PIKA Connects Asterisk to Skype

Asterisk is the most sort after open source Voip system and connecting it to Skype has a huge potential and this is exactlly what PIKA Technologies has done. PIKA Technologies has developed a channel driver to allow connectivity between the Asterisk PBX and Skype .The driver will allow applications based on Asterisk to leverage Skype to make and receive calls, with value added caller ID and DTMF detection capabilities. AllOnHost, host-based voice processing technology from PIKA, is used to connect Skype users with Windows OS to the channel driver.
This driver is part of the PIKA Connect product line and is scheduled to be released in November. This Canadian company is now leading by example by deploying its own product in its office PBX system. PIKA customers all over the world can now call in free of charge using Skype . More info about PIKA Technologies can be obtained at www.pikatech.com

JAJAH Google Gadget

The guys at Jajah are always innovating. Always trying to put jajah web-activated telephony everywhere they can, in your browser, outlook, mobile phone, and now in your personalised google homepage. The JAJAH Google gadget adds web-activated telephony to your personalized Google homepage. Google’s personalized homepage offers the ability to create your own Google homepage that gives you at-a-glance access to key information from Google and across the web. As usual its really easy to install and setup, just click the add to google button on jajah google gadget webpage and follow the directions.

Jajah Mobile Review

There is actually not so much to write about Jajah Mobile because it so easy to use. You download a small java program to your jajah enabled mobile phone, install it and you can start to enjoy web activated telephony directlly from your mobile phone. All you have to do after jajah has been installed on your phone is to enter the number you want to call and press call and you will be immediatelly be connected to your desired destination. The audio quality is really good and does not consume lots of data so no big charges on your data plan, data is only sent during the call initiation process and afterwards it becomes just another voice call.

Google Click To Call Cancelled?

This piece was first published by Om on voip.gigaom.com and since then there has been a lot of debate on the blogosphore about the authencity of this piece. Even Om made it clear that its still a story he has not convirmed. He has contacted both Google and Ebay and hoping to clear the air on this soon. Despite this, in the discussions that this story has generated a clear division in opinion could be seen. While some believe that google abandoning the click-to-call plan would be a good thing because they dont see any potential success of this plan, others believe it would be a great mistake if google should go ahead and cancel the Click-to-call because the potential of such a programm is enourmous. You can read Rich Terahni and Alec Saunders reations to this story. I also personally believe that Google should never consider cancelling click-to-call because it has great business potential that one cant even foresee at the moment. Who would have thought that adwords and adsense would be such a big success they are today or even who would have thought that search engine would grow to be a multi billion dollar business some years past. If the prospect of Google cancelling click-to-call has caused your blood pressure to rise, you can now calm down has it has now been reported that it was just a hoax. Rich Tehrani has written on his blog that somebody hacked into blogger, impersonate Google and spread the false alarm. Thank God you would say!.

Verizon's G-PON get the support of Alcatel, Motorola and Tellabs

Already delivering broadband speeds faster than most other telecom and cable compa- nies, Verizon is now set to up the ante by installing equipment from Alcatel, Motorola, and Tellabs that will dramatically increase speeds on the company’s FTTP network.
Verizon will begin deploying Alcatel equipment later this year, followed by Motorola and then Tellabs. Initial estimates are the new equipment will be increase broadband speeds by up to four times on the downstream up to eight times on the upstream. The company says that equipment from the three suppliers will support its Gigabit Passive Optical Network, or G-PON. Alcatel equipment will be installed in Verizon’s central switching offices as well as in new installations of direct fiber-optic links terminating at customers’ premises.
Motorola (news - alert) and Tellabs (news - alert) both supply electronic equipment for the current technology being deployed in Verizon’s 16-state FTTP network, known as BPON or Broadband Passive Optical Network, making them a natural partner for continued expansion of services and capabilities.
“G-PON is the next step in the evolution of the all-fiber access network,” said Paul Lacouture, Verizon’s executive vice president for network and technology. “When we first launched the nation’s only large-scale FTTP program in 2004, we said that one of the most important competitive and cost-effective features is that we could increase speed and capabilities by evolving to more advanced electronics and without having to change the fiber we had already deployed or are deploying. Today’s announcement begins to fulfill that promise.”
Not only will the three vendors’ hardware increase broadband transmission speeds via the fiber network, it also will enhance Verizon’s FiOS TV product, enhancing its VOD capabilities and paving the way for an all-IP offering. Not surprisingly, the deal also brings additional cost savings for Verizon — the company says the costs of the electronics portion of the FTTP platform will be diminished by one quarter.

New IMS-Ready NBS from Sonus

Sonus Networks announced the general availability of its new Network Border Switch (NBS). This new network element has been designed specifically to provide carrier-class IP peering and security capability to both smaller IP-based voice networks and to less densely populated regions of larger IP-based networks. The introduction of the product expands the breadth of Sonus’ IMS-ready architecture, offering both new and existing customers greater flexibility in designing their networks and offering smaller footprint solutions without sacrificing carrier-class functionality.
Unlike traditional peering and security products — like Session Border Controllers (SBCs), which some believe may be becoming outdated — Sonus’ NBS incorporates session control, PSTN gateway services, and security into a single carrier-class system. Sonus has designed its IP-based NBS to allow network operators to leverage sophisticated media handling func- tionality, IP signaling options, network privacy and protection features, and traffic control fea- tures the system offers.
In addition to bringing an integrated solution to the market, the small form factor of Sonus’ NBS should draw new customers, as they will be able to enter the market at a lower price point, yet with a solution that can scale seamlessly as needed. Like all Sonus solutions, the NBS is standards-based, leveraging IMS standards, which means existing Sonus customers can easily integrate the new NBS into their existing infrastructures.
For new competitive network operators or incumbent network operators looking to scale their networks into new regions, the NBS will facilitate increased operational and CAPEX effi- ciencies, introduce new revenue generating opportunities through media transcoding, and ensure the signaling and media security functionality required to ensure network integrity. http://www.sonusnet.com

Terremark Signs IPTV Content Agreement with Eagle Broadband

Terremark Worldwide and Eagle Broadband have signed a multi-year, renewable colocation agreement to deliver IPTV content throughout the U.S. from Terremark’s NAP of the Americas Facility. Terremark provides Tier-1 Internet exchanges and is a global provider of managed IT infrastructure solutions for the government and private sectors. Eagle is a national provider of broadband, IP and communications technologies.
Eagle chose Terremark’s NAP of the Americas to provide a secure, fail-safe connection to customers throughout the US. The NAP of the Americas will serve as the central distribution hub for Eagle’s IPTV solution. The company’s IPTV services feature direct access to more than 200 channels of high-demand programming through a mix of SD and HD settop boxes.
“This is a significant step for us in the delivery of our IPTV solution and our growth strategy for this service,” said Dave Micek, CEO of Eagle Broadband. “Terremark’s robust and secure NAP of the Americas facility is the right place for us to be as we continue to grow our business in the IPTV content delivery service market.” “As this industry trend continues to get traction, we are delighted to welcome Eagle Broadband as one of the first IPTV distributors to our facility,” said Manuel D. Medina, Chairman and CEO of Terremark Worldwide. “Eagle Broadband will be able to connect their customers to their TV content providers by leveraging TWW’s secure, redundant and scalable environment.” http://www.terremark.com , http://www.eaglebroadband.com

RadiSys to Acquire Convedia

Two companies at the forefront of emerging technologies like IMS will soon be under a single umbrella, as RadiSys Corporation (news - alert) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Convedia Corporation. RadiSys has now entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately- held Convedia. The acquisition of Convedia will benefit both companies’ customers bringing together two sets of complementary technologies under one umbrella with an expanded team with greater scale and breadth to fully support customers’ driving needs. The combined facilities and staff will instantly expand global reach and the ability to service and support cus- tomers.
“We believe that IMS/VoIP is an important and growing market and that Convedia’s products and strong customer relationships, together with RadiSys’ ATCA leadership, creates a broader and more compelling portfolio of solutions for our customers across a larger addressable market,” said Scott Grout, RadiSys President and CEO.
The addition of Convedia will facilitate RadiSys’ penetration into the VoIP and IMS infrastructure markets and will aid in fulfilling RadiSys’ vision of providing turnkey networking platforms. Convedia’s Media Servers have been deployed at more than 200 customers around the globe, including half of the top 50 global telecommunication service providers.
The entire line of Convedia media servers will continue to be developed and enhanced under the RadiSys corporate brand. The combined firms also will leverage Convedia’s eXMP (eXtended Media Processing) software tech- nology to operate on RadiSys’ ATCA platforms, which will create even greater opportunities for the combined entity.

