The Fallen - Crashed and struggling VoIP companies

While I compiled the 2008 VoIP Fierce 15, I looked back at previous Fierce 15 lists. SunRocket was a member of the 2006 VoIP Fierce 15, and this got me thinking about the many companies that have crashed and burned over the past few years -- plus those that seem to chronically struggle. 

Numerous companies rushed into the VoIP world with expectations of changing the world. Most showed great potential at first, winning vital acclaim in the media, throngs of admirers and predictions of greatness. 

And yet, at some point in time, fortunes change. Acclaim turns to scorn, devotees turn to embittered critics and dreams become crushed by the real-world. 

For some, it was a failure of execution. Others held onto their vision for too long, letting it grow stale and stagnate, becoming a me-too player, rather than an innovator. 

Still others overreached, tried to be too much too soon, too fast, and burned out. Plus you have a couple with notably shady characters in their past and shaky business models that never made a dime. 

Did we leave anyone out? 

- Doug

• Grand Central
• Jangl
• NextPoint Networks
• Pingtel
• Pulvermedia (including VON events & VON Magazine)
• SunRocket
• TalkPlus
• VoIP Inc.
• Vonage