that existing opinion. You must design them carefully and creditably to counter the misconceptions you uncover, such as those above. Run them by folks outside your organization so that you get an idea of just HOW persuasive they are (or are not!).

Now, we need to assign a few "beasts of burden" communications tactics to actually carry our persuasive messages directly to the eyes and ears of our key target audiences. Fortunately, we have available to us scores of tactics. Everything from newspaper interviews, on-camera appearances, live radio interviews and in-person meetings to brochures, speeches, op-eds, special events and editorial board meetings.

Which suggests that you consider working with a professional public relations advisor because you probably have neither the time nor expertise to handle this work.

Now, it's back to the monitoring chore to measure how many individuals received the message (and through what medium), and how many are aware of the message content. Monitoring at this point also let's us make mid-course corrections by adjusting both message content and the mix of communications tactics.

As time passes, and your monitoring of target audience opinion progresses, you will begin to notice growing signs of awareness of your business, of yourself as its proprietor, and of its role in the marketplace and the community.

It is now that you will become a believer in public relations's ability to strengthen your business relationships with those important, external audiences. People who hold in their hands not a hollow image of your business, but through their patronage and support, the actual success of your enterprise.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003.

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.

Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com; bobkelly@TNI.net

A Mothers Love

Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose golden feathers and sweet voice attracted attention where ever she went. She was not only beautiful but also extremely intelligent and talented and she longed to leave the nest and try her wings out in the big world.

At first she did not fly far from home and when she returned to the nest, she still felt a part of it but then she flew to a foreign land and things began to change. She stayed for awhile on the rim of the nest of others but she could not find a place to rest, so she flew around and around getting more and more dis heartened and more and more tired until her golden feathers lost their lustre and her sweet voice no longer broke out in song.

She began to fear that she would never have a nest of her own and believed that there was no other nest that she could return to. She became lost, flying around and around in circles, landing for a short time but always on the verge of flight as the fear over took her.

One day she was flying aimlessly around and came upon a brick wall that was so high and so wide, she could not get around it or past it. She tried to pull back but it was too late and she flew right into the wall, breaking one of her beautiful wings.

She was bruised and shaken and in such pain she cried out for help and those who love her, heard her cries and gathered her back into the nest from which she'd first flown.

Knowing her distress they cushioned the nest with love and concern and set up branches below it so that if she faltered on the edge, she would not fall. They knew that she had no wish to be there and that her broken wing had made her sad. They understood that she longed to soar above the trees again but they also knew that she needed them so they closed their wings around her and held her close lest she try to fly with her damaged wing causing herself more harm.

They knew that it would not be easy, but they were united in their love and concern for her. They understood that when her beautiful golden wing was strong again and when her sweet voice rang out again in song.................That they would set her free.

Written by: Lorraine Kember ? Author of "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes. Lorraine's book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband in the hope of helping others. It includes insight and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer Council. "Lean on Me" is not available in bookstores - For detailed information, Doctor's recommendations, Reviews, Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

Letting Go of 3G - A Viable Alternative for Asian Carriers

Most Asian cellular carriers mulling over 3G have chalked out at least tentative transition paths towards that Holy Grail. If they're GSM networks, it's a safe bet EDGE (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) is being considered, to replace/augment GPRS for high speed data services. Because EDGE uses a new modulated scheme that is also used for UMTS/3G, EDGE becomes a sort of half-way house to 3G.

The cost to introduce 3G into an existing GSM network is enormous. A large portion of 3G's non-license related costs pertain to new nodes patched into an existing GSM network to make it 3G compliant. And of course, these new nodes need to inter-operate with existing 2G and 2.5G nodes.

An alternative does exist, that until recently dare not speak its name. Marrying cellular and WiMax/WiFi clouds, is not just cheaper, but more in keeping with the times. Besides the cost benefits, such a union addresses two other big issues: bringing high speed data services with laser like precision to the urban users who need them and voice connectivity over cell phones to suburban residential homes with poor cellular reception.