Mobile VoIP for Just $1 a Week from Rebtel

Have excess cell phone anytime minutes? Now you can put them to good use, thanks to a new service from Rebtel. The telecom recently launched a VoIP-based calling service offering low-cost international calls on their mobile phones. With Rebtel, users will be able to place these calls as if they were local for just a dollar a week.
“If you can make a local call on your mobile phone, you can be ‘rebbing’ within minutes for free,” said Rebtel’s president and CEO Hjalmar Winbladh. To get started, users can sign up for a Rebtel account online, where they enter their mobile phone number and the mobile phone numbers of global friends. Rebtel then instantly creates pairs of local numbers and sends them in text messages (SMS) so they can be saved in the friends’ phone address books and used to call each other from then on.
Once the account is set up, Rebtel then charges $1 per week for use of two services: REBin and REBout. With REBout, people use local numbers where they live to call anywhere in the world and only pay for the local call, plus a small per-minute fee to Rebtel. With REBin, no matter how many calls, how often or how long, there are no additional charges over Rebtel’s service fee and the cost of the local calls. http://www.rebtel.com

Video Distribution from Reliable Wireless

Ruckus Wireless has combined two growing fields, wireless and video, with its patent pending technology for reliable transmission of digital video over standards-based in-home wireless networks. Improving on the consistency and range of standard wireless connections, Ruckus goes one step further, enabling WiFi users to transmit their IPTV signal to their TV sets wirelessly. Furthermore, while service providers may be able to bring triple play services to subscribers’ homes, Ruckus’ technology enables easier distribution of the voice, video, and data services throughout the home using any standards-based 802.11 wireless connection.
In an effort to extend its market reach, Ruckus Wireless has reached an agreement whereby the Communications Supply Service Association (CSSA) will market, stock, and sell, Ruckus’ MediaFlex smart WiFi system for the home. CSSA member providers will now have easy access to some of the most compelling wireless technology available today.
“Extending next-generation, IP-based digital services in the home is a major issue for broadband providers. Ideally, a no-wire solution that is reliable enough to support IPTV is what providers and subscribers want,” said Scott Davison, vice president of strategic product develop- ment for CSSA. “Ruckus Wireless has overcome the technical obsta- cles that, up to now, effectively prohibited WiFi from serving this pur- pose in the home.”
“Our members have needed technology like this for a long, long time,” added Davison. “Solving the in-home distribution problem has been a big hurdle for providers, and we really didn’t think traditional WiFi would ever be made reliable enough.”

Sony Ericsson and Actimagine provide Video on the Move

Adding another feature to the ever evolving list of mobile applications, Sony Ericsson has now made it possible to watch full length feature films as you embark on those longer trips. Coinciding with the release of its newest smartphone, the M600i, Sony Ericsson has also launched its Mobile Cinema operation, which will make available DVD quality feature films for users to watch on their mobile devices. At the click of a button, users can be watching feature-length movies — literally anywhere — in DVD quality at 30 frames per second, while limiting power consumption. All you need to do is insert the memory card into the phone, click on the icon on the screen, and the film starts.
With French firm Actimagine’s Mobiclip codec, Sony Ericsson users achieve considerably better power consumption rates when watching video on the device, while still enjoying higher quality video. Actimagine’s technology makes it possible to watch a video clip, a concert, or even a movie with an exceptional quality of sound and picture.
In addition to its video capabilities, the M600i also is a touchscreen phone for everyday business and leisure use, with everything needed to maintain contact with friends, family, and colleagues in every way. It gives you secure push e-mail, Internet and company intranet access — when browsing the Web, users can still make and accept calls. The device can also send, receive, and edit attachments, as well as print to an available printer. What’s more, being a Symbian OS device, the M6001 is easily upgraded with addi- tional applications and tools, like navigation and personal organizer features — all of which make the M600i a device that enables total mobility…totally.

Two New BlackBerry Handsets for Australian Market from Vodafone and RIM

Vodafone and Research in Motion have launched two new BlackBerry handsets — the BlackBerry 8707v and the BlackBerry 7130v. Both handsets support push email, phone, text messaging, Internet, organ- izer, and corporate data applications, and feature a high resolution LCD screen that automatically dims or brightens, depending on where the device is being used. This “intelligent light sensing technology” (which also adjusts the back- lighting on the keyboard) is becoming popular in the PDA/smartphone market
According to the companies, the 8707v is the first UMTS-enabled BlackBerry handset that runs on Vodafone’s mobile broadband network and supports roaming internationally. The quad-band handset, which comes with a 35-key QWERTY keyboard, allows users to surf the Internet, send and receive emails, or use other mobile applications while simultaneously speaking on the phone. The 8707v can also be used as a tethered modem to enable users to access the Internet from their laptop computers.
The 7130v incorporates RIM’s SureType keyboard technology, which merges a phone keypad with QWERTY keyboard to allow a narrower design and enable users to quickly and accurately type messages and dial phone numbers. Both handhelds are supported by all BlackBerry software and services including the new BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express, which offers the same enterprise-level security, reliability, features and functionality of BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1 in a simple and effective solution.

Solar Powered Wireless

IR Data Corporation has introduced its SWAP900 solar wireless Access Point, making it possible to deploy large wireless networks with total independence from external power sources and data cables. The SWAP900 provides secure Internet access and interoperability with WiFi-enabled computers. The fully self contained, system makes it possible to deploy networks of hot spots over large areas on a permanent or temporary basis.
The system features a 2.4GHz, 802.11/g access point and a 913MHz radio mesh net- work — the 913MHz broadband radio provides the long range mesh network connectivi- ty, while the 2.4GHz radio provides the local network access for WiFi enabled computer users. The 913MHz radio enhanced by the use of dynamic channel coding, and modula- tion optimizations rapidly adapts to varying radio propagation conditions. This advanced radio technology greatly increases the network resiliency compared to other WiFi radio network systems.
The rugged aluminum weatherproof enclosure, solar module, and batteries are capable of 24-hour operation mounted on poles, towers, or rooftops that face the sun. Where there are trees and dense foliage, the 913MHz signals will provide much longer range connections compared to traditional WiFi-based systems. In fact, they will provide connectivity where higher frequency systems would fail. Naturally, this longer range also reduces the total number of units required per installation and, therefore, the total deployment costs. Of course, the very nature of a solar powered device also saves on energy costs, increasing the overall savings over the lifetime of the network. It also makes it possible to deploy networks where power is difficult to obtain.

Save In-Vehicle Option for Email Addicts

Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS) has introduced a technology that will help those email-addicted drivers who hold up traffic to check their latest messages. The latest latest member of IMS’ telematics line, iLane, is “the world’s first hands-free and eyes-free email solution for in-vehicle use.”
This patent pending technology enables a safe and convenient voice-based alternative for accessing email messages while in transit. Rather than taking his eyes off the road to scan a message or answer a call, iLane automatically notifies the user of incoming emails and other important information by reading a brief summary in a natural sounding voice in the language of choice. The driver can then listen to the entire email message, forward or compose a response, and manage meeting requests using verbal instructions. Phone calls,SMS messages, and a number of email attachment types can also be managed via the interface.
iLane consists of a small — yet powerful — device that interacts directly with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices and vehicle audio systems or headsets to read messages out loud and to listen to driver instructions. The presence of the driver is automatically detected by iLane, which then assumes control to intelligently capture and manage inbound information as soon as it arrives on the driver’s wireless email device. The driver does not need to remember to do anything differently to start taking advantage of benefits provided by iLane, which can be used via Bluetooth headsets, vehicle audio systems, or standard ear buds. Most importantly, the entire process is automatic, instantaneous, and seamless, with no buttons to push and no manual operation required. http://www.intellimec.com

Symbian Version 9.3 Released

Symbian recently announced the latest version of its operating system for mobile phones. Building on the success of its predecessors, Symbian OS v9.3 adds new enhancements to improve phone performance while reducing time-to-market for handset vendors and network opera- tors. Fully backwards compatible with previous versions in the v9 family, the new OS enables shorter start-up times for phones and key applications; improved memory management; reduced development and ownership cost; new development tools; and awareness for the Eclipse/CDT IDE framework and Nokia’s Carbide.c++.
“As the smartphone category broadens into different market segments and quickly expands across global regions, Symbian continues to focus on delivering a flexible and robust open mobile operating system,” said Jorgen Behrens, Symbian’s vice president of product management and strategy. “Symbian OS v9.3 will allow handset manufacturers and network operators to get the best and most differentiated phones to market faster, with lower costs and more easily. Approximately 35 million Symbian smartphones shipped in 2005. By providing enhanced market leading provisioning with Symbian OS v9.3 and a consumer market trend leaning towards convergence, we expect smartphone shipment numbers to increase rapidly.”
John Jackson, director of wireless/mobile technologies for Yankee Group, explained that, “as smart- phones’ functionality becomes pervasive, the handset market will be able to meet segment-specific demands rapidly, and at low cost,” Jackson said.
“The burgeoning service environment around 3G networks in many major markets places increasing demands on hand- set requirements. A robust, scalable OS and associated enabling software is crucial to vendors’ product roadmaps, and operators’ abili- ty to deploy differentiated services. Symbian OS enables significant market requirements in phone performance and hardware capabilities that allow handset manufacturers to bring more attractive differentiated phones to mar- ket more quickly.”

Phone for All

Fresh on the heels of introducing its latest RAZR and SLVR handsets, Motorola has announced the MOTOFONE, the company’s newest handset, which it says will redefine the mobile handset market by combining design and smart technology with affordability. At just nine millimeters, the MOTOFONE is Motorola’s thinnest phone yet. A flat keypad, colors, innovative materials and finish processes take elements of Motorola’s RAZR and SLVR portfolios and combine them with additional innovations to make a device that’s attractive and affordable for everyone.
MOTOFONE offers an intuitive, new interface built on icons and voice versus text. The use of imagery simplifies the device and makes it more user-friendly, especially for apprentice users, and voice prompts in local languages increase users’ comfort with their handsets, in addition to making the units easier to learn and use. Navigating menus, placing calls, and retrieving messages will be simpler than ever before. The phone’s large, high contrast screen, powered by Motorola’s ClearVision display — which leverages Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology — helps eliminate glare from direct sunlight, making it easier to use, even outdoors and on the go. The ClearVision display, along with the flush-fitting keypad and dust-resistant design, makes the MOTOFONE sleek, yet durable enough to withstand everyday use.
Proving the premise that uncomplicated, basic functionality can go hand in hand with style, the MOTOFONE includes the features every user wants, such as polyphonic ringtones, speakerphone, and long-lasting battery life. The device also includes a very powerful ‘loud’ volume to help ensure callers can hear phone conversations and will not miss calls, even in a busy marketplace or crowded street. http://www.motorola.com

