Lunaphone

Lunaphone enables you to make cheap phone calls using your PC. Its also compatible with hardware devices such ATA, VoIP Gateways and IP Phones and can also be configured on softphones such Xlite and Xten-Pro. Lunaphone rates are quite low and it works fine for me during testing. Lunaphone can be downloaded for free from www.lunaphone.com. Also you can download configuration information for SIP_ATA, Sipura SPA2100,WorldAxxcc TA200,Grandstream HT286,Linksys PAP2-NA and Xten-Pro from Lunaphone configuration webpage. Recommended futher reading: VoipStunt Skype VoIP | IP Telephony Eyebeam VoipBuster VoIP in West Africa VoipCheap SipDiscount SipDiscount IP Phone SparVoip SPA 9000

Stanaphone

Stanaphone is another internet softphone with advanced features. The advanced features include Stana-Out, Stana-In, StanaFax-In and Conferencing. Stana-OUT is an easy and cheap way to call friends and family who are not yet on StanaPhone. You can call almost any international destination without worrying about the hidden charges associated with most calling cards. With Stana-IN, you can get your own, regular phone number in your local calling area. So if your friends who aren.t using StanaPhone yet want to call you by dialing a regular number, you can still receive the call in StanaPhone . Stana-IN numbers in countries outside the US will be available soon. With StanaFax-In add-on service, your StanaPhone doubles as a fax machine which can automatically recognize and receive faxes. When a fax is sent to your StanaFax-IN number the system recognizes it and forwards it to your e-mail address as a PDF attachment. Their Conference server allows you to conduct a telephone conference with as many as 10 participants. All you have to do is create a PIN number and share it with your conference call guests. Everyone then dials in to your conference bridge and inputs that PIN at the prompt. I have tried Stanaphone and the call quality was good, the call-in number which i got for free works very fine. Stana-In numbers for some U.S area codes are free while some cost about $15 for a 3 months. As usual Stanaphone to Stanaphone calls are totaly free and the call quality is also good. For more details and download visit www.stanaphone.com.

Call forwarding now available for voipbuster, voipcheap and voipstunt

The latest version of voipbuster, voipcheap and voipstunt now have call forwarding feature. You can now forward your incoming call to any telephone number and forwarded call will be charged at their standard pc-to-phone rates. If the telephone number you are forwarding to is in one of the free destinations then the call will be forwarded for free. You can choose the option to never forward calls, always forward or forward only when you are away, or offline. You can download the latest version from their respective websites or use the check for updates option in help menu .

Recording Skype Calls

At times we want to record some conversations we have with other people, either for the fun of doing it or for future reference. For skype users there are some applications out there that give this possibility. The purpose of this post it to inform my readers about such applications. Below are the descriptions of the applications and relevant links:

Pamela for Skype Pamela is a certified skype plug-in. It is your own personal assistance for Skype. It works as an answering machine and also change your status when you are on a call to show other you are on the phone. The professional version of Pamela let you record Skype calls, e-mail forwarding of voicemails and a host of other cool stuffs. Its very easy to install and use. The professional version cost about $18.00 and there is a free trial for 30 days.

KishKish SAM KishKish SAM is a simple voice answering machine for Skype. When you are away from your computer SAM picks the call, play a greeting message and allow caller to leave a message for you. SAM can also play a video greeting of your choosing while recording the voice message. In addition skype conversations can be recorded for later reference but this feature is not available in the free version. Skype call recording is only available in the silver and gold version which costs $7.95 and $14.95 dollars respectively. KishKish SAM also have a host of other interesting features.

Freecorder A easy to use free program that lets you record sounds on your PC. You can record what you hear from the speakers or what your microphone / line.in input to the computer. The recordings are saved as MP3 files. The latest version lets your record skype phone calls . Its available free for download.

PowerGramo PowerGramo is a good realtime recording for Skype. It enables you to record incoming calls, outgoing calls or both. Your recorded calls are saved securely through encryption and optional password protection. It also provide a very easy means for you to share your recordings with your friends if you so wish. Very easy to install and use. Available free for download.

VoipCheap adds more free destinations

There are now more free destinations in voipcheap. You can now call landlines in Mexico, Venezuela, Russian Federation and Thailand for free.

More free destinations for VoipBuster

More free destinations has been added to voipbuster. You can now call landlines in the following countries for free : 1. Slovenia 2. South-Korea 3. Thailand 4. Venezuela 5. Chile 6. Estonia 7. Japan 8. Mexico 9. Panama 10. Peru 11. Puerto rico 12. Andorra 13. Bulgaria 14. Colombia 15. Croatia 16. Georgia 17. Latvia 18. Liechtenstein 19. Mongolia 20. Turkey The new additions brings to 40 the number of free destinations in VoipBuster.

Envox Worldwide Broadens Global Distribution For Its Product Portfolio

Envox Worldwide, a leading global provider of voice solutions, announced that it has entered into new sales and support agreements with leading value-added distributors (VADs) throughout the world. The agreements give these VADs the ability to resell the entire envox worldwide product portfolio, which includes: the Envox 6 communications Development Platform, Envox 6 VoiceXML Studio, Envox CT Connect and Envox CT ADE. Under the terms of the agreements, each of these VADs will also have access to Envox Worldwide's value-added services, including professional services, training, and technical support. "We are pleased to be partnering with this distinguished group of VADs" said Mark D Flanagan, president and CEO of Envox Worldwide. "These distribution partnerships are a key element of our global growth strategy. We're working closely with each of these partners to build strong customer relationships and broaden our presence in the rapidly expanding voice solutions market." This expanded distribution network will enable Envox Worldwide to more efficiently address the growing demand for its products and related services, better serve its customers at a local level, and expend its presence as the fast-growing voice solution market rapidly shifts to open, standard-based solutions. Improved global access to the company's products and services will enable more developers to create the wide range of voice solutions that their customers need with unmatched flexibility and broad support for new standards and emerging technologies, such as speech recognition and VoiceXML, VoIP and HMP and Web services. Each of these VADs will now be representing the entire Envox Worldwide product portfolio. Envox Worldwide has signed sales and support agreements with 25 VADs Worldwide - 5 in North America, 11 in the EMEA region, and 9 in the APAC region.