Integrating selected WiFi Hot spots or WiMax Hot Zones into a cellular network requires an IP Network Controller (INC), an IP access network, a patch to allow the Wireless LAN (WLAN) access network to issue the relevant accounting information to the cellular cloud's AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting) server and an investment in IP roaming. Barring a few more widgets, that's essentially it.

Given the simplicity of such a solution, anyone who has seen engineers sweat over cell site deployment or attempted to work the math behind the cellular hex grid, has to wonder why the cell phone-wallahs have not already adopted WiFi/WiMax at their peripheries.

One however continues to sense discomfort in cellular circles over any open discussion on WiFi/WiMax. This may have something to do with the fact that the same user who demands everything be free on the Internet, is more than willing to pay a premium for his mobile service. The cellular carrier therefore, is understandably wary of encouraging bad habits in his paying customers.

Kineto, an equipment manufacturer, explains how such an eco-system would work.

- A subscriber with a WLAN, dual mode mobile phone moves within range of an access point to which the handset can connect.

- On attaching, the handset contacts the mobile operator's INC over the IP access network, to be authenticated and authorized for mobile service access.

- If approved, the INC updates the subscriber's location information in the network. From that point on, all mobile traffic is routed via the INC and over the IP access network. The subscriber is now on Voice over Broadband (VoB) and on a lower fixed line / VoB type tariff.

- When the subscriber moves outside the range of the serving access point, the INC facilitates roaming to the licensed outdoor network. The roaming process is completely transparent to the mobile subscriber.

- In addition, if a subscriber is on an active voice call or handset data session when they come within range (or out of range) of a service access point, the INC facilitates the handover of the active call between networks. The handover is completely transparent to the mobile subscriber.

- The WLAN access network issues the relevant accounting information to the cellular network's AAA server. This accounting information can then be incorporated into the operator's specific CDRs enabling it to be assimilated into the operator's existing legacy billing system, creating a single bill for Cellular and WLAN usage.

In divvying up responsibilities, the WLAN provider manages the network while the mobile operator looks after customer care and billing. The end-user pays his mobile operator for the usage of the WLAN. The charges for using a cell phone over a WLAN would be lower than cellular use but in most cases it would be incremental revenue that the cellular companies would otherwise lose to fixed-line or VoB networks.

The cellular-WiFi/WiMax eco system also ropes in homes and offices equipped with broadband. To connect, the home or office user goes to his mobile provider's web portal and registers his WLAN into the IP Network Controller (INC). The subscriber's cell phone is now patched into the WLAN and on a lower fixed line / Voice over Boradband (VoB) type tariff.

While there is growing competition in the VoB sector, only the cell phone operator decides whether the customer can get a combined cellular+VoB bill. A mobile provider's Cellular-WLAN service shall therefore, stand head over shoulders over any Vonage type VoB service.

As we have seen, in a Cellular-WLAN eco system devices intelligently pick and choose from the wireless network offering the strongest signal or lowest price in a given area. It is a compelling picture that demands the cellular operator's attention, more so in Asia.

****************
References & recommended reading

Books:
GPRS Demystified by Hoffman, John
GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance : Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS
by Timo Halonen (Editor), Javier Romero (Editor), Juan Melero (Editor)
WLANs and WPANs towards 4G Wireless by Ramjee Prasad, Luis Munoz

White papers
Public Wireless LANs for Mobile Operators by Philippe Laine of Alcatel.
GSM to 3G, Evolution or revolution? by Hughes Software Systems & Adax
Europe Limited.
Handover between WCDMA and GSM by Gertie Alsenmyr,Joakim Bergstrom & others of Ericsson

Websites
http://www.gsmworld.com
http://www.cdg.org
http://www.kinetowireless.com
*********************

BRAHAM SINGH joined PCCW in January 2001 and founded their international IP backbone & service company now called BtNAccess after its merger with Corporate Access, one of Asia's largest satellite based service provider. Today, BtNAccess is an established global carrier, offering enterprise & carrier grade services over its MPLS enabled network. Services offered include IP transit, MPLS data circuits/VPNs, voice as well as a leading edge Hosted IP PBX services. The Company is interconnected with 35 carriers globally and its revenues come from an enterprise and carrier customer base in The USA, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Braham came to PCCW from Teleglobe, where he was the Vice President in charge of Asian operations. Prior to Teleglobe, Braham was the Vice President - SE Asia for Sprint / Global One.