Sprint plans EV-DO Rev A Upgrade Rollout

Sprint plans to start rolling out EV-DO Revision A (Rev A) technology onto its Sprint Power Vision mobile broadband network in Q4 2006 to a footprint of 200 million people, the nation’s third largest cellular operator announced. “By accelerating our EV-DO Revision A deployment, we are expanding the number of ways our customers can use the service to make their digital life simple, instant and productive,” said Len Lauer, Sprint’s chief operating officer.
Because the newer technology boosts upload speeds fivefold higher than current rates, it is ideally suited for richer applications, such as high-speed video telephony, music on-demand, video messaging, and large file uploads. Last week, Sprint successfully completed the first Rev A data connection over the Sprint Power Vision network in San Diego. This development, combined with a series of other positive performance tests, drove the decision to speed up the deployment plan.
The Rev A upgrade is initially expected to reach coverage of more than 40 million people by year end. Sprint’s Power Vision network will be completely upgraded to the faster Rev A by the third quarter of 2007. http://www.sprint.com

AirLink Modems Gets Certification for Verizons EV-DO Network

Verizon Wireless and AirLink Communications, a developer of fixed and mobile wireless data solutions, have announced that AirLink’s line of rugged modems are certified and immediately available for use with Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service via Verizon’s EV-DO network. With the certification, Verizon customers will be able to use AirLink’s Raven Ethernet (Raven-E) and PinPoint Ethernet (PinPoint-E) modems to run their wireless data on Verizon’s robust wireless broadband net- work.
AirLink’s Raven-E and PinPoint-E are intelligent modems providing Ethernet and digital interfaces to enable a host of data-intensive, fixed and mobile broadband applications. AirLink solutions are also well-suited for a number of machine-level fixed applications in a number of vertical markets, including financial and professional services, retail and distribution, industrial and utilities. Verizon’s EV-DO network brings higher data rates to customers — typical download speeds range from 400 to 700 kbps — enabling more reliable, consistent, and efficient communications.
“AirLink’s rugged intelligent modems are the newest addition to our extensive line of devices for business customers and mobile professionals, providing greater options to stay competitive, connected and productive in today’s fast-paced business environment,” said Cindy Patterson, staff vice president of enterprise data sales at Verizon Wireless.
Airlink’s embedded operating system, ALEOS, powers both modems and provides the reliable and feature-rich embedded intelligence that enables extensive wireless capabilities, like remote monitoring and configuration, pack- et-level diagnostics, and over-the-air firmware updates. It also simplifies instal- lation, operation, and maintenance of any solution and provides the “always- on” and “always-aware” connection management today’s businesses demand.

Palm TX Handhelds Used as Learning Devices at Olathe Unified School District

In Olathe, Kansas, The Olathe Unified School District is providing 2,300 Palm TX handhelds and an equal number of keyboards to its high school students, teachers, and administrators. The handhelds — which retail for about $205 apiece — are already integral part of the district’s high school curriculum. The district is already using about 1,200 Palm handhelds as communications and learning devices.
The PDAs give staff and students access to the Internet, email, and school networks, as well as providing connections to other devices, such as phones, PCs, and printers. The devices essentially serve as a lower cost alternative to providing students and staff with laptops. Some of the handhelds will be used by students 24/7, while others will be classroom-only sets. One of the most common uses for the devices among students is writing compositions using word processing applications. Students can also use the devices to work on spreadsheets; create presentations for school projects or assignments; and access books and other documents the school has converted into the eBook format. This enables the students to highlight text, bookmark pages, make notes, and look up words in the dictionary. The handhelds also have many applications in math and science. The school district — which boasts being one of the most technologically-advanced in the U.S. — has apparently adopted the philosophy that giving students and staff the freedom to access information anywhere, anytime will open up new learning opportunities.
The school district also plans to provide WiFi access at all of its high school campuses. “Most other WiFi enabled products are out of our price range, but the Palm TX plus the keyboards purchased under Palm’s Education Purchase Plan offer us an affordable solution and a way to place the technology into more classrooms and into the hands of many more students,” she said. http://www.palm.com

SonicWALL PRO 4000 and TZ 170 Series now Avaya-Compliant

Network security systems provider SonicWALL announced that its PRO 4000 Series and TZ 170 Series Internet security appliances are now compliant with IP telephony systems from Avaya.
SonicWALL’s UTM PRO and TZ appliances provide protection against Internet threats at the network gateway. The application now is compliance-tested by Avaya for compatibility with the Avaya IP telephony suite, which comprises the Avaya Communication Manager 3.0.1 and the IP Office 3.1.
SonicWALL is also a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection Program. “Through our membership in the DeveloperConnection program, SonicWALL under- scores its commitment to the interoperability of our solutions with leading IP telephony products from Avaya,” said Mike Valentine, vice president of Americas sales at SonicWALL. “As a result, we can provide our customers a secure VoIP solution offering the highest levels of availability, reliability and quality.”

Firetide's Software for Wireless VoIP Networks gets Upgrade

Firetide, developer of wireless multi-service mesh networks, announced it is shipping software that expands system support of simultaneous video, voice, and data applications over a wireless mesh infrastructure. The new software includes significant enhancements that enable network providers to deploy multiple devices and applications over a wireless mesh with the reliability and security they would expect over a wired network.
To provide high levels of performance, the Firetide mesh now features flow-based routing for up to 32 Mbps throughput as well as a comprehensive set of new bandwidth metrics, including link quality and capacity, link type, and hop count, to enable flexible management and intelligent routing decisions. Load balancing, static routing, and broadcast containment round out the performance enhancements.
To provide enhanced transmission quality, Firetide’s expanded QoS and prioritization optimize the network for multi-service offerings, including latency sensitive voice and video applications. Firetide also has added WPA2 encryption, digital certificates, firmware signatures, and expanded password protection as added security measures to protect cus- tomers’ networks. Finally, in an effort to improve mobility, Firetide’s mobile mesh nodes can now roam seamlessly throughout a Firetide mesh with no packet loss or handoff delay. “What our customers need and are now looking for is something beyond basic WiFi data mesh networks,” said Firetide CEO Bo Larsson. “They need secure, flexible, wireless solutions that are easy to install and manage and work with even more demanding applications, such as high speed video and voice over IP.”

Two New VoIP and IPTV Patents for Telchemy

Voice and VoIP performance manager Telchemy announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office awarded the company two additional patents for its VoIP and IPTV performance monitoring and analysis technology. The patents allow for service quality monitoring systems that estimate subjective quality, also known as Quality of Experience (QoE) for VoIP, IPTV, and Videoconferencing services.
The algorithms described in these patents provide more accurate and stable performance metrics in the presence of time varying and transient impairments. Patent US 7,075,981, dubbed “Dynamic Quality of Service Monitor,” covers VoIP and IPTV performance monitoring systems that represent the effects of the relative temporal location of transmission impairments on user perceived quality.
“Per-Call Quality of Service Monitor for Multimedia Communications System,” patent US 7,058,048, covers VoIP and IPTV performance monitoring systems that measure call quality at discrete time intervals and combine these to form overall perceptual quality scores for each call.
“Telchemy continues to grow and innovate in this rapidly expanding marketplace,” said Alan Clark, Telchemy’s CEO and president. “These new patents illustrate our commitment to keeping our products on the leading edge of IP communications technology.” http://www.telchemy.com

Voxeo Acquires VoiceReady

IVR and VoIP platform provider Voxeo announced its acquisition of VoiceReady, a privately held company that provides a Web-based graphical design and reporting system. VoiceReady’s offering enables the delivery and management of VoiceXML and VoIP-based telephony applications. The company will become part of Voxeo’s Evolution family, with an August 30 re-launch under the name “Evolution Designer.”
Voxeo’s (news - alert) new product enables “Do it Yourself” or “Customer Self Service” delivery of speech, VoIP, and IVR applications. A non-technical interface allows users to quickly build, deploy, and manage telephony applications. Evolution Designer will be available at no charge to more than 21,000 members of Voxeo’s Evolution Community developer program.
“The VoiceReady platform incorporates extensive speech application best practices, learned by our team over the course of five years of voice application development,” said VoiceReady’s CEO, John Amein.
Amein continued: “Evolution Designer brings this experience to Voxeo’s existing developer base and to new users who have never built a speech application before.” http://www.voxeo.com

NMS' Voice Technology is being selected by Comverse for its InSight System

Comverse, a provider of software and systems that enable multimedia network-based enhanced services, has selected NMS Communications’ Open Access platform as the underlying voice technology for its InSight value-added services environment. Comverse Selects NMS’ Voice Technology for its InSight System
Comverse’s InSight is an open system providing next generation messaging, content and billing services - all integrated into a single, low-cost platform. These services can be tailored to help service providers increase revenues, strengthen customer loyalty and improve operational efficiency. Currently, more than 450 service providers in more than 125 countries are using Comverse’s messaging, billing and, content solutions.
NMS’ Open Access family of boards and software helps developers create next-genera- tion multimedia applications for service providers. Whether it is live, streaming two-way video; speech-enabled call centers; VoIP conferencing; or prepaid call processing, Open Access lets developers create innovative products that take advantage of FMC networks and allow service providers to deliver advanced solutions to their customers. Open Access delivers media processing and network signaling solutions for creating enhanced voice, data, and video applications and services. These open, scalable, high-density building blocks give developers the processing power and capacity needed to rapidly develop an everincreasing array of next-generation services.
“Many of the world’s major equipment providers use our Open Access technology to dramatically reduce time-to-market for their voice, data and video solutions,” said John Orlando, chief marketing officer for NMS. http://www.comverse.com http://www.nmscommunications.com