Earthlink and Google bid to built City-wide Wi-Fi network in San Francisco

Earthlink and Google has submitted a proposal to TechConnect leaders to build a city-wide Wi-Fi network in San Francisco. This is one of the six bids submitted to the initiative leaders. The project panel will review all the bids and submit its recommendations by April. The Earthlink and Google bid has enjoyed more review in the blogosphere. Most analysist and bloggers believe that the Earthlink / Google bid will win. If the project is completed successfully it will inpact positively on the use of VoWi-Fi in the city of San Francisco. Suscribers to services such as barablu etc will be able to make free mobile to mobile calls anywhere in San Francisco. With the availability of wireless broadband internet access city-wide, the use of voip applications on mobile devices will greatly increase .

Siemens SL550 - The Beautiful Skype Phone

This beautifuly designed cordless phone will become available as from april this year. Polyphonic ringer tones, colorful menu icons and background pictures as well as an extensive telephone directory for contact data bring mobile phone convenience home to the landline. The features of Siemens SL550 includes: • 128 x 160 Pixel with 65k Colour Display • Illuminated Display • Navigation Key • Screensaver • Handsfree • 20 Polyphonic Ringtones • Date Reminder with Alarm Call • Paging, Voice Dialing • SMS • Download Melodies via the PC • Walkie Talkie Mode • Conferencing • Talk Time of 10 hours and Standby Time of 200 hours • Indoor Range of 50 Meters and Outdoor Range of 300 Meters The phone also works with M34 cordless Skype adapter that allows you to keep in contact with friends and family all over the world from anywhere in your home.

NetZero Voice includes 10 minutes Free Calls to US, Canada and Puerto Rico

NetZero Voice has added 10 minutes free PC-to-phone calls to U.S, Canada and Puerto Rico for all their users. These will enable users to test their premium services without a creditcard. NetZero Voice enables one to make free pc-to-pc calls to other Netzero voice users and PC-to-phone calls all around the world at very low rates. Subscription to any of their premium services also includes 100 or more free minutes to phone numbers in U.S, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Om malik thinks browser phones will be very popular

Two of my last three post was on brower phones, ie softphone plugins for firefox from Zoep and WengoPhone. Today i read this post from Om malik and he thinks browser phones will be popular. Lets wait and see i would say.

WengoPhone now has a Firefox extension

Once again for those of you who like the convenience of having you voip client in your browser, WengoPhone now has a Firefox Extension. After downloading and installing, your WengoPhone can then be launched from your firefox toolbar. Unlike zoep which open a seperate gui, wengophone open on a sidebar in your browser, more convenient i would say.

Make free Mobile to Mobile Calls with Barablu

If you have a Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone you can make free mobile to mobile phone calls to all other Barablu users also on their Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone. You can call regular telephone using Barablu world very low rates or just chat with other Barablu users using Barablu Chat. This is another case of VoIP on the move. Calling mobile phone is still very expensive especially in europe and some other parts of the world and such services could help to cut cost. All you have to do is to download the Barablu software on your mobile device and you can make voip calls wherever you found yourself. I am yet to test this service at the moment because my mobile is not Wi-Fi enabled but i have read some positive comments about it in some forums. If you have used this service before please leave a comment here to let us know how it is.

Zoep - The browser phone.

If you are for one reason or the other fascinated with the idea of having your voip client integrated with your firefox browser then zoep is for you. The zoep browser phone is a Firefox extension which allows you to make phone calls directly from your browser. This is about the only difference I see in comparison with other phone clients. Like all others PC-to-PC calls to other zoep users are free and pc-to-phones rates are low. Zoep pc-to-phone rates almost equal the skypeOut rates. Since it is a firefox plugin , while browsing the internet and you decide to call someone all you have to do is just click the zoep button at the top of your browser , no need to go to desktop or programme menu to look for your skype, voipbuster etc. Instant messaging is also available while sms, voicemail and conferencing will be added soon. Firefox 1.5 is required to be able to use Zoep and it can be downloaded free from www.zoep.com

Skypho configuration for X-Lite

Here is a very detailed information on how to configure skypho on x-lite . Skypo works fine over x-lite and their rates are very low for some destinations.

Configuring InternetCall for X-Lite or X-Pro

Use the following configuration settings for InternetCalls on X-lite or X-Pro softphone. Enabled YES Display Name: (InternetCalls user name) Username: (InternetCalls user name) Authorization User: (InternetCalls user name) Password:(InternetCalls password) Domain/Realm: internetcalls.com SIP Proxy: connectionserver.internetcalls.com Out Bound Proxy sip.internetcalls.com Leave all other settings as default. This configuration is working for me but noticed that sometimes the audio quality is a little better using the internetcalls client directly.

Area 775 – New Service from Gizmo Project

The competition in the VoIP space is heating up real fast and companies are coming up with more and more innovative products to stay ahead of the competition. One such products is Area 775 launched not long ago by Gizmo Project. The major features of Area 775 includes: • Free U.S. based telephone number assigned to your computer and any phone • Dual Ring - Incoming calls simultaneously ring computer and regular phone • Call Screening - Listen to callers leave messages in real time (press 1 to take the call) • Transfer Calls - You can transfer any call to any phone by pressing 2 • Voicemail (email and phone) • SMS notification The service is divided into three categories, FREE, BASIC and PRO. The FREE subscribers get a free U.S Telephone number with all the features above but must pay $2.00 per call if they decide to answer the call on their regular phone. BASIC subscribers pay $ 3.95 per month for the ability to choose their own area code and can answer calls free on their regular phone. The PRO subscribers get all the BASIC features and can also access their voicemail over a toll free number. All calls received on the Gizmo project client are free. I have tested this service and it worked fine just like the IPKall service which I configured on my gizmo project client. Also calls from voipbuster, voipcheap, Jajah Web and voipstunt to my Area 775 number were completed successfully. So if you are interested in getting a free U.S number assigned to your gizmo project client and regular phone then this is a good service for you, subscription can be made at www.gizmoproject.com .

