recording audio

From: stevew (swarburton_at_orange.net)
Date: 08/14/04 

Date: 14 Aug 2004 02:14:22 -0700

I need to write an app that records a phone conversation, converts it to mp3 and stores the file. any components out there.
Also some techy question.
Should I save the file locally then move to seever or stream to the server. Calls could be 20_30 mins long.
what is an acceptable compression ratio for voice and what files sizes will be produced per min.
Are there any laws(uk) on recording conversations.
The client has 3 locations any ideas on distributing the files. Is there a way to store the description , time etc on the web then retrive the file from one of the branches servers as needed(poss automatic email request ). I am presuming storing all the data on the web would be cost prohibited?
anyhelp appreciated
stevew