VoIP Now

MWEB Business to expand VoIP range

After the ADSL VoIP triumph, MWEB has unveiled OfficeCall PABX, a VoIP solution exclusively meant for companies with existing PABX system. With an objective to deliver business houses extensive inter-branch call cost savings, OfficeCall was launched in 2005. Now to enable businesses with lot of savings on all kinds of calls MWEB has extended the functionality to offer least cost routing (LCR).

With integral LCR functionality, OfficeCall PABX delivers call rates which are hugely reduced. What you get is savings of up to whopping 35% on local cellular calls and up to 12% on national calls and up to 60% on international calls.

Via [Mybroadband]

 

Hackers eyeing VoIP in Australia

Australians may have wholeheartedly embraced VoIP over the last twelve months but the internet protocol telephony also becomes a favorite target of malicious activities. James Scollay, Messaging security company MessageLabs's Asia-Pacific vice-president while detailing his next year plans on net phone security management says, "VoIP is very clearly a likely next target in information security, because it is close to the critical mass needed to make it worth a criminal's time to target it.” He further says that ever increasing use of VoIP will only lead to a flood of spit that is spam over IP telephony. Theft of VoIP services will no more be uncommon and by illegally entering into a VoIP network people will make outbound calls.

Via [TheAustralian]
 

MoBif signs contract with Tele VoIP

Mobif Bhd, basically an Asian player, the maker of internet surveillance has signed an overseas contract with an Italian firm, Tele VoIP Italia SrL to penetrate in the global market. Tele VoIP is a discounted low-cost long distance call group in

Italy which has more than 150,000 subscribers on board.

Last week, Mobif Bhd has appointed a China-based consultancy, Ying Te Yi Technologies (Beijing) Co Ltd to implement and commission VoIP networks in six major metro cities in
China. With a strong product growth MoBif registered a fourfold net profit in the fourth quarter.

Via [Btimes]   

Transition to VoIP will take 20 more years to happen

HP networking chief John McHugh thinks Voice over IP will take 20 years to ward off old good telephone. He says that for last five years every year it was told that this would be the year of VoIP but that has never happened. In a forum in Garmisch (Germany) VP of HP's Pro-Curve networking John McHugh says that the legacy of old telephone system will strongly be right there at least for next 15-20 years.

He predicted that not all but only privileged few will avail the 10Gbits/sec links on their desktop over copper lines. 1Gbits/sec will be sufficient enough for company premises and metropolitan link lines.

Via [Computeractive]

Satellite VoIP from Washington State Emergency Agency

An emergency VoIP communication system will make emergency personnel’s communication possible even if they are on opposite sides a mountain range.

Washington State's Emergency Management Division has deployed this emergency communication system (provided by Last Mile Networks) using VoIP connections over satellites which provides eight simultaneous IP voice channels. What’s more, it will also provide video links, by using non-blocking architecture so that video streams do not perturb the voice links off the air. 

Via [Voip-Magazine]

Tollgrade to feature Cheetah Solutions for VoIP and IP Services Deployment

Tollgrade Communications announced that at the CableLabs(R) Winter Conference 2006 it will launch Tollgrade Cheetah(TM) Cable Network Assurance Solutions which will be held in 
Colorado Springs from February 26 to 28. In the event Tollgrade Communications, a leader in communications test and management solutions will feature products that address the unique challenges of VoIP- and IP-based service deployments. 

The Cheetah VoIP software module for Tollgrade's DOCSIS(R)-based transponder tests VoIP Quality of Service (QoS), proactively manages network performance and remotely isolates multi-layered service troubles by identifying and correlating faults within customer, outside plant, headend and core network locations.

Via [PRNewswire] 

New Guidelines from Ofcom for UK VoIP providers

To establish a clean regulatory framework for the future UK Media and Communication regulator Ofcom has released its consultation document in regard to VoIP and consumer protection. Ofcom earlier propositioned operators who are offering VoIP services had to clearly inform consumers what they are offering and what not. In the released document Ofcom addresses issues such as call quality and reliability. The final version of the document will be published only after May and till then the new set of preliminary guidelines will be open to comments from consumers.

Via [Teleclick]    

Avaya leads global telephony market: Synergy Research

Synergy Research Group's Enterprise VoIP Equipment Report identified Avaya as the global market leader in enterprise internet protocol (IP) telephony port shipments. Avaya, a consistent leader in the IP Port shipment market consistently has been chosen the winner for the ninth consecutive quarter.   

The research also informs Avayas’ revenue in the field of IP telephony as well led for the consecutive fourth quarter with 23.1 per cent market share. This quarter can also be recognized as a landmark because the company has shipped its eight millionth IP telephony line in this quarter only.

Roger El-Tawil, channel and marketing manager, Avaya Middle East and North Africa said, “The health of the Middle East’s IP telephony market is demonstrated by the fact that Avaya is now hosting this partner training twice a year rather than annually to accommodate the demand.”

Via [TradeArabia]

Ilevo and Netbricks to deliver enhanced VoIP for PLC based on DS2 chips

Ilevo and Netbricks have formed a partnership (they earlier have created VoIP products for the Broadband Power Line access platform) to provide to deliver integrated superior VoIP solutions for broadband over power line communications products which is based on DS2 chipsets. It will be supplied to the Alliance by a Spanish chipmaker. The companies have by now manufactured VoIP products for the Broadband Power Line access platform that are fully compliant with the VoIP SIP standard.

According to Eric Morel, chief executive at Ilevo, "We are always extremely positive about the creation of this type of powerline communications ecosystem. It has helped us to build a SIP-based VoIP solution in record time."

Via [Vnunet]

SMBs and IP telephony: Scope infinite

The scope of IP telephony in the small and medium businesses (SMBs) can be enormous. This report on Infoworld says SMBs employ 35% of the total workforce and account for about 42% of total business revenue. The current penetration of IP telephony among SMBs is not very high but in the coming years the scenario is bound to change. To be a better player with more efficiency and improve productivity an inclination towards IP telephony is bound to happen.

Critical success factors

Below are areas vendors should focus on to achieve success in this segment:-

 - Adopting SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)

- Vertical Specific Solutions.

- Adopting SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)

- Expanding go-to-market strategy.

- Alliances with Service Providers.

Via [Infoworld]

Qpass expands its agreement with Skype to offer Personalise Skype

Qpass is expanding its current agreement with Skype to offer Personalise Skype which is a service that allows Skype users to include branded music content from iconic UK dance music record label Ministry of Sound. Ministry of Sound is one of the first major record labels to take advantage of this new distribution channel. Personalise Skype which Qpass runs as a fully managed service allows Skype users to customize and download pre recorded music, ringtones and voice clips.

"The Ministry of Sound brand has a global following and we are always looking for new channels which can expand our reach into new markets." said, Matt Dicks, Head of Media, Ministry of Sound. "In partnering with Skype, Qpass has helped to create an exciting new distribution channel for the music industry which can only grow and we are delighted to be involved."

via   [PhoneContent]

NeoAccel plans to foray in India

NeoAccel which is a leading provider of internet security solutions has ambitious plans to make foray in India. The company plans to invest fifty crores in its development operations. The company plans to recruit a team of world class IT professionals to address security, technical support and networking support to both Indian and global enterprises.

NeoAccel has made a late entry in the Indian market and would have to cope with market competition in the security space. Company’s SSL VPN-Plus achieves 6x to 30x better performance as compared to conventional SSL VPNs.

According to Michael Sussai, CEO, NeoAccel:

We are capitalizing on a significant fundamental technology flaw with existing SSL VPN products, so there should not be a tough competition.

via [CXOToday]

Avaya declared leader for global IP telephony market for 2005

Avaya has been identified as the global market leader in Enterprise Internet Protocol Telephony Port shipments by Synergy Research Group’s Enterprise VoIP Equipment Report for the year 2005. According to the report, Avaya is leading in IP Port shipments for the ninth consecutive quarter with 20% of the global market in the fourth quarter of 2005. Avaya was also declared as a leader for third consecutive year in IP Port Shipments with 21% for the full year. In terms of IP Telephony revenue also Avaya led with 23.1% share. The company also completed its eight millionth IP telephony line shipment during the quarter with nearly one million IP port shipments in the quarter alone.

via [Strategyiy]

Yak Communications introduces Yak Unlimited Calling Plan

Yak Communications has introduced the Yak Unlimited Calling Plan for international customers. It is being offered in addition to the other VoIP services offered by Yak which includes YakForFree peer to peer Virtual Videophone and YakToAnyone PC to PSTN calling. This plan allows international customers to choose a local North American number to associate with their account in order to make and receive calls to and from analog or mobile phones anywhere in the world.

