Bypassing the old circuit-switched hardware, softswitches streamline message traffic and provide a much more efficient service development environment. Along with SIP, this technology leverages Internet technologies to replace plain-old-telephone service. Developers who are freed up by softswitch technology to build cost-effective 3G serives will learn how it works and what applications it can support. Network managers making hard decisions about whether to deploy VoIP will learn pros and cons, costs and benefits, and most importantly how to separate myth from reality.