InternetCalls debuts with 45 free Countries and Call forwarding

A new internet phone debuts yesterday with 45 free countries and Call forwarding capability. It has the footprints on Finarea, the company behind voipbuster, voipcheap, voipstunt etc written all over it. The GUI design is very similar to voipstunt and rates are exactly the same. Now you can call 45 countries for free as against 39 countries in the case of voipstunt. The latest addition to the list of free countries are Thailand, Russia federation, Venezuela, Peurto Rico, Panama and Singapore. One interesting feature of internetcalls is call forwarding, now you can forward your voip-in and P2P calls to any phone number of your choice, the forwarded calls will be charged at the internetcall standard rates which mean free if the number is in one of the free countries. I have tested it and the audio quality is very good. If you are allready using voipbuster, voipcheap or voipstunt you have to choose a different username because non of the usernames you allready registered with any of those applications will not work confirming the fact that internetcall is also from finerea. InternetCalls can be download for free at www.internetcalls.com.

Bebo integrates SkypeWeb

One of the fastest growing social networking website in America and the largest in UK and Ireland with more than 20 million users has integrated SkypeWeb with their system. SkypeWeb which is supported in the latest version of skype enables skype users to display their online status on their web pages or e-mail. With this integration all Beboers need to do is enter their Skype username on their Bebo profile. When they view other member's profiles they will be able to see who is online. If they are online they can instantly IM them or even call them on online using skype.

PSGw - The Skype to SIP Gateway.

PSGw is an application that enables the connection of Skype networks and H.323/SIP networks. The Skype-SIP gateway so to say. Calls to from skype can be routed to SIP network and vice versa. Read a more detailed review from Tom keating, also Jan in Malaysia has a review of PSGw and some other ways of connecting skype to traditional phone systems.

Jajah Web – Click to Call.

To me, for those people with slow internet connection such as dial up jajah web is manna from heaven. They can now enjoy the cost savings of voip telephony without a broadband internet connection. Jajah web makes it possible to use your normal or mobile phone to make internet calls. No download, no installation, no headset is required to use jajah web. All that is required is to go to www.jajah.com and registered for the service. To make a call just enter your telephone number and the number of the person you want to call and click Call. Immediately your phone will ring and a voice will ask you to hold while your call is connected , in seconds your call is connected and you can continue to make internet call using your normal telephone. I have been testing this service since it was launched last week and it has been really great. The audio quality is very good and connections are made almost instantly. The only down side I noticed was the fact that the person you call also hears a voice asking him/her to wait while the called is connected. So you might get questions like who was that, that first pick the phone when you call or similar. Really great service for those with slow internet connection and also when one is on the move, you can just go a nearby internet café and use jajah web to connect your mobile phone and whoever you want to call anywhere in the world. The rates are really low too, just the standard rate of jajah for PC-to-Phone calls.

Use Skype Anywhere with VoSKY Call Center

VoSKY Call Center is a very innovative product from Actiotec that enables one to enjoy skype from anywhere and any phone. The era of having to sit in front of your computer to make voip calls is all but gone the moment you get VoSKY Call Center. VoSKY connects to your computer via USB port and connects to your telephone line via RJ-11 cable ( see the image). To call a skype contact all you have to do is call the number your VoSKY is connected to, from any phone including mobile and then dial your skype contact number. In summary by plugging VoSKY Call Center to any internet connected PC and any stationary phone with which it is being used, users have the ability to: • Place Skype and SkypeOut calls from any mobile or stationary phone, simply by calling the phone number to which the Call Center is connected and following the voice prompts to initiate the call. • Receive incoming Skype or SkypeIn calls on any mobile or stationary phone, using an incoming call forwarding feature that allows the Call Center to direct Internet calls to any phone number of the user's choice. • Get notified on any phone when Skype contacts come online, using a call return feature that enables the Call Center to call any phone number when a previously unavailable buddy signs on. Users can then call that person by pressing the "1" button on their telephone keypad. These features extend Skype's reach not only to cell phones but also to consumers who have no broadband connection at home. In that case, the VoSKY Call Center can be installed at the office, and users can call their office number to make Skype or SkypeOut calls. VoSKY cost just $69.95 and its available at www.vosky.com.

Salesforce.com Charges into Call Center Space

Salesforce has charged into the call center marketplace with the release of its newest version of its supportforce product, which has been re-branded Salesforce Services & Support, as well as a handful of new strategic alliances with industry heavyweights, like Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories and Sitel. At a marketing event in Midtown Manhattan, the on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) innovator announced that its customer service and support offerings, Salesforce service and support 2.0 and AppExchange Service & Support 1.0, represent two components of its four-pronged strategy. Service & Support represents the successor to Supportforce, which was launched with an equal amount of fanfare a year ago. Since then, Salesforce.com has pushed the call center technology into the hands of 1,700 customers. Benioff said its solution has managed approximately 12 million customer interaction cases. But while the solution has been on the market for some time, there are signs supportforce has failed to gain traction in the all-important large-scale segment of the market, even though the company has been making inroads with enterprise-wide deployments of its sales force automation and opportunity management platforms. In order to help secure some footing in the call center market, salesforce.com has not only enlisted Genesys to help deploy voice-enabled inbound call center solutions, but also has hired Bonnie Crater from the Alcatel company in February 2005 to assume the newly created position of vice president and general manager, Salesforce Service and support. According to the eight-month-old salesforce.com executive, the company's strategy to approach the contact center market remains the same. "We're leveraging partnets," Crater said