It also provides many other features like voice mail, caller ID, unified messaging, conference calling and call waiting for $19.99USD.

via  [VoIP-Magazine]

Whaleback Systems introduces SMB 1500

Whaleback Systems’ CrystalBlue managed business phone service has been designed for the needs of small and medium sized businesses. The service consists of monitored premises based IP PBX-SMB 1500 and executive IP phones. The voice service also features a local and long distance call package, remote maintenance and monitoring, installation and configuration and twenty four hour technical support.

SMB 1500 transports voice signals over broadband connections via native SIP trunks to drive down recurring bandwidth charges. It is premises based and software driven. It is deployed at one’s location and connected to Ethernet network. It supports up to 1,500 phone station.

via [CConvergence]

Entone Technologies to showcase VOD solutions at IPTV World Forum

Entone Technologies would be showcasing its next generation personal video content delivery solutions that deliver disruptive price/performance levels at IPTV World Forum, London. Entone would be featuring open standards based video on demand solutions for delivering and managing digital assets which provide significant efficiencies and cost savings for video service operators.

The Entone solutions being showcased would include the StreamLiner network video recorder and the Armada Intelligent Asset Manager.

“In 2005 alone Entone deployed its StreamLiner VOD solution at more than 25 operators in the world, including the world’s largest IPTV service at PCCW” says Steve McKay, Entone CEO. “Many of these deployments have been in the EMEA market where Entone has seen great success. We look forward to participating in the IPTV World Forum as a platform for demonstrating our market-leading solution to our partners and some of the world’s leading IPTV operators.”

via  [IPTV-News]

VoX Communications introduces new retail VoIP service plan

VoX Communications has launched its new retail VoIP service plans that include lower pricing on multiple lines and international calls.  It has introduced VoX 1000 which offers 1000 minutes across U.S. and Canada for $ 14.95. VoX Unlimited Plus includes one VoX unlimited line for anywhere in the U.S. and Canada and also offers a second VoX basic line for $ 34.95. The company is also offering the VoX Unlimited WorldWide which includes the VoX Unlimited plan and 1000 VoX Worldwide minutes across 34 popular countries for $39.95. It has also introduced VoX Small Business which includes unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada plus a dedicated fax line with 500 minute and 300 VoX worldwide minutes for $49.95.

via  [TMCnet]

Vonage Marketing selects Excell Services for Directory assistance

Vonage Marketing has chosen Excell Services to provide its customers with Enhanced Directory Assistance Services which includes movie listings, sport scores, stock quotes and more. It also has regular number queries as well as address and reverse searches. Vonage customers can now access Directory assistance services for all of North America and many international destinations through the Excell Services network. Excell Services provides high quality services while leveraging its cost advantages to benefit telecommunications service providers across America.

"Vonage's key focus is to provide reliable products and services to its customers," said Michael Tribolet, president of Vonage America. "Excell Services is a great fit for Vonage and provides a high quality service with the industry's most advanced products and services."

via  [Chron]

Alcatel to provide integrated solutions in order to bring together Alcatel’s leading IP telephony and applications with IBM BladeCenter servers

Alcatel is planning to deliver integrated solutions that would bring together Alcatel’s leading IP telephony and applications with IBM BladeCenter servers. It is perfect for large enterprise and data centers, outsourcers and service providers who seek to centralize telephony services within their overall IT environment while providing flexible deployment models that support both premise based solutions and managed services or a mix of both.

The offering would integrate Alcatel’s OmniPCX Enterprise IP communications platform, Alcatel OmniVista management solution and Alcatel OmniTouch Unified Communications suite of applications into IBM environments. This solution can also be incorporated with various business workflow processes through a series of web service that permit a flexible and cost effective way to integrate communication interactions into business workflows which increase the speed in which business processes are completed.

via  [WebWire]

NetHead acquires VoIP rights for United States and Canada

NetHead has acquired the rights to VoIP for the United States and Canada through an agreement with Infinet Communications. NetHead has entered this market in order to serve the needs of its loyal community of users. NetHeadVoice plans start as low as $14.99 per month. Users are charged 35% less as compared to traditional phone service.
The savings would come handy at a time when utility costs have shot up leaving many families with a budget shortfall every month. It has also come out with plans for small businesses. One is not charged set up fees or purchase expensive equipments

via  [XTVWorld]

CommPartners suspends residential VoIP services due to FCC’s E911 mandate

CommPartners has suspended the sale and provisioning of residential services until it can fully comply with the FCC’s E911 mandate. It is expected to be completed by the end of August. Off-shore residential users and softphone users would not be affected by CommPartner’s suspension as neither demographic is covered by the FCC mandate.

Last year FCC issued a notification that VoIP operators need to provide E911 but the enforcement of the mandate has been pushed out as companies are asking for more time to comply with an order which is widely viewed as very difficult to meet.

via  [NewTelephony]

SMC Networks introduces Wireless Travel Voice gateway

SMC Networks has introduced an all in one travel device called the SMC Wireless Travel Voice gateway. It is a compact and versatile device which integrates the functions of wireless gateway and VoIP technology into one device for the business traveler. Users would now be able to select a number of a number of functions based on their specific needs in different networking environments and at the same time also provide option to use the RJ-11 voice interface for VoIP calls and life line function.

The retail price for the travel voice gateway is $ 150 and it would be made available at the end of the first quarter at all retail channels.

via  [VoIPCentral]

Zignal to launch a new service platform at London’s IPTV World Forum

Zignal would be launching a new service platform at London’s IPTV World Forum in March. The new solution would be delivering a range of revenue generating IPTV services through a single solution and the services would be accessible from a number of standards compliant digital media receivers like set top boxes, remote controls and smart phones. The new solution has been developed as a result of two years of intensive research and development. The services would be including digital television, personal video recording, video on demand, digital radio and online gaming. All the services would be accessible through a customizable user interface.

via  [TMCnet]

WengoPhone available as an extension for Mozilla Firefox

WengoPhone, GPL licensed VoIP client is now available as an extension for Mozilla Firefox. The software makes use of SIP and defaults to the patent free Speex audio codec. Neuf Telecom is offering the optional Wengo call out service to connect users to the public telephone network. The labeled beta 0.66 version is more limited in scope than the prior, non XUL renamed WengoPhoneClassic. It is available for Firefox 1.5 and later on would be available on Windows and Mac, although closed beta tests are being conducted with Linux. The framework supports video in addition to voice chat, SMS text messaging to and from public telephone network and XMPP presence and messaging.

via  [NewsForge]

ISPhone introduces whitelabel SMB VoIP Network in Australia

ISPhone has started operations in Australia. The company plans to become the country’s largest SMB VoIP provider through a channel strategy that offers high level of support for partners. The company has signed Australian Satellite Services which has selected ISPhone to help it deliver a VoIP over Satellite service to remote Australian locations. The new VoIP service would be complementing ASCS’s data and fax service offering all over a single satellite connection which would result in cost savings of as much as 90% over traditional phone services. The company wants to distinguish itself from other VoIP providers who are offering a distinctively retail or enterprise flavored IP telephony service.

via  [VoIPNews]

Microsoft to release free VoIP application

Microsoft would be releasing a free VoIP app which would let Office users to make free calls on W-Fi phones running windows Mobile software. The new application and service would be a part of a mobile version of Microsoft Office Communicator that would be released this year.

According to Business Online.com report  "will take the form of a voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) application that allows Office users to make free voice calls over wi-fi enabled phones running Windows Mobile software."

The app would also enable to access e-mail, power point and other office applications.

via  [NetworkingPipeline]

SunComm launches VoIP phone with three hour talktime

SunComm Technology has introduced the SC-6600 –C which is a VoIP phone that provides three hours talk time and twenty seven hours of standby time. It supports SIP and G .711, G .729a and G.723 voice codecs. The phone supports 14 channels. The handset is capable of peer to peer dialing, speed dialing and supports pre-dial functions. It is available with a backlit 112x64 resolution LCD, ear phone jack and mini-USB port. The device features a phone book, ring and vibration call alerts and battery level indicator. It draws power from a 1,350mAh Lithium battery.

via  [GlobalSources]

Nokia and Motorola launch cellular-VoIP phones

Nokia and Motorola have unveiled phones which can switch between cellular coverage outdoors and cheap wireless internet calling inside using a single phone number. They have been introduced in order to meet the growing demand. The companies are aware of the fact that they can’t beat internet call operators like Skype for the cheap calls they provide and they think it is better to join them. Nokia 6136 and Motorola A190 handsets introduced at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth in order to make cut price calls from home, office or public hotspot. A number of smaller manufacturers have also announced similar phones in recent months.

via  [VoIPCentral]

Shanghai Telecom to issue IPTV numbers ahead of schedule

Shanghai Telecom and Shanghai Media Group are impressed by the rapid increase of IPTV service applicants and they are now pressing to issue the IPTV numbers ahead of schedule. According to local media reports, Shanghai Telecom has raised its first quarter goal from 5500 to 10,000 users. The company has been attracting users with competitive ADSL and IPTV package offers. According to an earlier plan IPTV network was to be completed in Shanghai by the middle of 2006 and thousands of users were to be developed by the end of this year. Apart from Shanghai’s Shenmin District and Pudong District where IPTV was initiated, Zhabei district has also been included in the list.

