"Dr. A.T. Squeegee" wrote

In short: IRLP has its uses, but it will never replace true radio
work.

IRLP is radio hooked to a network. It's the future of public service
and emergency communications. There is no radio manufacturer in
the commercial world who doesn't believe in network radio linking.
Hams should get onboard rather than fight it. This is the 21st Century.