Moscow City Telephone Network Applies FrontRange IPCC to New Automated Systems

Russian communications News service comnews.ru reported that Moscow City Telephone Network (MGTS) has launched a new service for 09 directory assistance. This service, which increases bandwith via automation and voice recognition, was developed for MGTS by FrontRange Solutions, know in Russia for its CRM solutions. The system includes and integrated speech recognition module from technology leader Nuance communications. With the new call processing service, the Automatic 09 Operator software/hardware system. subscribers can quickly obtain any of 2,000 essential telephone numbers, to navigate the menu; a speech-recognition system processes the commands. The system divides directory assistance inquiries into several categories: Emergency Assistance, City Government, MGTS information, Transportation, Repair Services, and Medical. MGTS plans continuous updates to this list wherein the automatic operator suggests menu items to subscribers such as: "Welcome. For emergency assistance, say: 'assistance'. to switch to the Transportation menu, say: 'Transportation.'" The automatic operator currently has 5000 words in its active dictionary. The system's speech recognition accuracy is 95% and its software can process calls over 210 telephone channels simultaneously. Dmitry Stoliar, FrontRange Solutions Sales Director in Russia, explained that the setup of the system started in March 2005 and launched test runs of the service in July. At the same time, its capacity was built up so that in september it reached the target level of seven E1 circuits, or 210 channels, each of them with speech recognition technology in operation. The system is easily scalable and allows unlimited expansion of the directory database.

Overnight, Texas Expands its 2-1-1 VoIP Call Solution to Help Katrina Evacuees

In response to the needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees, eLoyalty Corporation's clients, the State of Texas Department of Information Resources(DIR) abd tge Texas Health and Human services commossion (HHSC), were able to in a twelve-hour period - expand the capacity of Texas' 2-1-1 hotline to accommodate an unprecedented level of call to the hotline. Similar expansions typically require a full month to complete. This 2-1-1 hotline assists the evacuees in getting information on shelter locations, hospitals, Red Cross locations, supplies, and humanitarian needs. Recognizing the magnitude fo the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the first priority of HHSC and DIR wos to do the right thing for the evacuees. Expanding the state's 2-1-1 call capacity was critical to helping to direct evacuees to shelters and other assistance. The state of Texas reports that the number of calls handles daily by the 2-1-1 operation increased from about 2,500 to more than 10,000 in the first days after the disaster, as hurricane evacuees sought assistance. Since September 1st, over 225,000 calls have been made to Texas 2-1-1. The increase in call capacity and new call management solution began with DIR's action to move excess capacity from the Texas Capitol complex telephone system to 2-1-1's VoIP network. Then, DIR's eLoyalty, and the telecommunications partner's technicians working overnight were able to re-route overflow 2-1-1 calls in the Houston area to other information centers around the state. In Austin, HHSC and eLoyalty set up a new 50-telephone center to take the calls. In a matter of hours starting the afternoon of september 2nd, eLoyalty and HHSC designed a network with the state's partners that significantly canged capacity and call routing algorithms, created new IVR applications, built intelligent call routing rules, and created new operations reporting. All of this was done on the Cisco-based VoIP enterprise IPCC solution and all of these critical tasks were accomplished by 5 a.m., September 3rd. Due to the uncertaninty of cell phone access from providers outside of Texas, HHSC implemented a toll-free number for disaster information that also utilizes the 2-1-1 network. One of the strengths of the state's 2-1-1 system is the capability to adjust capacity, but making that adjustment overnight is nothing short of incredible. We were able to make this happen because of the exceptional communication and coordiantion we have with HHSC and our vendor partnets," said DIR Telecommunications Director Brian Kelly.

ZTE Exclusively Awarded IPTV Project by China Telecom

ZTE Corporation, the fastest growing global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, has won a 100,000 subscriber IPTV contract from the Jiangsu Branch of China Telecom, China's largest fixed-line telecommunications operator. The IPTV project, following ZTE's IPTV contact win from the Shannxi Branch of the same operator in September this year, is also China's largest IPTV network. China is experiencing surging subscriber demand for new communications and entertainment services and IPTV is seen as the cut-in point and foundation of the future digital home. It is a pivotal services - voice, data, and video. Global fixed-line operators are now focusing their attention on deploying IPTV services and providing customized and content-rich services to subscribers. Jiangsu is one of the most developed provinces in China and one of thee most important strategic telecoms markets in the country. The IPTV project with China Telecom's Jinagsu branch is a key part of China Telecom's IPTV trials, and is only the second tender result formally announced by the company after the Shannxi contract. ZTE won the IPTV project in competition with most of the major international IPTV system providers. The win includes an agreement that ZTE will be the sole provider of IPTV systems and equipment to China Telecom, Jiangsu branch. With its advanced telecommunications equipment technologiew, in-depth insight into multimedia telecommunications services as well as strong R&D capabilities, ZTE's NGN-based IPTV system delivers distinct advantages in terms of network planning and service operation. It can help fixed-line operators realize retained profit by constantly and effectively providing abundant customer-made services.

Alcatel IP Touch Series 8 Phones

As part of the Alcatel professional line, these state-of-the-art IP Phones are full-featured with integrated IP connectivity and telephony, bringing you the converged power of data and voice over IP. Besides their optimized design, these terminals offer high-resolution adjustable color or gray screens, wide band audio, superior quality ring tones, the freedom and connectivity of Bleutooth wireless technology, plus the capability to support any web-based business application. Alcatel IP touch provides the very best in sound quality thanks to a large range of new advancements, and an XML interface enables you to customize your communications infrastructure to the unique demands of your business. The new terminals offer full range of telephony services found in Alcatel’s acclaimed OmniPCX servers unsurpassed in terms of functionality, features, reliability, and quality of service.

