And because of the flexibility of IP, communications are more stable than before. If a cable is knocked out by high winds, a virtual mesh re-establishes a connection to another functional link, Chestnut said.

Further technology deployments are being considered. For example, the resort is testing voice over Wi-Fi telephones from SpectraLink Corp. in Boulder, Colo., said Chestnut. He said he eventually wants to deploy dual-mode phones that can convert to cellular operation when users are beyond the reach of Sunshine Village's wireless LAN. That way, workers could leave the resort's administration building and still be connected at 26 other buildings on the grounds.

Zeus Kerravala, an analyst at Yankee Group Research Inc. in Boston, said he has seen network cost savings of up to 35 percent on some large IP convergence projects. The biggest savings can be derived from lower maintenance expenses and reduced labor costs for tasks such as adding new phones, Kerravala said, although he added that many projects are too young to have a real track record.