via  [ChinaTechNews]

BT deploying global VoIP platform

BT is investing $ 21 million in order to axe its legacy TDM across more than 30 countries as part of its new generation network development – 21st Century Network. The company would be applying half of its initial global rollout plan to Asia Pacific markets where the company has been experiencing an average 45 % year on year growth in overall voice traffic on its current voice network. Seven nodes have already been rolled out across Asia Pacific markets which include Australia, India, Japan, and Hong Kong. The new network would be offering a never before seen level of integration between applications and network services.

via  [VoIPNews]

Interactive Television Networks to launch Pulse

Interactive Television Networks has launched Pulse which is the first music video network. Pulse would be offering unlimited video on demand access to a commercial free library of more than 30,000 music videos from all the major recording labels with new videos added weekly. Videos would be organized into dozens of 24/7 channels, classified by specific group and genre. Subscribers would also be able to create playlists of their favorite videos which can be viewed in order or at random and can even be shared with other subscribers. It would be available from May at a cost of $ 4.95 per month.

via   [InformItv]

Asian VoIP market set to grow, according to Mergent Online

According to Mergent Online, the market for VoIP services in Asia including Japan would grow by $ one billion per year between 2005 and 2009 and would clock $ 10 billion by 2009. It is expected that the Smartphone usage in Asia would take off in the 3G mobile communications era and the Chinese mobile phone vendors are preparing for this new demand. It is also expected that the Asian market for television and other media on mobile phones is poised for an explosion. India has emerged as Asia’s fastest growing market for mobile services with subscriber numbers doubling to 55.31 million as compared to a decade ago.

via  [Forbes]

Hutchison 3 Group and Skype enter into an agreement on Skype communications on 3G

Hutchison 3 Group and Skype have entered into an agreement to enable Skype communications on 3G. The two companies would be giving users the freedom to enjoy Skype anywhere they go, whether they are at their home, in office or on the move while on Hutchison’s 3 networks. Hutchison views Skype as an attractive value added service which provides customers with more choice and hence accelerate the uptake of the Hutchison’s 3G services. This partnership would enable Hutchison to directly tap into the 75 million people using Skype across the Hutchison territories and promote to them the benefits of using Skype on Hutchison’s networks.

via  [ITNewsOnline]

IDT to acquire Net2Phone, Finally!!

Net2Phone is being acquired by IDT for $ 28.1 million, a deal which would make Net2Phone a private company. The deal would bring to an end a long courtship in which IDT had repeatedly raised its offer for Net2Phone. As per the terms of the agreement, IDT would be paying $2.05 in cash per share for Net2Phone. It is the same price which IDT paid in an earlier tender offer for Net2Phone. When the deal gets finalized, Net2Phone would become a privately held wholly owned subsidiary of IDT. As on Feb 1, IDT’s holdings in Net2Phone gave it an 87.2 % voting stake in the company.

via   [VoIPCentral]

BT Group to invest $ 21 million on VoIP platform

BT Group PLC is investing $21 million on a global platform to provide voice calling over the internet. Half of the investment would go into developing the platform for the Asia-Pacific region. VoIP permits customers to save money by switching from company’s traditional phone system. It breaks sound into data packets that travel over the internet and get reassembled on the recipient’s end. The company’s platform would be able to support services such as voice calls, videoconferences and e-mails. When the project gets completed this year, it would cover 17 countries including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

via  [SeattlePi]

deltathree expanding its presence in Caribben and Latin American markets

deltathree would be expanding its presence in the Central, South American and Caribbean markets. deltathree has entered into partnership within Colombia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru and Mexico region that has led to an expansion of its global VoIP network. It would emerge as a major step in leveraging the growing demand for VoIP services in the region. Since deltathree has established distribution partners, it is targeting new business opportunities and successfully leveraging the overwhelming interest in their VoIP offerings. The company is trying to make it easy for partners to work with deltathree and maximize the revenue they derive from selling deltathree’s products and services.

via  [TMCnet]

Top Global introduces world’s first 3G mobile wireless Skype solution

Top Global has introduced World’s first 3G Mobile wireless Skype solution based on their 3G MobileBridge platform. The company has developed and patented the flexible MobileBridge platform which serves as a gateway/router that links 3G network and WLAN/LAN networks which enables customers to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of wireless internet in truly mobile and remote environments. It works anywhere within cellular coverage. It is not limited to office, home, cafe or open public. Users would be able to make free domestic and international calls, call non-Skype users and regular phone numbers for a small fee with the SkypeOut feature.

via  [BBWExchange]

Telstra to sort out VoIP emergency services confusion

Telestra is implementing a three digit number for VoIP calls to emergency service operators in order to ensure critical information such as exact location and address can be recorded. VoIP has been playing havoc with emergency services globally as after the call goes through the gateway, no hard location information is forwarded with the call. Hence emergency services personnel are unable to automatically track the caller to their destination. Currently emergency services dispatchers within Telstra can locate VoIP callers by asking their address but the new number system aims to reduce any further problems.

via  [ITNetCentral]

Speech Engine receives Best of Show award at Internet telephony Conference and Expo East 2006

LumenVox’s Speech Engine has been awarded the Best of Show award at TMC’s Internet Telephony Conference and Expo East 2006. Speech Engine offers developers with a flexible API that performs recognition on audio data from any audio source. It includes server side grammars and MRCP and Linux support. The innovative Speech Engine is an indication of why so many enterprise buyers, resellers, developers and service providers flock to Internet Telephony Conference and Expo.

"LumenVox and their innovative Speech Engine are a standout indication of why so many enterprise buyers, developers, resellers and service providers flock to Internet Telephony(R) Conference & Expo," said TMC President and Conference Chairman, Rich Tehrani.

via  [VoIPMagazine]

IPcelerate to provide VoIP software applications for Subway Sandwich Stores

IPcelerate has been selected to provide VoIP software applications for a series of Arizona based Subway Sandwich Stores. The deal requires Ipcelerate to deploy a series of VoIP business systems onto a converged network in order to assist with business processes. The application would have an impact on time card and shift management, store emergency awareness, daily deposit, store task awareness, customer order improvement, employee recognition and employee safety. Applications would be developed specifically for this business initiative. The development and deployment of the VoIP application system would be delivered in three phases spanning around six to nine months. Phase one would be fully deployed in the first quarter of 2006.

via  [TMCnet]

TeliaSonera to conduct trials for wireless telephony along with Nokia and Cisco

TeliaSonera would be conducting trials for wireless telephony via WLAN for enterprise customers using equipment from Nokia and Cisco systems. The trials with Cisco and Nokia are part of company’s ambition to provide customers with an easy to use wireless VoIP concept. It has emerged as the first operator to conduct trials in this area along with Nokia and Cisco. Security, simplicity and quality would be tested in depth. The company has also been conducting trials of a wireless VoIP solution using UMA technology for consumers in Denmark and Sweden.

via  [Converge]

SIPphone launches new service named area775

SIPphone has launched a new service called area775. It has emerged as the first service that would give the user one number that would reach on his computer or mobile phone. It would also enable to transfer calls between the two locations. It is the first VoIP service that combines the PC calling world with traditional phones making it all seamless. One can signup for free from www.area775.com. If a person wants another area code, then one needs to pay $ 3.95 per month. It works with SIPphone’s Gizmo Project and is more than a phone number. The features which have been included are call screening, dual ring, call transfer and voicemail enabled with an SMS notification system that can be configured to send an alert to a person after one receives a voicemail.

via  [ZDNet]

Teles files lawsuit against Nokia for patent infringement

Teles AG has filed a lawsuit against Nokia for alleged patent infringement. The company claims that Nokia’s 6136 handset and its GSM fallback function infringes Tele’s European and German patents. The case has been filed with the Mannheim regional court. Nokia has touted the new device at the 3GSM world Congress in Barcelona.  The phone makes use of unlicensed Mobile Access technology which makes use of GSM/GPRS voice and data services over a broadband connection. The company plans to make the 6136 available by the second quarter of 2006.

via  [TMCnet]

iDial-IP turn key VoIP solution receives Best of Show award at Internet Telephony conference

GlobalNet Corporation’s iDial-IP turn key VoIP solution has been named winner for second year in a row for Best of Show award at TMC’s   Internet Telephony conference and EXPO East 2006. iDial-IP is a flexible private label consumer VoIP platform which has been designed and built specifically for service providers who require performance and ease of installation. The iDial-IP platform has been completely customized to fit the needs of specific local markets which include custom calling plans or region and custom rate management for profitability control.

via  [Chron]