Configuring Netappel for X-Lite or X-Pro

Use the configuration data below to configure the new Netappel for X-Lite or X-Pro softphone: Enabled YES Display Name (netappel user name) Username (netappel user name) Authorization User (netappel user name) Password (netappel password) Domain/Realm netappel.fr SIP Proxy sip. netappel.fr Out Bound Proxy sip.netappel.fr Leave all other settings as default.

Google integrates Google Talk and GMail

Google is integrating Google Talk and Gmail. Users of gmail can now chat directly from the Gmail interface. Just click on the chat button next to your friend's name and you'll be IMing just like in Google Talk. No need to switch away from Gmail, it just happens right in the same place. Also google talk users can now save, search and organize their chat histories. Its kind of good to have everything in one place instead of having to switch from one interface to the other. Maybe in the future it will be possible to make google talk calls directly from the gmail interface.

Skype's Contemplates Interoperability

Report has it that skype is in discussions with competitors about the possibility of providing interoperability. A Skype spokeswoman told Light Reading last week that Skype was holding discussions on the matter both internally and externally. Another spokeswoman also said that client interoperability (known as federation) is "on the radar screen", but not around the corner. I know this will not happen soon because skype is very reluctant to interoperate with other providers but that they are talking about it at all is a good thing. I believe interoperation holds a lot for the future of voip technology and calls originating from one voip application should be able to terminate in another seamlessly like case of conventional pstn calls.

SightSpeed – High Quality video Softphone

SightSpeed simply turns your PC or MAC into a high quality video phone. Developed by Berkeley, California based SightSpeed Inc, a leading provider of free and premium Internet video and voice communications services (VVoIP and VoIP). SightSpeed enables users to make best quality video and voice calls and send video message over the internet. It is very easy to install and use. SightSpeed Standard service plan is free and premium plan is available at a price for the power user and commercial use. The standard service plan gives unlimited voice and 1-to-1 video calling, video mail with up 30 seconds in length and up to 30 days storage. The premium plan includes in addition to the features of the standard service the capability to make unlimited multi-party calls, 60 seconds video mail length etc. Also bloggers can use SightSpeed to create and post video blogs.

IP Phones

GXP 2000 – Next generation enterprise IP telephone

Grandsteam GXP-2000 is a next-generation enterprise IP telephone based on open industry standards. Built on innovative technologies, GXP-2000 features market-leading superb audio quality, rich functionality and excellent manageability at affordable prices. GXP-2000 features dual 10/100M switched Ethernet ports, headset jack, adjustable large 130x64 graphic LCD (with support for multiple languages), 7 programmable speed dial keys, 11 line indicators ( 4 dedicated and 7 shared with speed dial keys), with further expandability to support several dozen additional programmable keys via an add-on keypad box, and much more.

Nortel

Nortel IP Phones are capable of supporting the comprehensive telephony features and applications available with meridian 1, Business Communications Manager, communication Server 1000, Multimedia Communication Server 5100, as well as Nortel service provider platforms. Whether you choose a full-featured desktop internet telephone or prefer the comfort and convenience offered by our software-based internet telephone, Nortel Networks has the right solution for you. The internet telephones operate seamlessly across our entire range of IP-enabled platforms, offering a complete, full featured VoIP Phones solution unmatched by any other vendor. The Nortel Networks IP Phones provide support for a wide range of today's high-value eBusiness applications, including CallPilot Unified Messaging and Symposium Call Center services such as voice-activated dialing and corporate and personal directory services. Nortel's IP Phone 2007 incorporates a 5.7" (12.7 cm x 17.8cm) color touch-screen, bringing multimedia presentation support to the desktop IP Phone. Virtual Network Computing technology optimizes content pushed from external application servers in advanced text or graphical format. A USB port supports standard USB mouse and keyboards for simple "point-n-click" access and navigation. Nortel's line of IP Phones includes five desktop units, a conference phone, wireless phones, and a conference phone.

Mitel

Designed with ergonomics and modern office aesthetics in mind, Mitel’s desktop devices give users easy intuitive access to the feature-rich telephony and advanced desktop applications enabled by Mitel integrated communicatios platforms. Mitel continues to offer a wide range of IP Phones from affordable entry level to sophisticated IP Phones and devices including wireless handsets, Conference units and PC-based attendant consoles. The true promise of VoIP is at the user’s desktop, where combining voice, data, and video enables advanced new IP-based multimedia applications. The 5200 IP Desktop Portfolio gives users unprecedented levels of personal control over their business communications. The phones and devices feature a context-sensitive softkey/display combination-technology that was pioneered by Mitel almost a decade ago. The combination reduces user uncertainty while supporting efficient call processing, application access and preferences programming by displaying only those prompts appropriate to the function in progress. Users can easily program their personal phone preferences via their web browser. In fact, one 5200 IP Desktop device – the Mitel IP Phone – even combines the power of IP Telephony and PDA technology to provide users with unparalleled levels of access, flexibility and control.

