[Qs]Best reading/reference material? Conferences/seminars/..

Archived from groups: comp.dcom.voice-over-ip (More info?)

I was asked to "embark" on a network infrastructure upgrade process
(probably - in some locations - going as far as reaping apart even the
cabling systems), with the capability of supporting VoIP, then prepare
myself for deploying VoIP (as a second stage). Based on this type of
request, what would you recommend as possible reading material, for
providing info in regards to infrastructure-architectural design, and
possible scenarios for deployment? Or - simply put - which books would you
buy?

What about training/seminars/conferences capable of addressing an overview
of available solutions, with customer/user deployments and discusssions?

Focus (part of requirements): Cisco gear (5% chance for other solutions,
e.g. Avaya, Mitel, etc.)

TIA,
Papi

P.S. If not too much to ask - anybody having any suggestions for good
(reality-proven) network assessment and monitoring software for VoIP
specifically?