VoIP popularity results in growth of broadband regulation

Broadband provides such as those with limited resources such as airports and hotels are getting fond of new revolution of broadband regulation. Many broadband providers are such as Shaw Cable are prioritizing services based on the ports which they use in order to preserve bandwidth for certain more time sensitive actions. These forms of regulation are quite severe and could result in an inability to use VoIP communications. It was reported by IBA that Jeff Pulver had been blocked from making a IP based phone call over the hotel’s broadband connection still he could connect to his home cable box and transfer television feed from home to hotel.

via  [BetaDot]

Jajah to give tough competition to Skype

Jajah plans to give tough competition to Skype by offering VoIP telephony services at low prices. The service would work with a regular telephone and not require downloading of software onto a computer the same way as required in Skype. The company was co founded in 2005 by two Austrian high tech entrepreneurs roman Scharf and Daniel mattes. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company is trying to bust software and hardware limitations which have prevented the use of VoIP for conversations with landline phones.

via   [VoIPCentral]

Yankee Group gives number one position to Prognosis

Prognosis precise performance monitoring software from Integrated Research has been recognized as the most comprehensive VoIP management solution. In the VoIP Management Solutions Guide released by Yankee Group, Prognosis has earned the reputation of a top ranked product. Prognosis is different from others as it focuses on particular components of IP telephony management. The major strengths of Prognosis are in the breadth and depth of coverage across the Cisco IPT solution, call performance in real time, ability to provide TDM – equivalent performance management by monitoring calls and the flexibility and scalability of its solution.

via  [PrNewsWire]

Sprient expanding its portfolio of VoIP companies

Sprient Communications is expanding its portfolio of VoIP companies by acquiring QuadTex systems which is a supplier of VoIP multimedia subsystem test tools. The potential value of the deal is $ 9 million which also includes $ 7.5 million in cash and an additional $ 1.5 million conditional on the completion of certain agreed upon technical milestones. QuadTex was founded in 2002 and it has 14 employees. Its main customers are AT&T, Ericsson, Cisco and NTT. The acquisition reflects company’s strategy of selective acquisitions to contribute to its holdings in the areas of triple, VoIP and IMS testing. Sprient is also acquiring SwissQual at an estimated cost of $ 70.5 million.

via  [teleClick]

eWAN1 to launch Global Internet television service by April, 2006

eWAN1 would be launching their Global Internet television service in April, 2006 which would offer consumers 75 channels of high definition clarity on demand broadcast content through their television screens via any broadband internet connection. The company also plans to launch Triple Play Digital Media Center set top boxes in March 2006. It would emerge as the first company to lunch true IPTV service on a global basis. Its subsidiary company, Direct connect would be providing traditional broadcast television to subscribers who would be able to select channels and networks of their choice and would include popular networks such as CNN and HBO.

via  [VoIPMagazine]

Avaya bags multiple market awards

Avaya has bagged five prestigious market leadership awards from Frost & Sullivan which has recognized its expertise in enabling companies to use communications as a tool in order to gain competitive edge. The major award in Avaya’s kitty is the Company of the Year award for excellence in IP based enterprise communications applications and contact center solutions. The company also bagged awards for its strategy and market share in the following areas which includes messaging and mobility, conferencing and collaboration and for its leading Voice over Wireless LAN solutions. The company is being honored for its achievements and leadership in North America telephony and messaging.

via  [PrNewsWire]

Vonexus receives Internet Telephony’s Product of The Year award

Vonexus has won the Internet Telephony magazine’s 2005 Product of The Year award for the company’s Microsoft based IP communications system, Enterprise Interaction Center (EIC). The company has received the award for its commitment to innovation, quality and meeting real marketplace needs. Enterprise Interaction Center is a Microsoft based IP communications system which is built on open standards offering pre packaged IP PBX, IVR, auto attendant, web chat functionality, unified messaging along with Microsoft .NET Office desktop plug ins. EIC was built to fill the gap created by vendors offering proprietary, hardware based multi product VoIP based solutions.

via   [BusinessWire]

Carphone Warehouse plans to enter the Irish broadband market

Carphone Warehouse is conducting a feasibility study for entering the Irish broadband market. The company is already discussing with a number of existing broadband providers in the Irish marketplace. The company is looking for a partner to combine with its 80,000 strong CPS customer base in Irish market. They are also looking at the possibility of performing local loop unbundling. It is just a matter of time before the company comes up with a broadband offering under their Talk Talk brand at some stage in the near future. Carphone Warehouse is also evaluating a possible mobile virtual network operator play in the Irish market.

via [SiliconRepublic]

WNC launches dual mode GSM/Wi-Fi phone

WNC has introduced the GW1 which is the first dual mode GSM/Wi-Fi phone based on Otopia Phone Edition software from Trolltech. The phone includes an MP3 player and support for email, internet browsing and instant messaging. This Linux based phone provides an estimated five hours of cellular talk time or four hours of VoIP calling. The production of the handset would begin in the second quarter of 2006. Marketing of the GW1 phone in Asia and Europe would begin by the end of 2006. It is expected that the market for dual mode cellular/Wi-Fi phone is expected to grow from $ 6.8 million to $ 2.9 billion by 2009.

via   [VoIPMagazine]

BroadSoft’s Mobile PBX Application to give boot to major mobile operators

BroadSoft has made an announcement regarding the new deployments of the Broadworks Mobile PBX Application to give major mobile operators around the world the ability to deliver an enterprise communications solution. The application would unlock the enterprise market for its mobile operator customers and trial deployments. Mobile operators who use the Mobile PBX application would increase value to end users. Major service providers in Asia, Europe and North America are using the Mobile PBX application that would offer new productivity and mobility communication services to enterprises. Mobile operators have been deploying BroadSoft in order to enter the largely untapped mobile enterprise market through Broadsoft’s strong channel relationships for IMS solutions.

via  [Unstrung]

Would Skype explode on the mobile scene in 2006?

According to a prediction by Skype, it would explode on the mobile scene in the year 2006. Skype has released the Skype for Pocket 2.0 which is a new version of the software for Pocket PC devices that allows Skype callers to make free voice calls anywhere their device can connect to a high speed internet connection. This would serve as a significant component of Skype’s mobility strategy. It would further the goal of the company to extend Skype use beyond desktop computers. The company wants to simplify mobile internet calling for all of its users. Skype has also entered into an agreement with Hutchison 3 to enable internet communications from 3G mobile phones.

via   [WirelessWeek]

Top Global announces world’s first 3G mobile wireless Skype solution

Top Global has announced the world’s first 3G mobile wireless Skype solution based on company’s MobileBridge platform. The company has developed and patented the flexible MobileBridge platform which serves as a router that links 3G network and and LAN/WLAN networks which enables customers to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of wireless internet in truly mobile and remote environments. The 3G mobile wireless Skype MobileBridge can work anywhere within cellular coverage. It does not limit to a café, office, home or open public Wi-Fi hotspot either. There is no change in the Skype experience.

via  [PrWeb]

Avaya Communication Manager to support Nokia Series 80 smart phones

Avaya Communication Manager to support Nokia Series 80 smart phones Avaya announced that its software, Avaya Communication Manager would be supporting the popular Nokia Series 80 smart phones such as Nokia 9500 Communicator, Nokia 9300i enterprise smart phones and Nokia 9300. The announcement was made at 3GSM World Congress 2006.  This would provide businesses with a greater choice of business communication applications for mobile workers regardless of their location, access technology or communication device which would enable them to collaborate and respond rapidly to customers and colleagues. Now Nokia Series 80 enterprise could be equipped with Avaya communication Manager which would enable phone users to be accessible via one business number and use a single voicemail system whether they are in the office or mobile.

via  [MobileWack]

Avaya maintains leadership in Lebanon

The Dell ‘Oro Group IP Telephony Enterprise Report states that Avaya has maintained its leadership region in Lebanon with new installations in enterprise telephony, contact center and mobility solutions. The report for the third quarter of 2005 states that Avaya has maintained its global market leadership in enterprise telephony. This includes both IP telephony and traditional telephony revenues. Avaya has emerged as the leader in enterprise telephony with market share of 19% in the third quarter. This has been due to the business benefits which have been delivered by Avaya’s solutions. Avaya has been able to achieve growth in key MENA markets like Lebanon.

via  [CpiLive]

Iowa Public television to launch digital service in Mason City

Iowa Public Television would be launching digital service in Mason City by mid March and in the neighboring areas by the end of this year. This would enable users of HDTV sets to watch IPTV programming on digital channel 18 in HDTV with superior picture and sound. HDTV would be offered in the evening while IPTV would be broadcasted during the daytime. The digital services would be available free to all viewers and it would not require subscription to satellite or cable service. People who don’t have HDTV would still be able to receive the digital service with a set top box that converts digital signals into analog.

via  [GlobeGazette]