Cisco

Cisco IP Phones provide solid, inviting, simple-to-use, functional, and fully featured next-generation communications devices. Cisco IP Phones give customers an exciting new user interface that offers display-based access to features, productivity-enhancing applications, value-added services, and the industry’s first Gigabit Ethernet IP Phone. From the company lobby to the desk of the busiest of managers, from the manufacturing floor to the executive suite, at home, on the road or from a branch location, there is a Cisco IP Phone designed to meet every need. Cisco provides a complete range of next-generation communications devices that take full advantage of the power of your data network, while providing the convenience and ease of use you’ve come to expect from your business phones. Cisco IP Phones enhance productivity and address the needs and capabilities of your organization. High-quality, hands-free speaker-phone capability and built-in headset connectivity are included. The large pixel-based display supplies important communications information and ease of feature usage, as well as access to many exciting productivity enhancing applications via XML-based services can be customized to provide users with access to a diverse array of information such as stock quotes, employee extension numbers, or any Web-based content. Cisco’s 7900 series consists of more than a dozen desktops, wireless conference, and softphone products. Innovaphone Innovaphone’s IP 200 is a user-friendly telephone designed for the use in offices. It is the ideal system telephone component for the innovaphone PBX. The ergonomically designed device offers intuitive operation for a great number of addet features. This soon gains it favorite status with all those who use the telephone widely. Innovaphone’s IP 200 is perfectly suited for home offices. It can be connected directly to a DSL modem. Its implemented PPoE protocol enables it to sign on the the internet provider. As soon as it is logged on, the IP 200 creates a VPN connection with the company’s network, and signs on at the company’s telephone system via the established tunnel. Six function keys allow the user to further optimize his work procedures. Each key supports up to four different definitions, which will be shown in the corresponding display line. A selection of 23 available key functions guarantees truly customized configuration possibilities. The functions range from activating call diversion or bell signal muting to voice announcements or a partner key with busy lamp field of secretarial functions. Innovaphone IP telephones include the IP10, IP100, IP200, IP202 models, as well as a softphone. Intel-Tel Whether you need a sensible office phone, a menu-driven display phone, or a multimedia touch-screen phone, Inter-tel’s suite of endpoints delivers the flexibility your business needs for on-site employees and remote users to perform their business functions with continuity. To suit customers’ dynamic needs, most Inter-Tel IP endpoints are available in two modes: Inter-Tel Protocol and SIP mode. Inter-Tel Protocol provides an IP endpoint with access to the features and functionality of a traditional Inter-Tel endpoint. Implementing SIP mode allows your enterprise to access the Shared Extension feature, which allows multiple endpoints to use the same extension number on an Inter-Tel advanced communications system. Incoming calls to a shared extension are sent to SIP endpoints simultaneously; offering you dynamic mobility when you’re away from your main desk. Additionaly, SIP mode enables IP endpoints to interoperate with thir-party SIP solutions. Regardless of your business needs, Inter-Tel extends award-winning application performance to its wide range of flexible, intelligent, mobile, and easy-to-use communications endpoints, all of which are designed to suit your unique requirements. Inter-Tel also offers three wireless IP devices, as well a a softphone. Linksys The Linksys One PHM1200 IP telephone looks and works like a key system phone, but it will also connect to the internet and will be very easy and cost-effective to deploy. Linksys One technology is automatic and self-comfiguring – plug in a Linksys One Services Router switch port and you’ll be ready to make and receive calls using business quality VoIP. You’ll also get advanced features and ease of use. A planned applications programming interface will eventually allow applications to be hosted on the phones either local to the business site or delivered as a component of a hosted service. But there’s no need to wait – today’s Linksys ON IP Phones have all useful features of most popular key sets and can save you money, starting now. The Linksys One PHM1200 IP telephone delivers both traditional telephone services to the small business user such as call forwading, transfer, busy lamp field and shared line appearances on a next-generation IP phone platform. This platform contains a high-resolution color , backlit display; 24 programmable buttons with integrated LEDs, 4 softkeys, 3 fixed function keys and a 5-position navigation key. A full duplex speakerphone, handset and headset port offer superlative audio quality, volume control and muting control. An integrated voice mail application provides cost-effective, high-quality voice messaging service with both local and remote access to voice mail. Avaya Both standards-based Avaya IP Phone series – the 4600 Series and the 5600 series – bring the rich features and functions of Avaya Communication Manager directly to the desktop, while also supporting desktop applications abve and beyond telephony. Several models are available, ranging from entry-level IP Phones to those built specifically for demanding contact center environments, to sophisticated color-display screenphones. The phones all are easily configured to support both the H.323 protocol and SIP. The 4600 and 5600 series both feature models with a built-in high quality full duplex speakerphone with echo cancellation and a tuned speaker cavity to provide a best in audio quality. Both also provide the same advanced calling features, such as a message waiting indicator, easily readable displays, hearing aid compatibility, NetMeeting compatibility, multiple programmable feature keys and display navigation keys. Avaya’s IP phones deliver an extensive set of software features, high audio quality, and attractive streamlined design. Advanced Web-enabled graphical displays on several versions support browser-based desktop applications such as online order entry and inventory lookup in addition to more traditional voice applications. Avaya’s VoIP solutions include more than a dozen desktop units, as well as wireless and softphone options. Allworx Allworx IP phones save you money by sending calls over the internet, save you time with easy-to-use design, and travel effortlessly between work, home, and clients. The 9102 is ideal for those who want the power and cost efficiencies of VoIP but don’t have a high call volume. It has a sleek, compact design, supports two lines, and includes two programmable function keys. The 9112 is perfect for executives, office managers, administrative assistants, remote users, and employees who make and received a high volume of calls. It is designed for people who make and receive high volumes of calls. It provides 12 programmable features keys, which can accommodate any combination of PBX call appearance, speed dialing, and direct station dialing. Both models feature elegant design and adapt to any business environment – from engineering consulting firms to retail locations. Both also incorporate all the commonly used features needed fro day-to-day business, which are accessible directly from the phone, such as voicemail messages, transfer, conference calling, intercom, mute, hold, do not disturb, call waiting, and full-duplex speakerphone. AltiGen The IP 710 is a fully featured IP telephone designed to empower the user. Bringing stylish form and functionality to the desktop, the IP 710 makes sophisticated features simple and intuitive. Users have single-button access to voicemail, activity/presence selection, voicemail greeting selections, call recording, call conferencing, call transferring and even placing calls to employees in other countries. With the 4 line, backlit liquid crystal display the IP 710 is capable of displaying time, Caller ID name and number, real-time call center workgroup statistics, do-not-disturb, and call forwarding status. User’s can personalize the IP 710 with 15 backlit user-defined keys. These programmable keys can be set up for any combination of configurable features like, but not limited to speed-dialing, extension busy/ringing appearances, call appearances, line appearances, and workgroup activity status. AltiGen also provides you with 14 combined traditional and melodic ring tones which can also be assigned to line and extension appearances on the programmable keys. AltiGen also provides you with 14 combined traditional and melodic ring tones which can also be assigned to line and extension appearances on the programmable keys. AtiTouch 510 telephones make executive-level features and capabilities affordable enough for every user. The large, easy-to-use display shows caller ID numbers and names, date and time, do-not-disturb status, call forward status and has pre-programmed soft key function keys that provide effortless access to the rich AltiServ system functionality. The AltiTouch 510 is equipped with a high quality speaker, a large backlit LCD display with adjustable viewing angle, and an LED voice mail waiting indicator. One touch buttons provide access to features and call control including: volumes, mute, voice mail, voice mail greeting management, do not disturb, intercom, headset answering, conference, hold, transfer, redial, call release, speed dial, call directory, extension management, line pickup, account codes and much more.