Braham has various pioneering achievements to his credit including the first call- back as well as the first ISR launch in Hong Kong, the first Asian frame relay launch outside Japan, the first international connectivity provided to Celcom in Malaysia in 1992.

Information About Adverse Credit Homeowner Loans

While looking for adverse credit homeowner loans it can seem like you're fighting a losing battle. You might think that no lender will want to give you a loan because of your credit? but you'd be mistaken.

The truth is that there are a lot of lenders who are more than willing to grant adverse credit homeowner loans to people just like you, and finding them is much easier than you might think.

First, though, you should make sure that you understand how adverse credit homeowner loans work so that you know exactly what sort of loan you're applying for.

Using equity as collateral

One of the key features of adverse credit homeowner loans is that they use equity as collateral to secure the loan, which means that the equity in your house is used to guarantee that the lender will get their money back if you are unable to repay the loan.

If you're not sure what equity is, it's a way of showing how much money you've paid on the mortgage for the house compared to the total cost of the mortgage.

Because of this, some people refer to equity as being how much of the house you "own," compared to how much the bank or mortgage lender "owns."

Larger amounts of equity translate into larger adverse credit homeowner loans, because there's a larger value to guarantee repayment of the loan.

Finding the right lender

You might think that it's going to be difficult to find a lender for adverse credit homeowner loans, but it's actually much easier than most people think.

Because adverse credit homeowner loans are based upon the equity of your home, more lenders are willing to take a risk on people with less-than-perfect credit than they would with other types of loans.

Shop around for quotes at different banks and finance companies to see what interest rates are offered, making sure that you don't just commit to the first offer that you receive.

You might also want to take the time to check out online lenders? many online services offer adverse credit homeowner loans at interest rates that are comparable to or even lower than the lenders in your area, and have the added convenience of being accessible from any computer with an internet connection.

Taking the time to research loan rates and explore all of your options (both in the real world and online) can end up saving you both repayment time and a lot of money on interest, so the time you spend now pays off well in the long run.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Inspiration From Other People - Is It Worth Listening To A Film Star?

Yesterday, I listened to an interview with Michael York, the film star. I listened half-heartedly at first and then with fascination. By the end of the conversation I had discovered at least one inspiring truth i.e. It is well worth listening to other people without prejudging what they can teach you.

It is amazing how much other humans can teach us. But if we don't believe that they can teach us something, we will not listen to them nor will we read their books or listen to their audios or watch their videos and DVD's. We will miss out on huge amounts of valuable information.

Michael York (D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers) went to the USA about 30 years ago and has lived there longer than he lived in the UK.

He was not tempted to join other UK actors like Oliver Reed in alcoholic and drug excesses. He could see no sense in not being at his best. Life is too interesting.

He now lives in California with his American wife where it is easy to live a healthy lifestyle. He asks: "Why wait until you get ill and then go to a doctor to clean up the mess? Why not take preventive measures to keep you in optimum shape? We take care of our cars; why not our own bodies?"

He takes herbs and vitamins and a chiropractic treatment once a week. He does not believe in treating the head (or mind) without taking the body into account. He prefers a holistic approach.

He has a thoughtful faith. "I have a faith but not a faith that wears a label. It's an amalgamation of all sorts of influences. I was raised in the Church of England and was brought up with the beauty of the English Bible. It never leaves you but I get resentful at fundamentalist Christianity when it becomes my God and not your God."