SIPquest becomes a member of Symbian Platinum Program

SIPquest has joined the Symbian Platinum Program in order to support the growing market for smart phones based Symbian OST. As a member of the Symbian Platinum program SIPquest would be able to bring functionally rich VoIP solutions to Symbian OS phones and satisfy the needs of the users that depend on dual mode Wi-Fi and GSM or Wi-Fi and CDMA features. As a partner in this program, SIPquest would be extending personalized control of communications services through FMC and IMS solutions over GSM, Wi-Fi and CDMA interfaces to Symbian OS ecosystem.

via  [SymbianOne]

Nokia, AIS and Avaya come together to offer Enterprise Fixed Mobile Convergence

Nokia, Avaya and Advanced Info Services have partnered to introduce the first phase of an FMC solution that would enhance office productivity and competitiveness. The FMC solution is available on mobile devices operating on the S60 platform and Symbian operating system which enables mobile workers to access the features and functions of office desk phones through an easy to use on screen interface. The companies have announced that they would be jointly providing the services to their enterprise customers. It includes PTT Exploration and Production Plc which is a petroleum exploration and production company based in Thailand.

via  [IT News Online]

Telecom companies’ charges for high speed networks might shrink websites

According to Google a number of websites may shrink if broadband providers like AT & T start charging companies for premium access to high speed networks. Companies like BellSouth and AT&T have suggested that Yahoo, Google and Vonage should be charged for the high quality delivery content over the phone companies’ network. These companies claim that they have been investing billions of dollars in upgrading their broadband networks. Critics fear telecom companies could discriminate against internet companies and limit what consumers see when they go online.

via [post-gazette]

Skype launches SkypeWeb

Skype has launched SkypeWeb which is a web presence feature that has been already integrated into more than 50 websites in 20 countries around the world. It allows people to see Skype users’ online status and call or chat with them from any website with a simple click of a mouse. SkypeWeb has integrated Skype seamlessly into any website. It allows web administrators to easily enable all site visitors to talk freely over the internet. Companies which have been using SkypeWeb in their websites have already started getting the benefits of increased ease of communication and interaction.

via  [VoIP Central]

NetComm offers a plug and play VoIP phone bundle

NetComm is offering a VoIP phone bundle that works straight out of the box. The V100LS Telephone Adapter/CECT Phone Bundle is a plug and play device which plugs straight into a broadband router and provides calls via a DECT phone. This bundle provides users from any technical background the opportunity to reap benefits of VoIP technology. Users would have to connect the DECT phone based station to a broadband router and the VoIP service is ready to be used. It comes pre-configured with a connection to MyNetPhone which locks the user into a service provider and offers the user a level of ease to use it. The MyNetPhone account is available with five dollars of credit. The bundle is available for $ 179 and the V100 and DECT phone are available for $129 and $99 respectively.

via  [VoIPNews]

Trendnet launches Skype handset that connects via Bluetooth

Trendnet Today has launched a Skype handset which connects via Bluetooth. This TVP-SP1BK ClearSky VoIP Bluetooth Phone with Bluetooth Adapter also includes a wireless handset and compact Bluetooth adapter. It supports all of the popular Skype standard functions such as Call List, Contacts, Conference Call, SkypeOut etc. It is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which provides a six hour talk time and over 60 hours standby time. The bundled USB Bluetooth Adapter supports enhanced data range and makes use of Class 1 radio technology in order to extend coverage distance up to 100 meters. The shipping for the product would begin next month and it would be available for around $ 100.

via   [TG Daily]

Will Vonage IPO give it a big marketing push?

The strategy of Vonage to go public would help the company to continue funding an aggressive marketing push aimed at funding off growing competition from rivals like cable and phone giants. Vonage plans to raise $250 through its much awaited initial public offering. The company is already a known name as it has been hugely spending on television, internet ads and print. The company which pioneered internet technology is planning an even bigger war chest in order to compete in the ever growing VoIP field. On the other hand analyst beleive that an initial stock offering by Vonage would not boost the market for IPOs where activity in technology related offerings has continued to be lukewarm.

via  [MercuryNews]

Skype teams up with a number of companies for new products

Skype is planning to consolidate its position in the VoIP market with a number of deals with electronics industry companies in order to make internet calling easier for consumers. The company has struck a number of deals with companies. Along with Creative it launched the Creative Skype Internet PhonePLUS. With D-Link it introduced the Skype USB Phone Adapter. With Ipevo it launched Ipevo Fly-1 Cordless Handset, and then came Kodak Photo Voice followed by Panasonic cordless phone which allows users to make and receive Skye calls and VTech USB7100 Phone. Now it needs to be seen what wonders these deals work for Skype. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

via  [TechDigest]

Amdocs IP Convergence Solution for IPTV receives Internet Telephony’s 2005 Product of the Year award

Amdocs IP Convergence Solution for IPTV has received the 2005 Product of the Year award from Internet Telephony magazine. This solution includes the Amdocs billing, payment mediation, CRM ordering and self service products along with consulting and systems integration services. By incorporating these products into one comprehensive solution, carriers can provide a seamless experience whether consumers order a video on demand through the on-screen interface or logs a service complaint via the Web. Every year the Product of the Year award is given to those companies by Internet telephony that have shown excellence in technological advancements and application refinements

via  [PRNewsWire]

MyVillage.com joins hands with Voice Commerce Group to launch voice enabled online communities across UK

MyVillage.com has joined hands with Voice Commerce Group to launch voice enabled online communities across UK. Voice Commerce which provides low cost internet telephony services including free calls to PCs and video messaging is to be installed through MyVillage’s 121 local and city based online communities. This would be a major step in providing a real life online experience to communities that can be either geographic or internet based. The Whitephone technology uses advanced features such as CastAlive broadcasting and click to talk which enables users and advertisers to opt in to be alerted to local offers and news in their region.

via   [VoIPCentral]

babyTEL introduces a comprehensive VoIP solution for small and mid sized enterprises in Canada

babyTEL has announced a comprehensive VoIP solution which would make it easier for small and mid sized enterprises in Canada to make transition to this cost effective and beneficial technology. babyTEL is taking steps to ensure that small and medium sized businesses get the benefits of this technology as generally smaller firms are not able to reap the benefits of  the new technology quickly. The babyTEL Enterprise is meant for firms having employees between 2 and 300, multiple offices and a flexible workforce that works remotely from hotels, home, airports and other locations. There is a great potential for VoIP services in the small and mid-sized enterprise market.

via  [NewsWire]

NetClarity launches free vulnerability testing program for VoIP equipment providers

NetClarity has launched a free vulnerability testing program for VoIP equipment providers. The program Audit My VoIP requires vendors to ship their gear to NetClarity where it is connected to one of the company’s Auditor security auditing appliances. The appliance which has been certified by MITRE to its CVE standard moves through a variety of tests and produces a PDF report which is confidentially e-mailed back to the vendor. Already a dozen companies have participated in the program since it was announced on Jan 25th. The company can analyze any piece of VoIP equipment ranging from Windows CE phones to high end network gear.

via  [VonMag]

Skype and Intel collaborate for internet based voice and video communications

Skype and Intel are planning for internet based voice and video communications. The engineers from the two companies would be collaborating on optimizing Skype 2.0 for use with Intel’s dual core processor systems which includes Centrino Duo and Pentium D PCs. Intel and Skype are also planning to tighten integration with Intel’s new Viiv technology. The first fruit of their efforts is the availability of free, ten way voice conference calling for up to ten people in Skype 2.0. Earlier the limit was 5 way conferencing. Although efforts to date have focused on audio improvement and adding the ten way calling feature, further optimization of Skype 2.0 for video conferencing is in the offing.

via [ABCNews]

Ericsson and VimpelCom become the first to demonstrate 3GPP standard based compressed speech and signaling over IP

Ericsson and VimpelCom have become the first company to demonstrate 3GPP standard based compressed speech and signaling over IP in a commercial GSM network. In December 2005, first call was made between Yekaterinburg and Nizhniy Tagil in the new VimpelCom coverage area. It is a state of the art technology which would be launched across the whole region in February 2006. Ericsson’s VP (Market Unit Eastern Europe and Central Asia) Zoran Lukovic says that their company is proud to be selected by VimpelCom for installing softswitch solution and supporting its evolution to all IP.

via  [VoIPCentral]

Cordia Corp expanding its global VoIP network

Cordia Corp has added phone numbers from over 30 countries to its VoIP network. The additional numbers would serve as an important part of Cordia’s new service offering which would allow customers to select phone numbers from as many as 36 countries. The International telecommunications market reached $ 1.3 trillion in 2004 and is expected that it would reach $ 1.6 trillion by 2009. Cordia Corp through its subsidiaries Cordia Corp and Cordia Communications offers business, residential and wholesale customers local and long distance telecommunications services.

via  [Orlando Business Journal]

Eqo Communications brings Skype buddy list on the cell phone

A solution has been devised by Eqo Communications which enables users to use their cellphone to call members of Skype buddy list. Their mobile internet phone service does not make use of the Skype network but uses a J2ME app that allows a user to know whether his buddies are online and call them without knowing their phone number. The person then gets a message on his phone that they have an incoming call and choose whether or not they want to accept the call.