The New Bradon TEchnologies Codec to Compete with GIPS

A tiny Canadian company has developed an innovative Windows-based codec technology that serves as the basis of a desktop VoIP conferencing application that offers 100 percent live, full duplex, two-way voice communications.
The solution was developed by Bradon Technologies of Toronto. The technology, which is called Bradon Technologies Audio Codec or simply BTAC, is a frame-independent codec that competes with other technologies including the Internet Low Bit Rate (iLBC) codec developed by Global IP Sound (GIPS), which is used in Google Talk and Skype.
Because BTAC uses extremely low overhead, Bradon Technologies has been able to develop the Simultaneous Audio Video Interactive Internet (SAVii) Desk meeting software and Live presentation application to be very lightweight. In fact, the meeting host application is only 265Kb while the client/participant software is only 289Kb in size.
Bradon’s SAViiDesk version 2.5 with iPBX integration bridges online participants with callers from standard PSTN lines. The latest version also can be used on most PDAs running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE or Microsoft Windows Mobile Version 5.0 for Pocket PC.
“Our proprietary voice technology based on BTAC voice codec ensures that all event members continue to receive the exceptional audio quality as well as the visuals they are accustomed to,” Bradon’s president Joe Compta said. http://www.bradontechnologies.com

MicroTCA is Now an Official Standard

A consortium of the world’s largest industrial computer manufacturers has officially ratified a new hardware specification known as MicroTCA that potentially extends interoperability in the communications sector beyond the network’s core.
The PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG), which is home to the AdvancedTCA (ATCA) and CompactPCI specs, announced the new smaller form factor after 18 months of development from over 95 participating companies. The biggest advantage MicroTCA offers is the fact that it uses the same Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) daughter cards that are used on ATCA boards, allowing for greater cost efficiencies.
“We see MicroTCA and ATCA being very complementary with a shared objective of allowing customers to build modular communications platforms from a building block approach,” said Tim Kober, Director of Strategic Platform Planning at Intel’s Communications Infrastructure Group.
The smaller implementations of the MicroTCA form factor enable customers to make use of AMCs even if the larger, more expensive ATCA chassis is cost-prohibitive or prohibitive due to spatial constraints. The new spec was designed with all of the high availability and manageability features of its larger sister spec. And because MicroTCA doesn’t require as large of a footprint as AdvancedTCA, it is ideally suited for access and edge applications in telecom networks and may well extend into other applications including medical, industrial control and military. For example, Alliance Systems is currently developing a base station designed on the MicroTCA form factor using a WiMAX radio network controller. http://www.picmg.org

Thomson Certifies Patton’s SmartNode VoIP CPEs

Patton-Inalp Networks has announced that its SmartNode brand of VoIP routers has been certified by Thomson for interoperability with Thomson’s Cirpack brand softswitches. The certification assures carrier customers of a smooth migration as they move from multiple legacy infrastructures to fully converged IP-based voice and data services.
Patton has actively sought softswitch interoperability for both its SmartNode and SmartLink families of VoIP and triple play platforms via its own Interoperability Program, which acknowledges third-party softswitches that passed tests proving they work with Patton’s equipment — primarily in the area of live carrier deployments. Patton certified switch manufacturers include the likes of Siemens, Alcatel, Tekelec, and BroadSoft. Likewise, several softswitch vendors have also certified Patton’s VoIP platforms for interoperability, including, now, the Cirpack brand.
“Without question, SmartNode is the most interoperable Voice over IP platform in the world,” said Burton A. Patton, Patton’s Executive Vice President. “This Swiss-developed VoIP technology not only has unmatched features, but, unlike most VoIP gateways, is highly adaptable and configurable for any deployment scenario, with any Softswitch or IP PBX.”
With solutions ranging from two POTS or BRI lines up to multiple T1/E1 PRIs, a SmartNode solution can be found for deployments of nearly all sizes — from a single platform. SmartNode products are designed with the future of the communications industry in mind, capable of supporting new advanced products as they emerge. In addition to being SIP-compliant, SmartNode supports H.323, T.38 Fax relay, Fax bypass, modem bypass, Voice over VPN, AES/DES-IPSec voice encryption, and DownStream QoS. http://www.patton.com ,http://www.cirpack.com

rPath’s rBuilder Integrated by Digium

rPath, a provider of a platform for creating and maintaining Linux software appliances, today announced that Digium, the creator of Asterisk, is now an rBuilder and rPath Linux partner.
Powered by the rPath platform, the Asterisk Business Edition now has built-in Linux distribution features, which allow Digium’s (news - alert) customers to immediately install the necessary OS components within the Digium Business Edition platform. “When we first began speaking with rPath, Asterisk Business Edition customers were required to install specific Linux packages,” said Jim Webster, director of software technologies for Digium.
Webster added: “Using rBuilder Online, Digium was able to incorporate customized Linux distribution capabilities in less than a week, automating customer installation. We would not have been able to do this without the support of the rPath team.”
The upgraded release of Asterisk Business Edition includes enhanced security and scalability provided by Ranch Networks’ Asterisk security code, speech recognition capabilities through the LumenVox Speech Engine, text-to-speech applications through the Cepstral Text-to-Speech System and a customized Linux distribution to simplify installation. http://www.digium.com, http://www.rpath.com

Anue Systems Patners Spirent Communications

In order to ensure that QoS and QoE are properly delivered, service providers are increasingly relying on testing solutions, such as those offered by Spirent Communications. Spirent delivers “high performance impairment emulation solutions,” which means it conducts tests on networks by “simulating” peak traffic periods and other events that could cause disruptions in service.
In order to expand and improve its testing solutions, Spirent announced is teaming up with Anue Systems, (news - alert) which offers network emulation solutions for Ethernet, SONET/SDH and Fiber Channel environments. As a result of the partnership, Spirent will be better positioned to assist network equipment manufacturers and service providers with QoS and QoE issues across converged networks.
Using Spirent’s TestCenter and Abacus test systems, Anue’s network emulators are able to address the various challenges and scenarios of converged network services by simulating network delays, jitters, and other impairments. By running critical applications through an emulated environment, service providers can accurately assess and ensure performance of their services, equipment and applications, prior to service launch.
Spirent’s solution addresses voice, video and data applications load testing; voice and video quality measurements; Real-Time Protocol (RTP) with IPTV tests; testing of content such as unicast and multicast video and channel change times; Dynamic IP network impairment tests; and, testing of all elements of Carrier Ethernet infrastructure. It also enables large-scale emulation of IP Telephony systems, customer premise devices (CPE) such as settop-boxes, cable/DSL modems, passive optical network (PON) optical network units (ONUs)/optical network terminals (ONTs) and other devices.http://www.spirentcom.com, http://www.anuesystems.com

Sigma Media Processors are being used for IPTV Deployments by New Telco Operators

A number of new telco operators in Europe are now using the SMP8630 series media processors from Sigma Designs for IPTV deployments. T-Online, a division of Deutsche Telekom, Neuf Cegetel, and AOL France are each using the processors in a number of difference deployments.
T-Online, which offers triple-play services, is using the processors along with software technology from Microsoft to deliver its T-Home services to Cisco IP set-top boxes based on the Sigma media processor. The services support the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform and the Cisco T-Home X 300T Media Receiver enables high-definition IPTV and PVR and dual DVB-T tuner functionality.
Neuf Cegetel is also offering a high-definition video service, delivered over ADSL and TNT and based on the Neuf TV HD set-top box, which using the Sigma media processor. AOL France is in the process of launching a new ADSL-based digital television services using the Netbox HD from Netgem and featuring the Sigma media processor. The hybrid set-top box connects to ADSL and digital terrestrial television to receive services in standard and HD.
“Sigma and its partners have worked closely together to achieve a stable high performance IPTV platform and we are excited to see these deployments take off at multiple telco carriers,” said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing, Sigma Designs. “We are eager to continue building on this foundation and witness this trend-setting success in Europe and other parts of the world.” http://www.sigmadesigns.com

The New PC-to-Mobile 3G Solution from RADVISION

RADVISION has announced the availability of its new PC-to-Mobile 3G solution. The new solution is designed to transform PCs into mobile handsets through the opening of a bi-directional channel for visual communication between 3G mobile devices and desktops. The PC-to-Mobile solution is intended to exponentially increase the 3G subscriber base to include PCs, immediately expanding 3G video call possibilities.
The solution offers an easy solution for mobile operators to offer 3G visual communications to subscribers on desktops and laptops in addition to 3G handsets. PC-to-Mobile permits operators to immediately increase the critical mass of 3G enabled handsets, encouraging and developing a larger community of 3G users and expanding the boundaries of peerto-peer visual communications 3G networks. The PC-to-Mobile solution is positioned as offering a new level of 3G service to both the enterprise and consumer markets. In order to enable the service on any desktop, the generic platform comes with a downloadable, branded client. Operators can then strengthen and differentiate their mobile offering.
Firewall and proxy issues can also be solved with the RADVISION solution without compromising audio or video quality. The PC-to-Mobile 3G offering is intended to ensure users experience easy, intuitive visual communications from the desktop or 3G Mobile device with features that include dialing using personal contact lists, flexible multiple video layouts and easy session control.
RADVISION is promoting its extensive experience in the desktop and mobile video communications arena as the solution offers operators high scalability and availability as well as full integration with back-end systems and third-party applications and services. This element will ensure interoperability between the desktop and all types of 3G handsets and mobile devices. http://www.radvision.com