Agnosticism is part of his amalgamation of influences: "There's nothing we can be sure of until we pass into the next dimension."

He was very impressed by a comment from his friend Peter Ustinov: "You know, we are united by our doubts and divided by our convictions." York comments: "In the world today, that is so true".

When he was asked "Do you believe in an afterlife?", he gave a fascinating and inspiring reply:

"If you get into the study of health and the body you find out that we are all energetic organisms. The whole world is a compact of different energies. It seems quite plausible that there is a different sort of energy operating after life"

"Do you meditate?" "I have tried to meditate but I am a little impatient I confess. I do listen to classical music, if I can, all day. That is an equivalent of meditating. Somehow those great rhythms do wonderful things to your mind and body."

I learned a lot from Michael York yesterday about health, meditation and life after death but the greatest lesson of all was:

Have enough faith to listen to other people, whoever they are, and to read their books. You might learn something worth learning! You might even be excited and inspired.

You don't have to agree with everything other people say but at least listen to their views and you may well hear something you have never heard before or have never heard expressed so well before.

If you have a stack of books you have not read or a stack of videos you have not watched just start reading and watching. You might be amazed at what you will learn!

Even if you have read the books before or watched the videos before, read and watch them again. It is surprising how much valuable information we forget. We all need reminding and inspiring again and again.

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now!"

The book can be found at this URL: http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine so long as you do not alter it and keep the resource box as it is.

The Truth About Night Fishing

Why Night Fishing Beats Day Fishing Any Day of the Week

Without a doubt, night fishing is better than day fishing for many reasons.

One of the biggest reasons is the size of the fish you can catch at night. In almost every circumstance, you will catch bigger fish at night than you can during the day. There are several reasons for this. Bigger fish tend to feed at night. Maybe the reason these fish were able to get so big is because they were smart enough to not eat during the day when dinner may include a fisherman's hook inside it.

I like to think the big fish just sit around all day and take bets on which little fish is going to get caught by a fisherman. Ok, maybe that is a little far fetched, but it's fun to imagine.

Bigger fish also seem to feed on baitfish in more shallow water than during the day.

Since the fish are less likely to associate night time to fishermen, they tend to take the bait with less resistance and hesitation. Almost like they are thinking to themselves "There is no way this is a fisherman's bait, it midnight for crying out loud". This results in better hooking of the fish.

Maybe it's the fact that fish are more likely to feed based on sound and vibration at night, unlike the day when they can also use vision.

Since you will be catching bigger fish at night, you can also use bigger bait. Personally, I find it easier to use bigger lures anyway, so it works out better for me at the same time.

You don't have to worry about all the other boats zipping around you at night, like you do during the day. This alone is enough to make some fishermen want to only fish at night. The peaceful serenity at night is hard to beat.

If you fish at night in the summertime, you will also appreciate the cooler weather compared to fishing during the day.

If you have never been night fishing before, you need to get out there and try it at least once. You may never want to fish during the day again!

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-day.php)

Figuring Out the Ever Nebulous Numbers Called Credit Scores

Credit Score Factors

The information contained on our credit reports affect every aspect of our lives; including employment, insurance, and even interest rates (mortgage, credit cards, automobiles, etc.). There is specific information captured on our report which is used to form our credit score:

? Payment History (accounts for approximately 35%)

? Outstanding Debt (accounts for approximately 30%)

? Length of Credit History (accounts for approximately 15%)

? Types of Credit Currently in Use (accounts for approximately 10%)

? Recent Inquiries (accounts for approximately 10%)

Payment History ? Your payment history includes the following types of specific Information:

? Account payment information on specific types of accounts (credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts, mortgage, etc.)

? Adverse public records (bankruptcy, judgments, suits, liens, wage attachments, etc.), collection items, and/or delinquency (past due items)

? Severity of delinquency. The more recent the problem, the larger the impact on your credit score.