via  [engadget]

Vonage plans to raise up to $ 250 million through IPO

Vonage is planning an initial public offering to raise up to $ 250 million. This would be the first IPO by an internet based phone company that markets almost exclusively to consumers. The terms of offering have not been decided as yet. Speculations were ripe that Vonage would be bought by a larger company or might go public. The IPO gives the indication that eBay’s $ 4.1 billion purchase of internet phone company Skype last year has made the deal tougher.

via [UsaToday]

Opera Software and Amino enter into an extended partnership for IPTV market

Under an extended partnership with Opera Software, Amino would be offering the Opera Browser as an option for shipments of its AmiNET110 set top boxes and would also be working with Opera to integrate browser technology into the next generation products. The reason for choosing Opera 8.5 SDK was because of its faster performance, lower memory footprint and support for advanced web based user interfaces for IPTV.  The Opera browser provides a convincing surfing experience for the users of Amino’s IPTV set top boxes. As per the agreement Amino could also provide application developers with Amino Software Development Kit with the Opera browser option.

via [VoIP Central]

Cape Town using VoIP technology to respond to disasters

An emergency management centre based in Cape Town would be using open source VoIP telephony in order to deal with and respond to disasters in the region. Connection Telecom has implemented an Asterisk solution at the provincial emergency management centre based at Tygerberg hospital. It ensures call recording on the platform itself and also permits conference calling. The other features provided by the Asterisk solution are call recording, call queuing and predictive dialing. There are other plans for a wide area VoIP solution which can interconnect other emergency services centers in the Western Province.

via [Mg]

Wireless VoIP to emerge on the communication scene in 2006

According to a recent report by IDC, wireless VoIP telephony is set to emerge on the communications scene. Pilots, trials and proof of concepts wireless internet telephony projects would dominate the market in the year ahead. The other factors would be mass market availability of dual mode handsets along with IP telephony vendor’s integration of fixed mobile convergence into their IP PBXs. Companies have starting realizing the value of VoIP in terms of feature rather than just a cost saving technology. There would be an increased interest in ensuring that WLAN and VoIP systems are ready for future wireless VoIP deployments.

via  [ITWales]

eMMS Toolbar launched by General Wireless

General Wireless has launched eMMS Toolbar that would enable SMS and MMS to be sent easily from Internet Explorer to mobile phones. This technology can be integrated into other toolbars and it would benefit Yahoo, Google, Skype and other companies. It enables easy sending and forwarding of text, pictures, sound and video from internet connected PCs to mobile phones. This would ensure increased revenues for General Wireless customers. It is expected that eMMS toolbar would significantly increase operators’ SMS and MMS traffic as it can be easily accessed on the desktop.

via [MobilityToday]

BroadWorks Communicator chosen for 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology

BroadSoft has been selected for the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology for its product BroadWorks Communicator which is a breakthrough multimedia softphone and for expanding and refining its BroadWorks product platform. It is a next generation voice application platform which enables fixed and mobile carriers to provide advanced voice and multimedia applications and innovative features. The BroadWorks Communicator enables users to make calls from anywhere using their PC and high speed internet connection. The award is given to a company which has pioneered the development and introduction of an innovative technology in the market.

via  [PRNewsWire]

COLT and Avaya come together to transform business voice services with a new IP PBX service

COLT and Avaya have come together to transform business voice services with the new IP PBX service. COLT is partnering with Avaya to provide Europe’s most extensive fully managed IP telephony service in response to business demand for COLT’s predictable flat rate pricing and minimal capes model with the features of a traditional PBX. The managed IP PBX service can be hosted in COLT’s data centers or on the customer’s premises permitting customers to access the benefits and features associated with state of the art IP telephony.

via [MarketWire]

Telesat emerges as the exclusive satellite provider for Auroras Entertainment

Telesat has emerged as the exclusive satellite provider for Auroras Entertainment. Auroras are working on a fully integrated IPTV service that would be available across North America including Alaska and Hawaii using C band service from Telesat’s Anik F2 satellite. Auroras IPTV network would permit broadband operators such as telephone companies to provide IPTV services quickly and economically. It would be available as a complete end to end IPTV solution or as a supplier for individual components required to complete IPTV initiatives.

via [OttawaBusinessJournal]

CYGCOM and Paraxip Technologies introduces next generation VoIP Gateway Bundles

CYGNOM and Paraxip Technologies have announced the availability of new VoIP gateway product bundles optimized for speech, IVR and contact center applications. It includes the Parapix Gateway Software Version 2.0 which offers Open Protocol Translation, dynamic call transfer selection and advanced call progress analysis over the SIP protocol. It also includes the Intel NetStructure Digital Interface Card which offers wide PSTN protocol support for comprehensive support of PBXs, Switches and ACDs at a reduced price. It also has the Intel NetStructure Host Media Processing Software which offers highly flexible software based media processing functions which leverage the power of general purpose processors.

via [BusinessWire]

Acme Packet deploys Applied Micro Circuits network processor

Applied Micro Circuits popular network processor which includes a traffic manager, network processor and data manager is being used by Acme Packet. Session border controllers play a vital role in the VoIP market by satisfying critical security, law enforcement requirements and service assurance at service provider network borders. Applied’s nP7250 network processors, nPX5720/25 and nPX5710 traffic managers are being used in Acme Packet’s Net- Net SD and Net-Net SR devices. Acme Packet has incorporated Applied Micro Circuits network processor platforms in all deployments of Net-Net family of session border control solutions.

via [VoIPCentral]

Calypso launches the C1250i Wi-Fi GSM VoIP mobile phone

Calypso Wireless would be demonstrating the C1250i Wi-Fi GSM VoIP mobile phone at the 3GSM World Congress trade show 2006 to be held in Barcelona, Spain from February 13th to 16th. This phone runs on the state of the art Intel PXA processors and Microsoft Windows CE 5.0. It is the first product which is capable of seamlessly connecting to both GSM and Wi-Fi networks. It enables users to connect to internet 200 times faster as compared to any other wireless service available in United States. This phone has amazing video capabilities and it enables real time phone to phone video conferencing. According to the company it is the future technology which has been launched now.

via  [MobileWhack]

Indian telecom companies focusing on IPTV

IPTV is going to emerge as a major additional revenue stream for Indian telecom companies. Many companies have already started working towards this area. BSNL, Bharti Tele-Ventures, HFCL Infotel, MTNL and Reliance Infocomm are some of the major companies of India which are already in an advanced stage of adopting IPTV. Bharti is set to deploy IPTV in the next six months.  Reliance Infocomm has been already conducting IPTV trials in Delhi, Mumbai and Jamnagar for the past one year. BSNL and MTNL could emerge as the first companies to roll out IPTV. It is expected that by 2010 the total number of subscribers for IPTV would cross 120 million worldwide. Asia Pacific would have a market share of 47 % and India would emerge as a major market.

via  [ContentSutra]

Meru’s Radio Switch receives Internet Telephony’s 2005 Product of the Year Award

Meru Networks Meru’s Radio Switch has been chosen by Internet Telephony magazine as the recipient of 2005 Product of the Year Award. The radio system can deliver up to 648 Mbps of WLAN bandwidth which utilizes 802.11 standard radios and scales up to 1.2 Gbps of bandwidth across its coverage zone. The radio switch can achieve this performance by layering up to twelve channels in a single coverage area. Meru’s radio switch family includes the four radio RS 4000, eight radio RS 8000, twelve radio RS 12000 and a built in omni directional antenna which is awaiting a patent.

via  [PRNewsWire]

Mammoth Networks announces an increased demand for their standalone DSL platform from VoIP providers

Mammoth Networks announced that there has been a fivefold increase in wholesale DSL demand by VoIP providers. Mammoth permits VoIP providers to provision standalone DSL or without a phone line which enables VoIP providers to deliver a telephone like product to their end users. In the last half of 2005, the company has signed an increased number of VoIP providers to its wholesale DSL platform. It states that its capability to deliver a standalone DSL over private network is the reason behind increased demand. The company permits VoIP providers to provision standalone DSL loops to its network allowing providers to control the process from order to service

via [PRWeb]

Global Crossing to provide high performance VoIP services to AccessLine Communications

Global Crossing is providing AccessLine Communications with a number of high performance VoIP services which includes VoIP Toll Free, VoIP Outbound and VoIP DID. This partnership would enable AccessLine to deliver turnkey VoIP application suite to its customers over Global Crossing’s high quality VoIP network. The partnership between the companies is based on mutual objectives which includes industry leading service delivery, proactive customer support, true end to end life cycle management and network security. The contract extension between the two companies highlights a strong relationship.

via  [PRNewsWire]