Covergence Now part of the SS8 Alliance Program

SIP applications developer Covergence announced that it has joined the SS8 Networks (news - alert) Acceler8 Alliance Program, a partner program to shorten market implementation time for lawful intercept compliance for service providers and telecommunications equipment providers globally.
Under CALEA, the FCC mandated that all technologies offered by providers of broadband and interconnected VoIP must accommodate law enforcement wiretaps. Lawful intercept systems will soon become a requirement for service providers and equipment vendors, such as Covergence, to meet these standards.
“Our goal when creating the SS8 Networks Acceler8 Alliance Program was to deliver best-in-class Lawful Intercept solutions to our customer and Covergence clearly is a great addition to the program,” said Steve Gleave, vice president of marketing for SS8 Networks.
“With the FCC mandated compliance date rapidly approaching, Acceler8 Partners provide a compelling, fully interoperable solution set that enables carriers to quickly meet the requirements.” By joining the Acceler8 Alliance Program, Covergence will be able to make its Eclipse family of SIP-based products meet regulatory compliance. Adding integration capabilities with SS8’s Xcipio lawful intercept platform into the Eclipse product family will extend Eclipse’s ability for policy-based call control, recording and monitoring for large enterpris es, and can be deployed as part of a lawful intercept system.
“Our Eclipse already has built-in capabilities for monitoring and recording all voice, data and video traffic across IP networks, so our membership in this alliance program is a natural extension of our existing capabilities,” said Ken Kuenzel, CTO, founder and vice president of engineering for Covergence. www.covergence.com, http://www.ss8.com

Onvoy Converged IP Services Becomes “Avaya Compliant”

Communications solutions provider Onvoy has announced that its suite of Converged IP Services is compliant with IP telephony and SIP solutions from Avaya. Onvoy’s Converged IP Services solution with SIP trunking allows businesses to connect to the public phone network virtually, thus improving voice quality and offering a flexible, cost-saving alternative to traditional telephony.
Onvoy’s services have been tested for compliance and compatibility with Avaya (quote news - alert) Communication Manager 3.1 and Avaya SIP Enablement Services 3.1, in addition to various Avaya media service, gateways, and endpoints.
“Open standards are critical for growth,” said Janice Aune, chairman and CEO of Onvoy. “Compliance with Avaya solutions ensures our customers will benefit from open standards and are able to incorporate new technology innovations easily and cost-effectively.” http://www.onvoy.com, http://www.avaya.com

TelePlus plan VoIP Service Deployment and TelTel Enables Digitrad

SIP-based Internet telephony service provider TelTel announced that it will enable Digitrad (news - alert) and TelePlus to rapidly offer VoIP service over TelTel’s Public SIP Telephony Network (PsipTN). TelePlus will offer VoIP via the PsipTN thanks to a relationship with Digitrad, who is a TelTel SIP Virtual Network Operator (SVNO) partner. The addition of VoIP service would enhance TelePlus’ service offering for its core product, Vocalyz.
The product bundles lower priced international long distance calling with a 24/7 live private assistant, who functions as a translator, concierge, or emergency dispatch, in the user’s native language. TelePlus will offer Vocalyz by providing its customers a branded TelTel softphone over the PsipTN, and access to TelTel’s suite of services including, presence, Instant Voice, Instant Text, and call forwarding.
Vocalyz and its new services are bundled through Digitrad’s integrated GSM billing and IVR platform, Stand4U, in order for Vocalyz users to continue using the wireless local number, Teleplus services and the leftover account balances from the travel cell phone through the branded TelTel softphone.
“Extending our relationship with TelTel to the Teleplus Group and its customers reflects our confidence in the PsipTN network,” stated Micha Benoliel, president and CEO of Digitrad. “Tying together TelePlus’s value-added services and TelTel’s softphone through our Stand4u integrated billing platform, creates the opportunity for Digitrad, TelePlus and TelTel alike to enjoy new revenue streams. This deployment also demonstrates how easy it is for our Stand4u platform to operate across various telecom environments including GSM and SIP.” http://www.teltel.com, http://www.digitrad.com, http://www.teleplus.com

Globe7 Releases Version 3 of its Softphone , Still Beta

VoIP-based calling service provider Globe7 announced the launch of a new version of its desktop software for communications, video and news applications. Globe7’s softphone includes real-time, free voice communications; video streaming; 1 GB of free storage space for video and photos; and news feeds. Users of the SIP-based software get a U.S. telephone number that allows them to make and receive telephone calls from any computer, cell phone, or landline.
Globe7’s video features allow users to search for video from categories including entertainment, latest news, and sports; as well as pulling images from an extensive library aggregated from various newswires and video content providers. The technology also allows users to upload and share their own video, images and presentations on 1 GB of space that is provided to them for free. By watching favorite video feeds (e.g. latest news, movie trailers, and music videos), users get the opportunity to earn free international and local voice minutes. http://www.globe7.com

Accolade SCIM Platform for SIP/IMS Connectivity

Convergin has announced its Accolade convergence Service Capabilities Interaction Management (SCIM) platform, which offers functionality for wireline carriers with networks containing both legacy and next-generation equipment. The platform enables connec- tivity of softswitches and IMS call session control functions with legacy services.
The Accolade enables a number of legacy services to be extended toward IMS, including toll-free calls, local number portability, calling name database, and information database. The SCIM function enables interaction among IMS service platforms, and the Accolade also extends SCIM beyond the IMS domain for convergence between legacy and next-generation networks in addition to wireless and wireline networks.
The SCIM capabilities enable carriers that roll out VoIP networks to deliver the same services available in their legacy networks. ILECs may also expand their offerings to host services for CLECs, MSOs or VoIP-based long-distance operators. Additional features include the ability to issue SIP queries toward legacy wireline AIN/INAP services, enabling SS7 services to be delivered to SS7/TDM switches as well as next-generation softswitches and IMS/SIP CSCFs.
Operators may enable SIP access to existing SCP-based services and can also control access to those services from a number of switching platforms and service providers. Additionally, the platform may later be used to enhance service offerings to permit SIP-based services and SIP/IMS application servers. http://www.convergin.com

CommuniGate Systems' VoIP and Sip Services Upgraded

CommuniGate Systems has announced its “Trade In and Trade Up” program to enable carriers to upgrade to new value-added services including VoIP, SIP/XMPP secure IM, and hosted PBX. The program will enable carriers to trade in legacy email software, saving on support and maintenance services. They may then “trade up” to replace antiquated messaging systems and offer a full suite of IP communications solutions.
CommuniGate’s initiative will enable service providers to smoothly migrate their communications services to an IMS-ready platform. It is targeted toward providers that have customers unable to access SIP-based IP communications networks because their email solutions use legacy technology.
Carriers may choose which features of the CommuniGate Pro suite they wish to deploy. The modules offered include SIP Proxy, Session Border Controller (SBC), IP PBX, clustered voice through a SIP Farm, audio conferencing, XMPP support and voice mail.
“The feedback we are receiving is tremendous as the world is now adopting SIP based Communications. Mobility and productivity will rise and traditional closed and location locked access will die,” said Jon Doyle, vice president of business development for CommuniGate.
He added that, “We will witness a fundamental change in the communications land- scape over the next five years just as we saw in the early 90s with email becoming the communication standard medium for business,” added Doyle. “Holding users to a location with a phone number, or charging them for roaming to other locations will soon be replaced with the mobility and portability of VoIP — where one address finds a person anywhere, anytime.” http://www.communigate.com

Companies Can Now Improve Contact Center Effectiveness with Amcat's Soft IP PBX

Customer care and interaction solution vendor Amcat announced that is has begun shipping a soft IP PBX solution that operates with and broadens the capabilities of its Contact Center Suite product. Amcat’s customers can now achieve the cost benefits of VoIP while transform their customer contact operations by leveraging the entire enterprise, regardless of department, function or location.
Amcat CEO Mike Rohleder commented, “In the past, companies often relegated cus- tomer service to a specific team of people, often in a single location. Historically it’s been difficult or impossible to provide a seamless service experience for the customer because poor processes and expensive, inflexible technology required the customer to call back or needlessly repeat information.”
The new IP-based soft PBX customer contact platform provides a technology environment where each customer contact is intelligent and productive, leading to a higher rate of first call resolution — which, in turn, raises employee moral and heightens customer satisfaction. The Amcat IP customer contact platform ensures that companies are appropriately focused on providing superior customer care and that their business goals are centered on achieving that goal — with a lower cost base. The result is increased customer acquisition and retention, which drive increase revenue.
“Amcat is extending the boundaries of what is possible for businesses today by integrating a software-based IP PBX into our contact center solutions. We recognize that the customer experience should not be handled by a contact center silo. Our aim is to turn the entire enterprise into ‘the contact center,’ making it more likely that a customer’s request will be resolved on the first call,” added Rohleder. http://www.amcat.com

Speaker Verification Biometrics from Nuance to Increase Security

Answering to the need for contact centers to secure their self-service telephone applications, Nuance Communications has developed a speaker verification solution for telephone voice self-service applications that uses biometric security to authenticate callers by recognizing each unique caller based on their voice.
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) has requested multi-factor authentication technologies for Internet-based services before the end of the year. With telephone-based authentication next in line, many banks have stepped up to the plate to incorporate Nuance’s biometric speaker verification solutions into their voice self-service applications.
“With 16 speaker verification patents and a market leadership position for delivering custom solutions, we are well-positioned to meet the growing need for this vertical market,” commented Peter Mahoney, vice president, worldwide marketing, Nuance. Speaker authentication requires only a voice and a telephone to authenticate a person’s identity, unlike other biometric solutions such as fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition technologies that are far more expensive and intricate. Nuance’s speaker verification solutions capture a callers voice based on the way they say speak their name and ID number, then analyze the voice to create a voiceprint that is stored in the systems database for verification each time the caller calls. Voiceprints use a pattern of numbers that measure the behavioral and physical characteristics of the caller’s voice. The system is also able to identify voices with changes due to colds, noisy backgrounds, or other changes, as well as safeguard against impersonations and pre-recorded voices played back over the telephone. “Speaker verification is a natural fit for phone-based applications because the system can be seamlessly integrated into the existing self-service experience of the caller,” commented Mahoney.
“Because of its convenience and ease of use, it may be perceived that voice is less accurate than other biometrics, but third-party research has proven that voice biometrics meet or exceed fingerprint, iris and facial scanning systems.” http://www.nuance.com