? Amount past due on delinquent accounts or collection items

? Time since and frequency of past due items (delinquency), adverse public records, or collection items

? Number of past due items on file

? Number of accounts paid as agreed

Outstanding Debt ? Your credit score is adversely affected if you owe amounts at or near your credit limit, so if possible, split the balance and transfer some of the debt to a second card. A low balance on two cards is better than a high balance on one. (Credit card companies usually charge a 'transfer' fee, but 'reward' you for switching you debt by offering a low interest rate. Sometimes the interest rate offered is for an introductory period only, so make sure you read the fine print before transferring your debts.)

? Amount owing on accounts

? Amount owing on specific types of accounts

? Lack of a specific type of balance, in some cases number of accounts with balances

? Proportion of credit lines used (proportion of balances to total credit limits on certain types of revolving accounts)

? Proportion of installment loan amounts still owing (proportion of balance to original loan amount on certain types of installment loans)

Length of Credit History ? The longer you have maintained your accounts, the better it reflects on your credit report.

? Time since accounts opened

? Time since accounts opened, by specific type of account

? Time since account activity

Types of Credit in Use ? Loans from finance companies generally lower your credit score. According to FICO, this is heavily relied upon when there is little other credit history upon which to base a score.

? Number (or amount) of different types of accounts (i.e. installment loans, credit cards, retail accounts, mortgage, consumer finance accounts, etc.)

Recent Inquiries on Your Report ? Recent applications for several new accounts may negatively affect your score. If you inquire about special promotions it does not affect your credit report.

Now that we know what factors the credit bureaus consider when calculating your credit scores, you might be saying to yourself... yeah, yeah, I've heard all that before. Tell me something I don't already know, like how I can raise my score!

With that thought in mind, pay your bills on time. If you have recent late payments on your credit report, lenders view this as you larger credit risk. When you get your bills, don't let this sit on your kitchen table collecting dust. Keep a log of your current bills by due date and the total amount due. Having a late payment appear on your credit report today can have a larger impact on your credit score than filing bankruptcy five years ago!

Manage your credit effective, and don't say... "Duh, that one is obvious". I am definitely stating the obvious here. However, one of the most common ways for consumers to get into a downward spiral credit wise is the poor choices we all have made using the unsecured portion of our credit; CREDIT CARDS. Credit cards do offer immediate relief (or often time's instant gratification) to our needs (or wants). Don't go out buying luxury items if you don't have cash readily available to pay for those items when the bill comes due. That means saying "NO" to plasma screen TV's, new furniture, Gucci watches, and all the items that we "simply can't live without".

Anytime you run a balance on an unsecured credit card or line of credit, it has an impact upon your credit score. By focusing on keeping the balance you carry on your credit cards / lines of credit to less than 25% of your total line of credit, you will be in better shape regarding your credit score.

For more information regarding your credit scores, credit reports or debt options currently available to you, please contact Gateway Credit Connection or visit us online at http://www.creditmonkey.com

Michael Goff is the Co-Founder of Gateway Credit Connection, helping empower consumers to take control of their personal and business finances.

Gateway Credit Connection 15770 Dallas Parkway Suite 1100 Dallas, TX 75248 469.547.4323 Visit us online at http://www.CreditMonkey.com

Acquire, Then Rebrand

Acquiring another corporation usually means that the acquiring company's name will be the name of the newly merged entity. There is one factor that can change that -- one that is stronger than anything else. What is it? It is you, the consumer.

There is nothing that stirs fear in corporate boards of directors more than negative consumer feedback. The way a company is perceived -- through marketing of its product line to community involvement -- will determine whether the company ultimately succeeds or fails. Thus, it is the buying public -- consumers -- who truly determine the direction a company moves. Lost sales = a sinking business.

