These include lack of emergency calling, call security, and sound quality. Because VoiP providers, including Skype, are a bypass to the conventional phone system, they do not typically provide emergency calling services (Schueneman, no date). Thus, the firm will have a more difficult time accessing police or fire services. It must be considered how often such services are needed by the office.
The second consideration is with respect to call security. Skype's security is proprietary and a closely guarded secret (the Economist, 2008). Thus, the level of call security on Skype is unknown. For a legal firm, the potential outcomes in the event of a breach in call security can be catastrophic. Cases could be lost, sensitive information could be revealed and the firm's reputation could be damaged (Nugent, 2007).
The final consideration is with respect to sound quality. Skype and other VoiP software are often of substandard sound quality. While they are improving in this regard, it should be noted that poor sound quality could reflect poorly on the firm. It is unknown whether or not this would affect business, but it could potentially have a negative impact. We would still have land lines in order that clients can reach us with our old telephone...
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