HEAT 8.4 from FrontRange

The latest version of HEAT Service & Support is now available from FrontRange Solutions. The global IT service management, voice application, and customer relationship management (CRM) solution provider has released the fully customizable Help Desk and external customer support tool that logs and tracks issues through completion.
HEAT 8.4 features enhanced and improved functions based on HEAT 8.38 in combination with brand new streamlined technology and additional automation. The Call Logging Dashboard, the newest feature to HEAT, provides a one-stop location for common views and metrics while allowing individual users to add hyperlinks to personal call groups for quick access to incident records based on commonly used search criteria.
The Metrics Section provides end users access to popular Help Desk metrics. A new Administration Navigation Dashboard has also been added to enable the administrator to quickly locate information and functions with a few simple clicks.
Available to new customers, HEAT 8.4 is also accessible to current users on maintenance as an upgrade. HEAT 8.4 also includes enhancements that provide for the ability to run Auto Ticket Generator as a Windows NT Service, allowing for greater functionality on any computer. Other enhancements include improved layouts, better navigation controls and redesigned icons that simplify the new interface, which in turn simplifies the workflow, as well as ramp time for new users. http://www.frontrange.com

Genesys Voice Platform to Alleviate Call Center Problems

Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories wants to put an end to non- interoperability issues and a host of other call center and customer service problems. The company is gearing up for the release of the latest version of its Genesys voice platform, which it bills as a major shift away from proprietary interactive voice response systems (IVRs).
According to Brian Bischoff, global vice president for platform sales and solutions at Genesys, the system is a logical next step for companies that are being forced to replace aging IVR equipment, most of which are losing manufacturer support over the next 18 months. The Genesys system leverages the VoiceXML standard to bridge the gap between voice and data platforms that reside in most call centers.
“What makes this a next-generation platform is that it allows enterprises to bring voice services to applications already developed for the web,” Bischoff said.
While this eliminates the need for customers to repeat information over the phone, it also opens up numerous sales and marketing opportunities for the enterprise. Companies could use customer information from the web to present a range of menus for up-selling or cross-selling any number of applicable products. And whether the customer is using the telephone or a PC, they are dealing with a single application. “Our platform allows you to have a voice browser, rather than a PC browser, to exploit those applications,” Bischoff said. “So there is a common development team and the customer gets a common experience.”

VoIP Services for Time Warner Cable Expanded

Sprint Nextel has agreed to let Time Warner Cable’s VoIP signals to ride over its IP network in an additional 14 service areas, signifying strengthening of the existing relationship between the two companies. Sprint’s network passes 28 million homes in the United States; Time Warner’s Cable VoIP will ride the network in every state the network serves, with the exception of New Hampshire and Maine, where the voice service will continue to be delivered via Time Warner’s cable network.
Specifically, Sprint Nextel will provide interconnection facilities between Time Warner Cable’s switch and the public telephone network for local and long-distance calling, as well as E911 management, new and ported management, directory assistance, operator services and a full suite of other local exchange carrier services.
VoIP calls which originate on the Time Warner Cable network will first travel to its regional data centers before being terminated on the Sprint Nextel nationwide network. Sprint claims Time Warner’s customers won’t be able to tell the difference. Sprint Nextel continues to lease out space on its network backbone, as well as providing telephony solutions to cable operators. The network now carries the signals of 1.2 million cable VoIP subscribers across more than 1,100 rate centers. Sprint Nextel says it plans to increase this number to 2.5 million subscribers in the near future. The company says it is finding its relationship with the cable industry highly lucrative. http://www.sprint.com http://www.timewarnercable.com

Best Buy to Sell Software for NetZero Voice and PrivatePhone

United Online, a leading provider of consumer Internet and media services, announced that the software for its popular NetZero Voice and PrivatePhone services is now being distributed through Best Buy stores.
As per the distribution agreement, consumers can get the NetZero service at a special rate of $9.95 per month — a five dollar savings off the regular price — when they pick up a free CD containing the software at Best Buy stores across the U.S. In addition, the first month of the NetZero service will be free for those who sign up through Best Buy.
PrivatePhone demo CDs will be distrib- uted as well.
“Best Buy was our first major retail distribution partner back in 2003,” said Mark R. Goldston, United Online chair- man and CEO. We are proud to be extending our relationship with them to offer PrivatePhone.com and NetZero Voice in Best Buy stores. This partner- ship is a perfect fit because, like United Online, Best Buy is committed to giving consumers quality products and servic- es at a reasonable price.”
PrivatePhone.com offers a free phone number and voicemail that allows users to protect their privacy. Users of the service can pick their own number from most U.S. area codes and can use it instead of their home or mobile phone number as a way to screen calls. All calls go directly to voicemail, which can be checked either by phone or through the Web-based PrivatePhone.com message center.
http://www.netzerovoice.com , http://www.bestbuy.com

VoIP Inc.’s Call Termination Service to be used by Global Connect

Global Connect, a Web-based voice broadcasting company, has selected VoIP Inc. as its VoIP service provider. The reseller deal means Global Connect will use VoIP Inc.’s (news - alert) VoiceOne Termination Service to handle its current call volume, which, during peak traffic periods, exceeds 36 calls per second.
“This is an important win for VoIP Inc.,” said Gary Post, president and CEO of VoIP, Inc. “Voice broadcasting is a huge business serving the entertainment, political, retail, education, collections, emergency services, insurance, and other industries, and it is being revolutionized by VoIP technology. We are thrilled to be working with Global Connect in this growing industry.”
Adrian Patten, Global Connect’s director of technology, said it is critical for his business to be able to handle large call volume concurrently without failure. “This is a common struggle for many VoIP vendors. However, VoIP Inc. has proven its ability to manage thousands of concurrent calls with ease, with an extremely high success rate. Besides offering superior technology, we are also impressed by the VoIP Inc. team’s flexibility, customer service, and willingness to get the job done right.”
http://www.gc1.com, http://www.voipincorporated.com

Ambassador Technical Services Partners Sphere and Adtech

Sphere Communications and Adtech Global Solutions, joint providers of the Sphere Business Communications System IP PBX (Sphere BCS), have added a new certified partner to their network: Ambassador Technical Services Incorporated.
Ambassador is a full-service provider of IP telephony, video teleconferencing, and data recovery systems. The company will be focusing its marketing of Sphere BCS to small and medium-sized businesses.
“The adaptability and durability of the Sphere BCS make it an ideal platform for us to build our business on,” Ambassador’s founder and president Mike Thom said. “We can now deliver customized IP telephony solutions offering enterprise-class features at prices our SMB customers can afford.”
Sphere’s BCS is “a modular, business-class IP telephony and unified communications system that is flexible, easy to use, and easy to manage.” Key features include:

• Onscreen point-and-click call management
• User-defined intelligent call routing
• Multiple auto-attendants
• Departmental call center capabilities
• Desktop video conferencing
• Text messaging
• Unified email / voice mail messaging
• Smart directories with presence
• Integrated softphone for mobile and remote workers
• Call recording and more
• SIP interface for easy integration with business applications

New Telecommunications Partner Program Launched by Red Hat

Shifting its focus to include the development of open source software for telecommunications, Red Hat has launched a Telecommunications Partner Program.
According to the company, the program aims to raise awareness about the availability of open source platforms for telecommunications and to promote Red Hat’s products. The program is designed strengthen Red Hat’s existing relationships with leading network equipment providers (NEPs), OEMs, telecommunications ISVs and operators.
The move makes sense, since the telecommunications industry is now starting to embrace integrated Linux hardware and software platforms targeting telcos’ specific needs. Network applications are largely being viewed as a new cash cow for software developers, and Red Hat and its partners know they stand to gain from this. Numerous partners, including HP and IBM, have already committed to the effort. Red Hat said it will be working with both firms to build carrier-grade equipment with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The partners will promote the open source gear as an alternative to proprietary telecommunications platforms.
As part of the program, Red Hat also plans to provide services and support to software developers to encourage them to adopt open source alternatives. IBM, which partners with Red Hat on other projects as well, will include Red Hat applications as part of its Platform for Telecom initiative. http://www.redhat.com

TELUS Corporation Partners Amp’d Mobile to Provide New Service

Canadian telecommunications firm TELUS Corporation has announced an exclusive relationship with Amp’d Mobile that will bring the Amp’d brand north of the border. The deal will bring Amp’d Mobile’s interactive, customized mobile services to Canadian customers via TELUS’ high speed wireless network. In the U.S., Amp’d operates on Verizon’s EV-DO network. The agreement with TELUS represents Amp’d Mobile’s inaugural expansion outside U.S. borders.
Amp’d Mobile will avail its Canadian audience of the MVNO’s highly personalized mobile wireless content, including music, 3D gaming, live sports action, downloadable as well as streaming video and music, and much more, not to mention cellular phone functionality. When the service goes into effect early next year, subscribers will be able to access the latest, trendiest entertainment services and products on handsets that feature the latest technology and fast download speeds.
While Amp’d will provide content from its more than 200 partners for the service, TELUS’ role will include sales and distribution, billing, client service, network maintenance, and pricing — everything a carrier would normally do to ensure its subscribers have the best possible mobile experience.

Skype and GIPS Partnership Extended

Voice processing technology provider Global IP Sound (GIPS) announced it has extended its partnership with Skype to enable hardware manufacturers to offer Skype-compatible IP phones. The new hardware systems will use GIPS’ Voice Engine Embedded. Skype has licensed GIPS products in the past, including VoiceEngine PC.
“Skype has clearly revolutionized global personal communica- tions with its offering,” said GIPS president and CEO Gary Hermansen. “This latest step in our relationship helps to solidify this growing market by expanding the options for Skype-enabled hard- ware devices and the ability for consumers to have a consistent, high-quali- ty user experience regardless of platform.”