In acquiring another company, usually the larger company does one of two things:

1. It takes the smaller company and absorbs the company within the body of the parent organization. The acquired company retains its name and, for all practical purposes, appears to be a separate company. Consumer confidence in the brand remains static in this case. What is an example of this? Check out the companies/products owned by Beatrice Foods.

2. The acquired company is absorbed in totality; the name, assets, product line are all folded into the acquiring company. Little or nothing of the old company's name remains. An example of this is Cingular Wireless' takeover of AT&T Wireless.

In the second example, consumer confidence can be shaken especially if the Board of Directors missteps and fails to anticipate the public's reaction to the acquisition. A time honored brand, loved by consumers, disappears and consumers react negatively.

What are some good alternatives for Boards to consider? Basically there are two options:

1. Rebrand the name to reflect the joining together of two perceived equals. A case in point is the oil industry where you have ExxonMobil and ChevronTexaco to name two. Obviously, the first name is the premier name, but consumers still see the "loved" second name and are reassured.

2. Rebrand the name to reflect the more popular name even if the acquired company is smaller in size. KMart and Sears got "hitched" and the company was renamed Sears Holding. KMart was the acquiring company but the Sears name has less baggage than the bankrupt KMart name. The combined entity has gone one step further by maintaining separate stores with separate names, at least for now. Consumers who like the venerable Sears name can still be confident that it is "business as usual" for the retailer.

There are variations of the two options that Boards may need to consider. Witness BP's acquistion of Amoco: the name says BP, but the pumps say Amoco. Guess whose gasoline is perceived to be the better of the two?

In summation, the consumer ultimately decides whether your rebranded product will succeed or fail. Not bringing consumer sentiment into the mix early on in the acquisition process is potentially dangerous and can be expensive to remedy later on.

Matt Keegan's writing site can be viewed at http://thearticlewriter.com

Do You Need an Expensive Padded, Cushioned, Air Bubbled, Gelled Running Shoe?

Nike Free does not think so; and neither should you. Read on to find out why this concerns every one of us, our health and a good deal of wasted money. This is not a story of the Nike Free shoe; it's about our freedom and growth.

It has been a really long time since a major shoemaker has stepped forward and acknowledged that the human foot is the perfect running, walking machine.

Hence, a good shoe should be simple and that allows this perfect machine to execute flawlessly, rather than attempt to take over Nature's function.

This is the core concept of the Nike Free line of shoes. Shoes that both mimic and allow the foot its freedom to get things done - in this case, walking, jogging and running.

Nonetheless, detractors argue that the lack of structural support and cushioning undermines the shoe's ability to be a serious running shoe. The experts are spewing out terms like ? Stress Fracture, Calf Injury, Knee Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis.

The Footwear Market & You

In the footwear industry, structural support and cushioning are considered the benchmarks of shoe superiority. The more features a shoe has; the more acclaim it will receive and, coincidentally, the more expensive it will cost.

Do we, as consumers, really need all that expensive support and cushioning?

Is it really better for us?

For centuries across civilizations, shoes were only worn as status symbols by aristocrats; while the common folk went about barefooted.

The very people, who walked the most and ran the most, went about their daily lives barefooted!

Obviously, shoes did not come about as an invention because our feet failed; it came as an invention of luxury and ego.

In the centuries that have gone by, our feet still maintain this same powerful ability. Today, we have barefoot marathon runners across the world and complete communities of tribal people who live barefooted.

Our God given machine of motion still explodes power in this day and age!

Yet, weekend runners who barely run a tenth of a marathon are spending hundreds of dollars to buy advanced technology for their feet!

Why is the man on the street spending so much on high ? tech shoes when marathon runners and hunters happily thrive without them?

The answer is advertising and product branding.

Shoemakers astutely noticed that city folks are mostly overpronators or underpronators. Hence, in an effort to capitalise on this underlying dysfunction, they design shoes that support and cushion shock. Consequently, detaching and depriving the foot from its primary role as locomotion point guard.