SI 160 – IP Phone with built-in smart card reader

ADTech has developed an IP phone with a built-in smart card reader to exploit the full power of VoIP installations, allowing users to be more efficient and productive. ADTech SI 160 is a powerful platform designed to provide a large panel of added value services in addition to IP telephony. Storing user specific settings on a smart card (phone extension, preferred tones, access policy, etc) makes a user totally mobile, with the phone being reprogrammed at every card insertion and the calls being automatically rerouted. Click here for more on the features of SI 160.

SkypeIn numbers now available for Brazil

This is good news for Skype user in Brazil or skypers with relatives or friends in Brazil. SkypeIn numbers are now available for Brazil. Skype is providing this numbers through their partner Transit Telecom. To get a Brazil skypeIn number just Click Here now.

Configuring Voipcheap for X-LIte or X-Pro

Use the configuration data below to configure the new voipcheap for X-lite or X-Pro softphone: Enabled YES Display Name (voipcheap user name) Username (voipcheap user name) Authorization User (voipcheap user name) Password (voipcheap password) Domain/Realm voipcheap.co.uk SIP Proxy sip.voipcheap.co.uk Out Bound Proxy sip.voipcheap.co.uk

Greenwoods to Sell ShoreTel VoIP in the UK

Greenwoods communications, the UK’s leading independent telecoms services company, has been appointed channel partner for ShoreTel’s award winning VoIP product suite. Greewoods communications will be aiming the ShoreTel VoIP telephone system primarily at enterprise customers in the UK where the company can offer a complete supply, installation and support package. “Greenwoods Communications sees the ShoreTel appointment as a valuable foothold in the SME market where our natural and well –proven strengths in the telecoms field can be used to enhance our product offerings and to provide a springboard for our operations and maintenance services,” comments Peter Skinner, Commercial Director, Greenwoods Communications. “We will also be offering the solution to European multi-nationals where the proven benefits of VoIP can significantly enhance productivity and reduce communication costs.” ShoreTel’s channel program provides extensive modular and technical training, support and rewards to ensure the success of the channel partnership. ShoreTel will also assist with the development of Greenwoods Communications’ sales and marketing strategies to meet agreed, predetermined revenue and customer satisfaction forecasts.

Vling Softphone now with new features

The Vling Softphone from EarthLink now has some new and exiting features which include file sharing, offline messaging, new voicemail options. Vling Softphone is a voip application that allows free PC-to-PC calls between users with very good audio quality. Premium subscribers can also make cheap PC-to-phone calls. EarthLink is also working on adding new features like conference calling, video chat and more. Vling Softphone can be downloaded free from www.earthlink.net/voice/vling. Most, if not all providers of voip softphones and services has now been able to achieve very good audio quality and getting a competitive advantage now depends on amount of innovative and exiting features that are included in their softphones or services.

EarthLink, Ambient, Level3 Deploy trueVoice VoIP

Broadband over Power Lines provider Ambient Corp. announced that it will deploy EarthLinks new VoIP-based calling service, trueVoice, to its Manhattan, NY pilot. As a third partner, Level3 Communications announced it joined the duo to deliver the voice communications service over Ambients’s BPL network. EarthLink’s NYC pilot, activated earlier this year, is currently providing broadband Internet services to condonminium owners of a 16 floor, 213-unit building. “Making phone calls over the internet is revolutionizing the way consumers use their communication tools and changing the way our customers view EarthLink,” said Steve Howe, vice president of voice services at EarthLink. “By incorporating trueVoice into this BPL pilot, we are further demonstrating our commitment to advancing new technologies that can serve as competitive broadband alternatives into the home.” Even though EarthLink is still a few months away from officially launching this VoIP offering, the bulk of the internet service provider’s telephony portfolio has already become apparent. EarthLink’s trueVoice is powered by Ensim’s telephone provisioning software built on top of Sonus Networks’ Voice over Broadband platform, Acme Packet’s Net-Net session border controllers, and Level3 for connectivity and E911 services. The service would complement EarthLink’s line-powered voice service, which the ISP plans to trial in San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas through a partnership with Covad Communications, and its Vling softphone, which is powered by Pingtel and is currently in the beta-testing phase.

Skype and Google backs Wi-Fi sharing company

A spain based Wi-Fi sharing company, Fon Technology SL has won the backing of Skype and Google. Fon Technology SL is partly a grass-root social movement that encourages users to share Wi-Fi internet access with their neighbours with the objective of creating a block-by-block network of shared wireless internet access around the globe. The company will announce on Monday that it has received $21.7 million in funding from backers including skype and Google. It understandable why skype and google are backing Fon Technology SL on this project. Both company have VoIP service on their own and a widespread availability of Wi-Fi access will only increase the use of wireless VoIP or Wi-Fi VoIP. For more details check out the news item at Reuters UK and the Fon Technology’s website.