Babble.net Introduces the BabbleStick

Babble.net, Britain’s popular Web-based VoIP provider, has introduced the BabbleStick, a portable USB device that enables Babble users to make calls from any PC or laptop.
The BabbleStick allows users to make free or low cost calls over the Internet without the need for downloading software. The 256MB USB memory stick comes preloaded with Babble’s SIP-based VoIP software, which downloads automatically when the stick is installed in a USB port. The portable stick, which comes with a small headset and microphone, can be ordered from the online shop at Babble for £19.99.
“Consumers now have the best cost-effective solution for calling friends and family while away from home,” said Allan Howes, CEO of Babble. “The included headset acts as a speaker and microphone, meaning you can make free phone calls from practically any Internet café in the world. The system is so easy to use — you just plug in and go.” The BabbleStick lets users can carry their account information — including their con- tacts, settings, and preferences — with them everywhere they go. The device does not leave any personal information behind on a computer.
“Our BabbleStick is a convenient, simple communication tool designed for use by anyone — it’s an excellent addition to our brand,” Howe said. “It will allow us to reach a new audience and we are very excited by its prospects.” Because it is SIP-based, Babble works with any SIP-compliant software package, such as X-Lite or SJPhone. It also works with various hardware devices, including IP phones and ATAs from the likes of Cisco, Linksys, Grandstream, snom, and Zyxel. http://www.babble.net

Latest Special Offer from 8x8 Designed to Lure More Consumers to VoIP

As many service providers have learned in recent years, the key to driving consumer adoption of VoIP is to make the transition as seamless as possible. The bottom line is, consumers don’t want to have to radically change their calling habits just to save a few bucks. They don’t want to have to sit down at their PC in order to make a call — nor do they wish to have “extra steps” involved when initiating a call from a handset. From the standpoint of the average consumer, using VoIP should be every bit as simple as using traditional telephone service — yet, in many cases, it is not.
Recognizing this, 8x8, provider of the Packet8 VoIP service, is making strides in simplifying the process of switching to VoIP for consumers. The company announced it is offering its Packet8 service for an annual fee of $199. In addition, for a limited time, consumers who sign up for the plan can get a Packet8-enabled plug and play 5.8 GHz expandable cordless phone sys- tem from Uniden for free.
Packet8’s (news - alert) new Freedom Annual plan is a lower cost alterna- tive to its monthly Freedom Unlimited service plan. The annual plan offers unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada, plus the usual selection of advanced calling features, including voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, and three-way calling. In addition, Packet8’s service lets subscribers choose their own area code.
http://www.packet8.com

Nextlink and XO Partners to Deploys Fixed Broadband Wireless in Nine Cities

XO Communications announced what it calls it’s “first significant market deployments of fixed broadband wireless technology that will broaden its ability to deliver business-class broadband solutions directly to businesses and help the company reduce local network costs.” XO joined forces with sister company Nextlink to deploy fixed broadband wireless in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Tampa and Washington, DC.
XO will use LMDS fixed broadband wireless for this project as its access method to deliver dedicated Internet access and metropolitan and inter-city Ethernet systems directly to businesses at speeds of 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps. From Nextlink wireless hubs deployed in each market, XO can deliver services to any qualified line-of-site location within an average of five miles to support a range of networking services including Internet access, VoIP, and private business networks at native LAN speeds.
“With fixed broadband wireless technology, we are significantly expanding the reach of our network to serve even more businesses, specifically those businesses that do not have direct fiber connections to support their growing bandwidth needs,” said XO’s CEO Carl Grivner. “In addition to expanding our network, fixed wireless also gives us a more cost-effective and scalable replacement to leased network elements that connect local switches to our own fiber network.”
http://www.xo.com

Gate5 Acquired by Nokia

Nokia has agreed to acquire gate5 AG, a supplier of mapping, routing, and navigation software and services. With the acquisition, Nokia will be able to provide its customers with maps, routing, navigation, and other location based applications on its mobile devices.
“Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers mobile location applications, such as maps, routing, and navigation at an accelerated speed,” said Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president and general manager, multimedia, Nokia. A recent survey reveals that the Personal Navigation Device market is growing rapidly. The global market size is likely to reach 15 million units in 2006 compared with 8 million units in 2005. Vanjoki hopes that the maps and navigation capabilities will help Nokia make real progress.
Berlin-based gate5’s provides its mapping, routing, and navigation software to leading personal navigation device manufacturers all over the world. Thanks to gate5’s solutions, people can take advantage of highly sophisticated mapping and navigation service. “Our combined expertise means that mobile device owners will enjoy a wide range of location based services,” says Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO of gate5.
Nokia says it will support gate5’s PND customers and its multi- platform strategy for mobile devices, including Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Java platforms.
http://www.nokia.com
http://www.gate5.de

QuickConnect from Cistera

Enterprise VoIP application provider Cistera Networks has introduced QuickConnect as an expansion of the functionality of its event alerting and notification offerings, RapidBroadcast and LandMobileRadioConnect. The new offering works with the company’s OpenTrigger application programming interface (API) and with Cistera’s other application engines, including VirtualDirectory and CallCenterRecord Enterprise, to deliver outbound messaging to cellular and analog telephones.
OpenTrigger allows a user to set the parameters to launch notification to a select group of communication devices. QuickConnect is also compatible with Short Message Services (SMS) of wireless carriers including Cingular, Verizon, and Sprint, delivering real-time voice and text messaging to cell phones and voice delivery capability to analog phones.
“Cistera QuickConnect offers the most advanced outbound dialing, SMS, and notification solutions for Cisco and Nortel environments. We are currently beta testing these products with customers in the financial services and healthcare vertical markets,” said Cistera’s chief technology officer Gregory T. Royal. “Cistera was early in the Enterprise VoIP Applications market, and now that the market has moved beyond the early adopter phase, our deep experience is allowing us to extend the possibilities of IP Telephony well beyond the phone,” stated Cistera’s president and acting CEO Derek Downs. “The release of QuickConnect is a major step for us, as it can operate independent of the IP PBX, and opens the door to the possibility of subscription offerings for customers that require notification capabilities and prefer to use a hosted service.”
http://www.cistera.com

Belden and Extricom Patners for Reliable Mobility

Belden, a developer of wired signal transmission products for the enter- prise and industrial markets, and Extricom, the designer of the Interference- Free Wireless LAN System, have entered into a multi-million dollar, multi-year global technology partnership, signifying Belden’s strategic entry into the wireless arena. The primary focus will be on the development of WiFi solutions based on Extricom’s technology that are suitable for enterprise deployment “Our entry into wireless technology presents another avenue for the fulfillment of our customers’ needs with unified wired/wireless solutions they can depend on,” said Peter Sheehan, president of Belden Americas. “Extricom provides a highly differentiated technology that will be the basis for Belden’s future wireless products.”
Extricom’s patented Interference-Free WLAN system is easily installed and cost-efficient and supports simultaneous existence of multiple high-avail- ability bandwidth-intensive applications on one network — with no degradation of service, reliability, or mobility, access, or security. The system eliminates interference through refined control of the wireless access points (APs).
To assume this control, the Extricom system uses a centralized architecture, where all the packet delivery decisions are made in the central switch. This is not only beneficial, but necessary, because the APs themselves have no “brain” — they are merely radios that pass along the data and voice packets between the central switch and the end user devices. The benefit is that, with an Extricom-based network, clients receive consistent, complete coverage without latency and without interference, which all adds up to greater efficiency and satisfaction. Indeed, the company says its wireless networks deliver wireline predictability and reliability.
http://www.belden.com
http://www.extricom.com

Early Media Dilemma solved by BandTel

BandTel CTO Pete Sandstrom knows a thing or two about placing a call over an SS7-ISUP line — he should, since he was the first engineer to do so. Ever since then, Sandstrom has been testing theories on the migration of the traditional PSTN to packet architectures.
Prior to SS7-ISUP and ISDN, circuit-switched telephone calls used in-band call progress tones to let one side know what was happening on the other side of the call. When a number was dialed, audible tones could be heard as the call cut through to the endpoint. Transporting of this legacy call progress information in SIP space is called “early media,” whereby legacy signaling techniques are preserved, but at a price. Bandwidth is being consumed, resulting in potentially dramatic inefficiencies. A call center may need to provision as much as two or three times the amount of bandwidth to get the desired agent/call dialed ratio needed to optimize the call center agent utilization. Ordering extra, wasted bandwidth is expensive, if it’s even available.
Here’s where VoIP telephony, and specifically SIP, solve the legacy problem. SIP is similar to SS7 and ISDN in that it also allows the call progress information to be sent upstream to the originating end via data packets, as opposed to audible tones. BandTel has a solution: Silent Running. For high intensity dial applications, BandTel has engineered a dial plan product that offers A-Z routing with early media “disabled.” Silent Running treatment will result in significant bandwidth savings, which go straight to the bottom line. BandTel’s Silent Running is available today, allowing any enterprise to take advantage and optimize bandwidth usage, reducing costs at the same time. http://www.bandtel.com

IPcelerate Intros Bundled IP Communication Solution specifically for Government Agencies