Overpronation, Underpronation and Neutral Feet

More than 75% of city dwellers are either overpronators or underpronators. Essentially, it means that your feet lose their ability to accommodate ground unevenness and absorption of daily walking stress. Your foot has curved in one direction and cannot return to neutral state ? think of it as a jammed window that cannot close.

In its functional state, our feet are made to pronate; curve to suit the contours of the ground. This is how we can run side ways on slopes and edges without tumbling over. Hence, feet with full range of pronation can walk, run, jog barefooted and not injure themselves (assuming you are not silly enough to go running on broken glass).

Since the foot has lost its ability to fully pronate, shoemakers generally believe that a shoe has to be padded, cushioned, gelled and reinforced. The reason being that it will make up for the feet's loss of pronation range. Hence, the natural progression towards spending millions on technology research and charging you hundreds of dollars more per pair.

On the other hand, I look at all these structured shoes like crutches. Yes, we may need it for a while. But, when we consistently wear them and use them, we can never regain our natural ability to move the way we were originally made to - Pain free, explosive and flexible.

A plain simple running shoe that allows your feet to spread out is sufficient and good for any weekend jogger. It also happens to be much easier on the wallet! If you do want a fancier shoe, the Nike Free series would be a good buy because it goes beyond un-restriction of the feet; it mimics the shape of the feet and offers the feet much more control.

Ultimately, the injury and pain does not come from the lack of a jazzed up shoe, but rather dysfunctional feet.

My Feet / Knee / Shin / Calf hurts because of my Pronation. What do I do now?

I would first make a wild guess that the sole of your shoe is eaten up excessively on one side of the shoe. This could occur on one or both shoes. Do not assume that both feet equally underpronate or overpronate.

The first thing to do is to throw away all your shoes that reflect this unevenness. Go buy new pairs of shoes; neutral shoes that do not have excessive support. Have fun shopping, do it with a friend, a spouse or alone!

After a while, if you do not buy new pairs of shoes, your recovery will be impeded because you never throw away the "crutch".

The next step is to slowly walk barefooted and as often as possible. You can start with your house, followed by the beach or park. The aim is to re-introduce your 26 foot bones and muscles to the sensation of the natural foot movement. They have been trapped in the shoe for all these years.

Finally, you have to move into active rehabilitation to help your body recover its neutral state. It is not some costly procedure, but rather a series of simple movement patterns that specifically unlock your frozen foot muscles and reintroduce your body to its natural alignment.

Some familiar exercises like yoga and pilates do help in this process. Nonetheless, if you want it quicker, faster and simpler, drop by http://phenogy.com to find out how you can be free of knee pains, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, flat foot, raised arch and other musculoskeletal injuries that are by-products of feet pronation.

Even if you think that you are not suffering from any of this at the moment. Take 5 seconds to stand straight up, feet shoulder width apart?. Now look down? Are your feet parallel to each other? Both pointing forward?

It is a disservice to yourself to cheat by correcting them. You have to look at your feet when they are at a relaxed state. Take a look when you go to work, or go shopping.

If your feet flare out or curve in or are not parallel pointing to the front. It is a very strong hint of future musculoskeletal injuries, that includes the above conditions coupled with back, shoulder and neck dysfunction.

Nonetheless, you may be that rare 1 out of 4 who have neutral feet. Congratulations and keep up whatever good motion that you already have!

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The author, Winston Ng, is an avid peak performance coach and CEO of Phenogy Health Advisors Pte Ltd, based in Singapore. His Health Consultancy programmes are renowned worldwide for their efficiency, simplicity and independent unbiased advice. The Phenogy Health Concierge? is unparalleled internationally in providing cutting edge Natural Health Alternatives to the busy individual who needs viable options to invasive surgery, dangerous synthetic pills and overpriced ineffective therapies!

They want you to experience their service before spending a single dime! Receive FREE Health Coaching and find out more about their E-Manuals and Consultancy Services! http://phenogy.com

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