D2 Technologies and Cavium Networks announces vPort software

D2 Technologies and Cavium Networks have announced D2 Technologies vPort software for VoIP Customer Premises Equipment which would be available on Cavium Networks OCTEON CN31XX,CN30XX MIPS64 based processor. The combined solution would be used by Networking OEM Vendors which require adding VoIP ports to secure routers and gateways, wireless gateways and triple play devices. This software provides a complete VoIP CPE solution with rich voice features which includes the SIP signaling protocol, Adaptive Jitter Buffer, RTP packetization, DTMF Relay, iLBC Voice Compression and Packet Loss Compensation.

via [ThomasNet]

Epgyi Technologies and iotum enter into a strategic alliance

Epygi Technologies has announced a major alliance with iotum and has already completed interoperability development and started beta trials of iotum Relevance Engine. It has also announced two PC applications to augment the feature set of Quadro IP PBX systems. All the applications would be available by the second quarter of 2006. Epygi has entered into an alliance with iotum to enhance Quadro IP PBX offering with iotum’s Relevance Engine. Quadro IP PBX and iotum’s Relevance Engine together would deliver the perfect combination of power tools to maximize the efficiency of growing businesses.

via [TMCNet]

Caller ID Manager program blocks anonymous VoIP calls

Privacy Corps has released a VoIP compatible program called Caller ID Manager for $ 99.97. Privacy corps helps in blocking anonymous and unidentified numbers and allows all other numbers. It can block up to 175 numbers, prefixes or area code. It allows only those callers which have been invited by name or number and permits wildcard to ring someone’s phone and blocks others as one chooses. It can also configure specific controls for individual numbers and it works very well with regular phone lines. It sends the caller directly to the voice mail or answering device without ringing the phone. It can also ignore the caller completely and go unanswered.

via [VoIP Central]

Is Microsoft serious about VoIP?

Microsoft is planning to expand into VoIP and users can expect to see it integrated into future products and services.  Using the Widows Live Messenger one would be able to call their contacts directly using their centralized address book. Windows Live Expo would enable potential buyers and sellers to call each other’s computers.  Free Call which is an upcoming click to call capability of MSN Local Search enables consumers to speak to advertisers free of charge. Windows Live Messenger phones from Philips and Uniden which were demonstrated at CES 2006 would be debuting shortly in the market. This is certainly a clear indication about how serious Microsoft is about entering the VoIP market with a winning set of products.

via [LiveSide]

Skype and Google funding wireless communications start up in Spain

Skype Technologies and Google are funding a wireless communications start up in Spain which partly grass roots social movement is seeking to encourage users to share internet access with their users. The funding is believed to be about $ 21.7 million.  This backing would offer legitimacy for Fon which wants to create a block by block network of shared wireless links around the globe by turning users of local Wi-Fi access into people sharing wireless access. It would allow users of not only laptops but also cell phones or portable gaming devices to share wireless connections offered by others.

via  [Reuters]

Open source VoIP engine named OpenZoep

OpenZoep which is pronounced as open soup is a client side telephony and instant messaging communications engine. This engine supports computer to computer VoIP calls, outbound PSTN, instant messaging and SIP calls to free and premium SIP providers. It is available under GPL license and commercial license for those companies which do not want to publish the source code of their commercial products based on OpenZoep. It permits anyone to embed telephony functions into their desktop applications. The OpenZoep API makes it easy to pick a sound in device and sound out device and dial by username. It also offers instant messaging capabilities.

via [OS]

Expert says VoIP threat a phantom rather than a menace

According to an expert, threat of an attacker or virus bringing down a businesses VoIP network or IP PBX is more phantom rather than a menace. A lot of hype has been created about IP telephony security threats and for companies devoid of a security team having knowledge about security issues it can be pretty scary. The best practices which can be used for securing VoIP networks are disabling unnecessary services on devices running call control software, updating security and software patches, running VoIP gear along with firewalls and intrusion prevention systems etc. Companies that make use of security best practices to protect their IP telephony servers would not be affected by these threats.

via [ComputerWorld]

Google and Skype investing in startup to link hotspots

Google and Skype are investing in a startup that would help hotspot owners charge for Wi-Fi access. It is believed that this plan could face considerable opposition from internet service providers. FON’s idea which was floated three months ago in a web posting will sign up people who have Wi-Fi hotspots in one of the two ways. Skype is lending its support to FON as it believes it has a great idea to help people share Wi-Fi with one another to build a global unified broadband network. Although FON has a chance to reach critical mass of users but it would be competing with free municipal Wi-Fi networks in several cities. Google is also planning to build a free Wi-Fi network to cover San Francisco.

via [LocalNewsLeader]

Vonage introduces broadband phone service in Corpus Christi, Texas

Vonage Marketing has launched its service in Corpus Christi, Texas. Users of high speed internet would be able to take advantage of Vonage’s broadband phone service which provides unlimited local distance calling and other features like call forwarding, call waiting and voice mail for a flat monthly rate. Customers residing near Kinney’s Ranch would now be able to keep their chosen telephone numbers or current numbers within the popular 361 area code. Vonage is offering the residents of Corpus Christi a low cost alternative to their traditional phone service. Through this service Vonage is filling the gap for affordable phone service and is offering a flat rate calling plan that provides features similar to traditional phone carriers.

via [Yahoo]

Go2Call conferred with Internet telephony’s 2005 Product of the Year award

Go2Call has received the Internet Telephony’s 2005 Product of the Year award. Their product Go2Call Softphone SIP Dialer has been designed for optimization of speed and reliability. It is the latest innovation from Go2Call’s R&D team. This product has got advanced features and it provides accelerated performance and enhances the Softphone to provide customizable skinning and branding options. The Softphone is expedient for the end users and enables the service providers to build brand value. The dialer serves as a major link in Go2Call’s hosted, private labeled residential and business VoIP offerings.

via [PrNewsWire]

VoIP emerges as a cheaper option as compared to landline

Nearly ten million homes and businesses are making use of VoIP and are also saving their hard earned money. Many consumers are giving up their traditional phone service for VoIP and saving up to 50% in their call bills. For as little as $ 25 a month users can avail unlimited national calls and inexpensive international calls. According to Consumer Reports, it surveyed 200 people and found them to be satisfied with the overall VoIP service although the voice quality offered was not as good as the landline service.  VoIP service is cheaper as compared to landline as currently there are no hefty taxes and surcharges.

via [KFoxTV]

Multi Tech and Ingate to provide SIP based VoIP deployments

Multi Tech systems and Ingate Systems have struck a deal to help enterprises extend SIP based VoIP deployments to their branch offices. They believe that this partnership would strengthen both the companies. This alliance would enable the companies to provide full VoIP functionality in their branch offices. Partnership with Ingate would provide a unique firewall that would solve the usual firewall traversal issues inherent in SIP communications by working with VoIP and not against it. The joint solution provided by the companies would enable the enterprises to gain productivity benefits of a converged network without fearing of compromising the integrity of the enterprise LAN.

via  [Enterprise IT Planet]

Library and Technology to launch another pilot for IPTV

Library and Technology would be launching another pilot this semester for IPTV. It would serve two purposes, firstly to permit viewers on campus to watch streaming videos on computers like a cable TV system and give the professors an additional instructional resource for classes. The channels that would be available on IPTV are local programming, news, sports and entertainment. There would also be a channel for classroom content and BTV programming. Its success would depend upon the feedback gathered by LTS and how many hits the webpage received. Currently LTS is not looking forward to make total switchover right now.

via [The Hoot]

IPTV creates fear for cable companies

Cable television providers are wondering whether their future revenue would suffer as a result of rise of IPTV. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers’ Emerging Technologies conference in Tampa, Florida discussed about IPTV and how it could threaten cable television. Although customers are willing to try IPTV but it has certain drawbacks like it struggles to deliver 20 Megabits per second over their fastest ADSL2 lines. It is also seen that a single high resolution uses 12 to 15 Mbps by itself and limits the potential for multiple video streams on current technology. But firms like Verizon are optimistic that they have the required bandwidth to service their customers’ current and future demands.

via [ArsTechnica]

Skype’s audio conferencing service to permit five hundred callers

Skype Technologies SA is planning to offer conferences with 500 callers through an audio conferencing service. Currently the VoIP service permits only five users on a call at any given moment but an expansion would occur when Highspeedconferencing.com gets certification as a Skype service which is expected in the coming weeks. The audio conferencing service will offer a cheaper substitute for conventional conference call services. The standard service named High Speed would cost $ 0.035 per minute and allow hosts to use a phone keypad to manage volume, announcing participants and locking out any additional callers.

via [VoIPCentral]

Packet8 Virtual Office solution conferred with Network Computing’s Editor Choice award

Packet8 Virtual Office solution has been bestowed upon with the Network Computing magazine’s Editor’s Choice award. The solution was selected for its rich feature set, low subscription and call management tools. It has emerged as a cost effective and easy to use option as compared to traditional PBX systems that permits users worldwide to be a part of a VoIP hosted virtual phone system that comprises of conference bridges, business class voice mail and a host of rich business telephone features found in high end PBX systems. It also minimizes the total cost of ownership.

