This week, Mike Harris and I attended what seemed to be a very successful IT Expo in Miami. The show floor was lively, and there was a strong sense that the companies in the IP communications industry are moving forward.

While some companies may still be transitioning from TDM, confidence was high that an all-IP environment isn’t far off. Despite some reports of its demise, there were a strong number of companies offering VoIP services. Though there was a trend to offer it as part of a bundled service.

What we did find surprising, however, was the number of businesses that are reinventing what many may assume is long gone – the fax. Our unofficial count showed about 14 fax companies at the show, all optimistic that this is a hot, new sector in IP communications. One company even had a unique giveaway – you could plant a tree for someone in any country – as a reminder that the paperless fax is indeed “green.”

So even though we didn’t win the big Jeep giveaway, Mike and I both came away with a new understanding – and appreciation – of an industry which is going through an exciting evolution.

Written by Brianna Schweitzer