IP communications specialist IPcelerate (news - alert) has been busy lately addressing the needs of particular vertical markets such as healthcare and education. Now it has announced the first in a series of pre-configured, bundled communications solutions, for government agencies.
The new solution “encompasses the most commonly utilized features and requests from current government customers and is designed to enable agencies to use IP telephony to meet their most critical needs,” according to the firm. IPcelerate’s bundled solution for government agencies addresses a variety of specific needs, such as: safety and security, rapid emergency response, and efficient citizen communication. Those needs, and others, are delivered using the company’s IPsession, IPstudio, and IP Video Surveillance products. By combining those offerings into a bundled solution, the company has tied together functions, such as 911 notification, RFID pendant and sensor integration, dial-out, on-demand audio recording, and triggered video surveillance.
IPcelerate plans to continue along the same lines by, in coming weeks, presenting similar bundled solutions for other markets, including finance and legal. “A solution targeting a specific industry vertical is some- thing that our partner community has often requested,” IPcelerate’s channel marketing manager, Paul Campetella, said in a statement. “We felt it important to address this need, as well as learn from our current customer base.” http://www.ipcelerate.com

Covad Intros Cisco-based IP-based voice and data offering for small to medium businesses (SMBs)

Covad Communications introduced an that bundles Covad’s ClearEdge Integrated Access and Cisco’s (quote - news - alert) Unified CallManager Express. The customer-managed IP Communications service is based on Cisco’s Unified CallManager Express and it features an auto attendant, night service bell, call logging, caller ID, call monitoring, call forwarding, call pickup, dual-line appearances, and hunt groups.
The system also provides SMBs with other capabilities, such as video telephony, rich- media conferencing, unified messaging, and softphone integration. Covad’s ClearEdge Integrated Access combines voice and data on a single, integrated connection to deliver VoIP, broadband, e-mail, and Web-based hosting services on one bill.
The service also features an optional Web-accessible interface, the Covad Integrated Access Dashboard. The Cisco Unified CallManager Express is embedded in the Cisco Internet Services Router that provides call processing for Cisco Unified IP phones. According to the agreement between Covad and Cisco, Cisco Unified CallManager Express and integrated services routers for the system will be sold, deployed and maintained by authorized Cisco and Covad partners.
“Covad’s customer focus led it to develop this offering specifically for SMBs that require smart, simple and secure communications services,” stated Vic Northrup, vice president of service provider operations for Cisco. “This offering gives these businesses exactly what they need in a managed unified communications service… allowing them to get the best of both the hosted and the premise-based communications solution.” http://www.covad.com
http://www.cisco.com

MyFax Simplifies sending Fax on the Web

MyFax unveiled its new Web interface for its Internet-based Fax service that allows users to send and receive faxes using registered email accounts and the Web. The system, designed to enhance each customer’s experience, also brings improved flexibility, manageability, and efficiency to the multitude of businesses that still rely on Faxcommunication — and those that only use faxes on occasion as well — which is a step towards the ultimate goal, increased productivity.
MyFax customers can access the new MyFax Web interface to experience the variety of new features, including friendly and consistent navigation tools for quick and easy faxing and receiving and user administration. Enhancements include a versatile email Inbox-like structure, with additional archiving options — received faxes can be accessed online for one month with no additional charge.
Other enhanced features include a flexible cover page manager, allowing users to create and customize their own cover page(s), including templates for both formal and informal situations. It also lets users decide which faxes to view or print, which to save, and which to delete — much like email applications.
“Faxing is moving online, says Joseph Nour CEO, Protus IP Solutions. “From large enterprises to individual workers, internet faxing is the future. MyFax makes it easy to move online with great value, unique features and a user-friendly design.” In terms any executive can understand, when compared to traditional Fax machines, MyFax is said to save more than 90% on capital expenditures, close to that in recurring monthly fees, and 89% over five years’ time. http://www.myfax.com

ShoreTel and Spectrum Partners for Business VoIP

IP PBX company ShoreTelannounced its partnership with Spectrum InTouch to bring VoIP services and products to the enterprise market. The new partnership will enable Spectrum to offer ShoreTel’s 6 IP PBX platform, creating business phone systems that bring voice and data together, including voice-and-data conferencing and virtual contact centers.
“ShoreTel’s IP voice communication system is user-centric, associating phone numbers with people, not offices,” said Spectrum InTouch’s president, Trent McCracken. “Your calls find you whether you are at your desk, working at a branch office, or using a PC-based softphone at home, in a hotel room, or some other remote location. You have a single contact number and a single voicemail box, elimi- nating a lot of redundant phones calls and duplicate messages. And you get to use a consistent voice environment, wherever you want to work.”
ShoreTel’s 6 IP PBX platform enterpriseclass phone system applications feature voicemail, an automated attendant, auto- matic call distribution, call detail recording and desktop call control. All of these fea- tures are accessible and managed through a Windows-based interface.

Managed IP Telephony Service from NEC Unified Solutions

Looking towards the SMB market, NEC Unified Solutions released its Managed IP Telephony (MIPT) service, a customizable IP system that provides balance between a purchased solution and a hosted IP Telephony solution.
Utilizing NEC’s UNIVERGE IP Telephony platform, the MIPT offering includes a complete suite of professional, maintenance and managed services, carrier services, a single point of contact for provisioning and problem resolution, ongoing performance trend analysis, and real-time reports via a secure Web portal.
According to NEC, MIPT is well positioned to deliver end-to-end support for the entire lifecycle of an SMB’s IPT experience. With the new service, customers will benefit from improved business productivity, a dedicated, feature-rich IP Telephony platform, total system flexibility and customization, and lower TCO at a predictable monthly rate.
“The development of NEC’s Managed IPT Service is a direct result of the fundamental needs of SMBs to gain access to IP telephony,” said David King, vice president, Marketing, at NEC Unified Solutions. “This service solution provides a perfect balance of customizability, reliability, security, and flexibility with no capital, reduced risks, and an overall lower total cost of ownership.” http://www.necunified.com

New Communications System for SMBs Launched by LG-Nortel

LG-Nortel is launching its first new product range, the ARIA SOHO digital hybrid PBX, a smart communications system to help small and medium sized businesses. The system will boost employee productivity, streamline business operations, reduce costs and enhance customer service.
The ARIA SOHO will appeal to SMB and home office users since it offers simplicity and ease of use in regard to installation, operation and maintenance. Its fully hybrid architecture and ‘plug and play’ facility offers high flexibility in selecting types of ter- minals, whether the user is dealing with single-line analog handsets, digital tele- phones, or faxes.
At no extra cost, ARIA SOHO offers essential business services, such as Caller ID, SMS and voice/fax tone detection. The product suite has built-in voice mail, auto attendant, conferencing capability, and LAN interface for Ethernet connectivity. Moreover, the call cost control/monitoring capabilities of the solution keep communications costs low, and can be easily and affordably scaled to 48 extensions. “LG-Nortel will focus on growing SMB market share through ongoing development of new products and marketing activities,” said J.R. Lee, chief executive officer, LG-Nortel. http://www.lg-nortel.com

CosmoCom Interoperate with BroadSoft

Contact center on demand specialist CosmoCom announced it has successfully completed interoperability testing between its CosmoCall Universe all-IP contact center software platform and BroadSofts BroadWorks VoIP application server. The interoperable solution empowers service providers to offer a complete hosted communication service to their enterprise customers with a unified PBX and Contact Center.
CosmoCall Universe (CCU) enables service providers to offer a unified hosted contact center suite that includes ACD, IVR, IVVR, CTI, multimedia recording, and administrative tools, all within a single, high-capacity, high-availability, multi-tenant platform. BroadWorks enables service providers to offer hosted IP PBX services that have all the features of traditional PBX systems. Both services allow customers to benefit without incurring the capital investment and operational overhead of premise-based systems.
Service providers hosting the two platforms can now deliver all of the telecommunications needs of an organization as a unified whole. A single end user device, typically a SIP-enabled IP tele phone, serves as the terminal for both PBX extensions and call center agents. Calls flow seamlessly between call center agents and other staff members. The systems share status and presence information, facilitating customer service when call center agents need to seek out subject matter experts in the larger organization. And CosmoComs advanced IVR capabilities are available to pro vide automated attendant services and other applications not related to the contact center. http://www.cosmocom.com http://www.broadsoft.com

Cistera Introduced two New Apps for Call Centers

IP phone application provider Cistera Networksintroduced two new products, the Cistera ConvergenceServer 7500 and Cistera CallCenterEnterprise v1.7. The CisteraConvergenceServer (CCS) 7500 is designed for enterprise VoIP installations with large numbers of users and monitoring requirements. It can support up to 100,000 directory users or 600 simultaneous recorders. The CCS 7500 also supports four Intel Xeon Processors and up to 36GB of memory. The server runs the Cistera v1.6 platform and will support the CallCenterEnterprise v1.7 (CCEV1.7).
The Cistera CallCenterEnterprise v1.7 will offer Call Center admins and supervisors additional features, including remote monitoring, screen capture, integrated instant messenger (IM) client with better presence support, coaching, and desktop remote control.CCEv1.7 also offers reporting, remote Web-based monitoring and QA sampling. The CCS integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s IP Contact Center Express and Enterprise. http://www.cistera.com

Voip Calling Rates for Zimbabwe. Best voip rates in terms of cost and quality and Cheaper than Calling Cards

If you are looking for the cheapest calling rates to Zimbabwe and with guarantied good audio quality, then here is what you are looking for. The table below gives best calling rates for landlines and mobile phones in Zimbabwe for several voip application and service providers that i have used. Included in the rtable are the cheapest calling rates for Zimbabwe and with voip applications that gives very good audio quality. I have used all the internet phone applications included in this table and they all have remarkably good audio qualities. Some of the rates are even cheaper than calling card rates for thesame destination.

Application / Provider	Landline $/min	Mobile $/min
skype	0.089	0.327
skypho	0.070	0.228
voipcheap	0.036	0.120
voipstunt	0.04	0.10
Gizmoproject	0.081	0.155
Internetcalls	0.03	0.10
voipdiscount	0.04	0.10
Jajah	0.19	0.34
poivy	0.01	0.10
vbuzzer	0.055	0.121
efonica	0.075	0.315