via [VoIPCentral]

Proposal to prevent taxing of VoIP in Colorado rejected

Legislators of Colorado rejected a bid to prevent state and local municipalities from taxing internet based phone services. Voting by the House Finance Committee defeated the proposal by 7-6. This measure was proposed by Rep. Matt Knoelder. Voting was also done top prevent the matter from being heard in the current term. The opponents were of the opinion that the measure would result in less tax revenue for the municipalities and give VoIP providers an unfair cost advantage. Knoedler was of the opinion that this measure was necessary in order to make Colorado businesses competitive to out of state providers such as Vonage.

via [RockyMountainNews]

IDC releases report on Cable VoIP

According to a report released by IDC, the American market for cable based VoIP is expected to touch 19.8 million subscribers by 2009. The companies in order to be competitive with carriers must provide bundled offerings. The other major findings of the report were that American operators would lead the charge in terms of softswitch deployment, acquisition of  Scientific Atlanta has made Cisco a major force as a cable equipment supplier, Cisco, Siemens and Nortel would maintain would maintain their respective market share and Alcatel is increasing its involvement in cable equipment market.

via [LightReading]

Korea all set to be on the forefront of International IPTV Standardization

The proposal for composition of special group for standardization of IPTV in Korea by Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) will enable Korea to be on the forefront in the telecommunication equipment standardization sector. ITU-T has proposed a focus group for standardization of IPTV set top box, gear and service which would be launched by July. The Ministry of Information and Communication is planning to set up a special group to arrange for a focus group in partnership with TTA and ETRI in the first half of 2006.

via [EtNews]

Finnish company VLP launches VoIP based exchange services for companies

Finnish telecom company Vaasan Laanin Puhelin (VLP) would be offering VoIP based exchange services to companies. Combination of voice and data in one network would provide cost benefits to companies in the form of cabling and maintenance costs. As per the new system, company’s exchange would be controlled by VLP and would be located in facilities of VLP. A year ago VLP launched its VoIP services for household consumers.

via [e.Finland.fi]

Snom Technology introduces Snom 300 phone

Snom Technology will showcase its new SIP based VoIP phone, Snom 300 for secure use in home offices and SMEs. This phone is quite user friendly and ensures security. Six free user or administrator function keys can be assigned to multiple lines or allocated to security related menu function. It is factory equipped so that two of its six programmable keys could be configured as line appearances and upgrades were available. It provides flexibility to configure all keys according to the needs of the user. Snom 300 also provides relevant office functionality

Major features of Snom 300 are:

27 keys, 7 LEDs
2 Ethernet ports
Two-line display (2 x 16 characters)
SIP RFC3261
six programmable function keys
Headset connection
STUN, ENUM, NAT, ICE

via [VoIP Central]

Keynote Systems releases study on consumer VoIP quality

Keynote Systems has released a new study on consumer VoIP quality. The report states that although the reliability has improved but the audio quality is far behind the traditional phone service. The testing was done from mid November till the end December 2005. During this period eleven services were evaluated. Time Warner Digital Phone emerged as a winner in terms of both audio clarity and reliability while Verizon’s DSL emerged as the most reliable network. Three VoIP providers reached a toll quality audio which exceeded MOS score of four out of five. One of the major areas of concern is that there has been no considerable change in the amount of audio delay present in VoIP calls over the past six months.

via  [Von Magazine]

Bundled VoIP package affecting Skype’s market

According to a report published by Sandvine, Internet telephony products along with broadband services are becoming more popular as compared to third party products. In Europe, Skype’s VoIP service has been overtaken by broadband subscription package sold by America Online, BT and Wandoo during the fourth quarter of last year. Branded VoIP accounted for 51.2 percent of all VoIP calls while Skype accounted for 45 percent of VoIP minutes during the last quarter of 2005. The broadband take up has risen with the inclusion of VoIP within broadband packages. The survey was conducted by monitoring the VoIP traffic trends of 700,000 broadband households from a group of service providers with six million subscribers.

via [ZDNet]

deltathree honored with Internet Telephony’s Product of the Year Award

Internet Telephony magazine has awarded 2005 Product of the Year award to deltathree’s IConnectHere. The award has been bestowed upon deltathree as its products and services are committed to quality and innovation and they address the real needs in the marketplace. iConnectHere enables users to select from one of the four calling plans depending upon their unique calling needs. The plans offer unlimited in network calls, unlimited inbound calls, advanced calling features etc. The plan also offers to the users a unified VoIP calling card and PC to PC Phone soft client capabilities at no extra cost. The winner of the Product of the Year would be highlighted in the Jan and Feb issues of Internet Telephony magazine.

via [PrNewsWire]

KishKish.com releases KishKish SAM answering machine for Skype users

The new version of SAM Skype Answering Machine has been released. Named KishKish SAM, it is a simple voice answering machine for Skype users. It works like this, when a person is away from his computer and there is no one to answer the incoming Skype calls, the answering machine picks up the call, plays a greeting message so that the person calling can leave a voice recorded message. It plays a video greeting of one’s choice while recording the voice message and records all Skype conversations for future reference.

via [Mathaba]

In-Stat report predicts substantial growth in VoIP services

According to a report by In-Stat, the number of VoIP subscribers reached 16 million in 2005 and is expected to touch 55 million by 2009. Although there had been a 62 % year over year subscriber growth rate in 2005 but very few customers have come across the term VoIP. This report provides an indication that public needs to be educated about VoIP so that there is a significant room for market growth.  The development in the VoIP market is being attributed to the competition in broadband access services. In the future new players ranging from cable MSOs to broadband ISPs, from Google to eBay would be playing a major role.

via [WirelessInsightAsia]

Avaya’s IP Telephony Solution to help NBC Olympics to provide uninterrupted coverage of Torino Winter Games

NBC Olympics would be using an Avaya IP telephony solution to provide communication capabilities linking the NBC’s Field Shop and International Broadcast center with NBC Olympics Headquarters, Stamford, NBC Studios, New York and Sports venues, Torino. It is the fourth consecutive Olympic Game in which Avaya is providing services to NBC. For the games, Avaya has upgraded the NBC Olympics network to the modern version of the industry leading Communication Manager software and a highly scalable Modular Messaging application that will make voice and fax messaging accessible from any phone, PC or fax machine. NBC Olympics has been provided with a single point of contact for around the clock service and support which includes dedicated onsite field technicians.

via [PrNewsWire]

Is tax exemption necessary for VoIP users?

Rep. D-Aurora, Matt Knoedler, R-Lakewood and Sen. Bob Hagedorn want to provide VoIP users at the expense of citizens making use of existing landline and wireless services. Their bill, HB 1173 would be heard in the House Finance on Wednesday. The bill would be costing city and county governments the revenue collected from VoIP users but the tax advantage would drive nearly all phone traffic to VoIP by 2008. Some of the VoIP providers are of the opinion that it is an infant industry and deserves a tax break to enable it to grow but it already has a number of big players who don’t require such incentives.

Via [VoIPCentral]

Voyages installs Mitel’s IP Telephony solution at its resorts

Mitel’s IP Telephony solution has been successfully implemented by Voyages at its resorts in the Red Centre of Australia. This system ensures great automatic reporting and makes it easier to remotely administer multiple sites. The success of Mitel’s 3300 solutions in Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon has prompted the company to install Mitel’s IP Telephony solutions across other resorts in Australia. Ericom designed the voice solutions for Voyages resorts at Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon. Mitel’s 3300 ICP was used at each resort, voice and data communications were provided by Telstra Private IP services and installation and onsite support services for the remote resorts was provided by Telstra Business systems.

via [Cnw]

Freeline USA to highlight IP centric product lines at Network Ventures Conference

Freeline USA will be presenting –Technology for What’s Next in IP Communications at the Dow Jones Network Ventures conference 2006 to be held at Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, CA. It has developed a distinctive architecture to address the need for low cost and fully survivable corporate voice network. Real world applications of IP centric product lines would be highlighted at the conference. Unique network architecture permits the FL-USA 800 series to interoperate between 200 locations or more without any centralized point of failure such as softswitch or gatekeeper. This allows secure, low cost voice communications with no single point of failure which is as dependable as the internet itself.

via [Business Wire]

Earthlink to announce bundled voice and DSL service

Earthlink will be announcing a package of VoIP and high speed internet access within a couple of days. This indicates that EarthLink is offsetting its less profitable dial up unit and concentrating on voice and other services. This would undercut the prices charged by cable and phone companies as a strategy to reduce dependence on its dial up business. The bundled service does not require any installation of additional hardware. The technology is named line powered voice. The service has been already launched in Dallas, Northern California and Seattle. The cost of the service is $ 70 per month for unlimited phone and high speed DSL service.

via [RedHerring]