Configuring SparVoIP for X-Lite

Use the configuration data below to configure the new SparVoIP for X-lite softphone: Enabled YES Display Name (sparvoip user name) Username (sparvoip user name) Authorization User (sparvoip user name) Password (sparvoip password) Domain/Realm sparvoip.de SIP Proxy sip.sparvoip.de Out Bound Proxy sip.sparvoip.de

SparVoIP, the latest from FINAREA

Finarea, the company behind the highly popular voipbuster has released another softphone targeted primarily at German users. Its as expected just another variation of voipbuster, the only difference being the slightly different user interface design and the fact that it is in german. At the moment you can call landlines in about 35 countries free for 1 minute for the trial version and unlimited after you buy 10 euros credit. I have tested it and it worked fine with superb audio quality like its predecessors voipbuster, voipcheap and voipstunt. Users of one of sparvoip predecessors that still want to continue enjoying free calls to Germany should download sparvoip and buy 10 euros credit as Germany will seize to be free from all others expect sparvoip soon. This is the way finarea is making to us to somehow pay for the free calls. SparVoIP can be downloaded free from www.sparvoip.de

Configuring SipDiscount for X-Lite

Use the following configuration settings for Sipdiscount on X-lite softphone. They worked even better than the one suggested on the sipdicount website. Enabled YES Display Name (Sipdiscount user name) Username (sipdiscount user name) Authorization User (sipdiscount user name) Password (sipdiscount password) Domain/Realm sipdiscount.com SIP Proxy connectionserver.sipdiscount.com Out Bound Proxy sip.sipdiscount.com Leave all other settings as default. This configuration is working for me, I used to have some problems while using the settings suggested on the sipdisount website but with the above settings no problem at all . Voipstunt for now only work with their softphone.

JAJAH to launch JAJAH WEB

Jajah will soon launch a web activated telephony nicknamed Jajah web. JAJAH WEB stands for web activated telephony in a click. The idea is Truly simple: see a number on your screen, call it, talk via your own phone, save money.Calls triggered through JAJAH WEB are phone-to-phone, you don't need a headset, a microphone or a special Internet phone to use it and you are not tied to your machine when talking to your friends. JAJAH WEB works with your web browser, you don't have to download or install any kind of software to use it. JAJAH WEB is as simple as searching a keyword in Google and JAJAH WEB is as comfortable as any regular phone call, but much cheaper. And last but not least you can use JAJAH WEB also with Mac or Linux operating systems. The countdown to the launch is on their web site at www.jajah.com

VoIP Providers Win Major Victory

The FCC may have been a bit too hasty in requiring VoIP providers a short window to provide nation wider E-911 compliance. The original deadline was in August of this year. Not only did the FCC have to subsequently push back the deadline for compliance, but the Senate Commerce Committee pushed back the deadline for full 911 compliance for up to four years. The deadline will be moved in one year increments based on waivers granted by the FCC. These waivers will be granted if compliance is not technically or operationally feasible at the time. The legislation, S 1063, waives the current November deadline and requires revised FCC rules within 120 days from the date the bill is enacted. Providers still have to warn subscribers that 911 and E-911 service is unavailable and receive confirmation from subscribers that this message is understood. The bill goes on to waive E-911 rules for up to four years if the service provider meets a specific set of tests. One of the more important parts of this bill is the requirement that our public safety 911 system be modernized. The bill also treats VoIP providers like wireless and wireline carriers in another vital area: public safety officials are now immune from lawsuits when they accept VoIP calls. The bill also does wonders for providers who were afraid they would have to cut off customers. As long as these customers subscribe before the end of 2005 and acknowledge certain 911 limitations, they cannot be disconnected.

Marcom Systems Introduces Audiolog 3.3

Mercom Systems announced its Audiolog Call Recording Server Release 3.3. Version 3.3 emphasizes security and reporting enhancements that lead the industry. With this release, Mercom continues to secure customer investments in call recording and quality monitoring solutions by sustaining upward compatibility and seamless scalability since its platform was first offered in 1996. Mercoms`s stable-platform development philosophy guarantees customers a versatile, full featured audio recording system with low total cost of ownership.

VoiceOne patners Google for Click-to-Call

Google is in a partnership with VoiceOne to provider click-to-call advertising. This service let people call advertisers directly from their search results without the need to pick up a phone and dial. This service is already in the testing phase.

SBC Intros IP-Based Surveillance

SBC Communications Inc. introduced its new IP-based system for remote monitoring of business network equipment and other critical info technology infrastructure. The system enables enterprises to monitor equipment at multiple sites from a centralized location, enabling customers to ensure that network issues are rapidly detected and rectified by video at remote locations without the need of regular IT staffing. “Asset protection is a high priority for many organizations today, as businesses increasingly depend on networks and IT infrastructure to maintain day-to-day operations,” said Mark P. Fishler, vice president, SBC Product Management. “At the same time, network and IT equipment is often spread out among multiple locations, and it often impractical to have on-site staff to monitor and manage equipment at every site. The SBC IP Surveillance solution is designed to provide a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative for these types of businesses.” SBC is the first telecom to deliver an IP-based monitoring system, which bundles NetBotz technology and is currently available today for customers in 19 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. NetBotz Inc. is a web-based monitoring system provider. The IP-based monitoring system comprises IP cameras with motion detectors, temperature sensors, power surge detectors, humidity sensors, fluid detectors, particle sensors, door sensors, and other detection equipment based on specialized customer requirements for larger spaces, such as data centers or manufacturing floors, or small spaces, such as equipment closets and server rooms. Additionally, the system automatically alerts cleared individuals of potential problems through e-mail, SNMP (simple network management protocol), HTTP POST, telephone, or pager notices. http://www.sbc.com

Skype to expand audio conferencing from 5 to 500 users

The current limitation of 5 users for audio conferencing will soon be removed by skype through a premium service that will allow up to 500 users per audio conference. This expansion will happen when Highspeedconferencing.com operated by Vapps, a vendor of audioconferencing equipment in Hoboken, New Jersey, gets certified as a Skype service and this is expected to happen in the next few weeks. The service will cost from $0.035 to $0.06 per minute and it will also be available to non skype users.