VoIP Now

Vonage valued at $2.65 Billion

Finally, it is clear that Vonage is not far behind Skype in terms of valuation. Via its amended S-1 registration statement, Vonage has valued itself at $2.65 billion for its forthcoming IPO.

The market was previously in doubt whether Vonage would really go through with its IPO. After all, it is almost 1 year since Vonage made its IPO intentions public for the first time. Its paperwork has been tardy if you will. Perhaps, we thought, Vonage was looking for a buyer, most probably NexTel. However, it would now appear that Vonage would indeed go though with its IPO.

As per its latest filings, Vonage plans to raise around $500 million through the sale of 31,250,000 shares that are priced between $16 and $18 each.

Via TMCnet

VOIP configured for K-12 schools

Rauland-Borg has introduced the Telecenter VI communications systems for K-12 schools. Rauland-Borg has designed the Telecenter VI in a manner that combines phone, emergency communications and paging/intercom on a single Voice over IP platform. Besides the regular VoIP features , the Telecenter VI  has the much-needed school features – intercom, paging, emergency tones, and class change bells. 

The Telecenter VI is big on critical life safety features. It enables 911 call alerts to key administrative staff, emergency all-page from any phone, remote door lock/access control, facility-wide lock down/take cover tones, and telephone trunk seizure. This ensures that that 911 calls always go through. Telecenter VI also offers capabilities for enhanced parent-teacher communications, which includes voicemail, homework helpline, and an audio bulletin board.

Via PRWeb

The wrinkles in Enterprise VOIP

For many business users of IP-based phones, VoIP calling has still reached the ease-levels of say, the normal telephone. On a complexity scale, VoIP calling are yet to reach the levels of even mobile phones.

Thus, VoIP runs the danger of becoming a novelty, nothing more. For example, veteran users of the service say that making a quick VoIP call is still some time off.  First, you have to boot up your PC/Laptop. Then, you have to correct the PC audio settings. If you are using a Cisco IP system, then you have  to log into the local network to connect with the Cisco CallManager.  You also have to carry a headset.

Via ComputerWorld

The largest U.S. university VoIP deployment

Educational institutions have enthusiastically adopted VoIP. Just the other day, we reported about a remote Indian settlement that used VoIP to get in touch.

Boise State University has installed perhaps the largest Voice over Internet Protocol communications in any college in the United States.

The University’s new VoIP-based system handles more than 14,000 phone numbers and 4,000 handsets. Time Warner Telecom provided the IP trunk connections. The cable company is providing 20 megabit per second speed link

Via UPI

Avaya improves performance

Avaya’s latest quarterly statements show improved profit results that were somewhat sobered by product supply delays and a $20 million restructuring charge.

The telecom equipment major’s profits for the fiscal second quarter ended March 31 rose to $38 million. That is 8 cents per share. The figures were $36 million, or 7 cents per share, a year ago.

The $20 million pretax restructuring charge amounted to around 3 cents per share. This was a consequence of severance and other costs incurred by the company when it cut jobs in Europe.
Reuters Estimates says that analysts on average expected profits to be around 12 cents on revenue of $1.26 billion.

Via Reuters

Lavalife Singles Chat for Skype users

The Lavalife World Chat service for Singles was introduced recently and it can be great way to meet like-minded people. You do not need to worry about talk time, as VoIP is much cheaper than the regular landline calls.

The Lavalife World Chat service for singles features the ability to create profiles from personal voice recordings, listen to other profiles and exchange voice messages. Users can also join the Lavalife World Chat room for live talk sessions with singles from all over the world.

Lavalife for Skype is free for a limited period and users can activate it by dialing +9907LAVALIFE in the Skype software.

Via TMCnet

USB phone from SOYO

SOYO Group Inc. has introduced the SOYO U201 IP phone. It is a USB phone meant for Skype users.

Using the keypad and LCD screen on the SOYO U201 IP phone, users can handle Skype software and make calls without having to check the computer monitor.

The SOYO U201 IP phone comes with a headset jack, mute button, and hands-free speaker. This VoIP phone model also provides personalized ring tone, caller ID, Skypeout balance display, call history and more.

The SOYO U201IP costs $49.99

Via MobileWhack

Mobile VOIP for Vonage UK users soon

Vonage has announced that its UK subscribers can soon make VoIP calls on mobile phones.

Vonage has done a deal with wi-fi hot-spot operator The Cloud, and the duo will jointly a VoIP-over-Mobile service in nine hot spots in various UK cities, which The Cloud operates.

When you are in the coverage area of any 9 hotspots, you can make a call on your special handset. This service won't cost extra for all Vonage customers who pay $14.25 plus line rental to make unlimited VoIP calls to UK and Irish landlines.

You will have to pay about $142 for the special hotspot. The handset looks like an over-sized mobile phone.

Via Silicon.com

Next Generation Active VoIP Recording Solutions from NICE

NICE Systems has released the next generation of VoIP active recording solutions. The latest version of NICE's solutions incorporate the latest VoIP enhancements in the market.

NICE's new active VoIP recording solutions is included in Nortel's new Duplicate Media Stream over IP (DMS-IP) architecture.  They are also present in active recording for Cisco's CallManager, and for Avaya's Communication Manager API, and IP-phone applications.

NICE's scalable VoIP software solutions are certified by all major VoIP switch vendors and are aimed at all segments of the market.

Via SecurityPark

AOL Settles Lawsuit with Klausner

Klausner Technologies has finally allowed AOL to continue providing its AOL Voicemail and VoIP voicemail services via a patent license.  It has settled its lawsuit against AOL.

In June 2005, Klausner Technologies had filed suit against AOL, seeking $200 million in damages and royalties. Klausner accused that AOL was stealing its intellectual property rights. It was referring to its US Patent No. 5,572,576, issued for technology that enabled VoIP subscribers to receive 'visual notice' of new voice messages, including caller ID info. This technology also allowed the user to retrieve selectively voice messages using the displays.

Via TMCnet

Fusion files for VOIP patent

Fusion Telecommunications International, Inc. has recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent Office for its Directed SIP Peer-to- Peer ("DSP") technology. Fusion acquired this technology in February 2006. It is launching the "efonica" brand of softphones and VoIP network

Fusion's patent application describes a VoIP system based on free talk between SIP devices. Moreover, Fusion will integrate its DSP technology into its international network for VoIP calls between all sorts of SIP- enabled hardware including WiFi phones. Please do not confuse Fusion's DSP technology with Digital Signal Processors.

Via Yahoo Finance

Identifying and blocking VoIP-Based Phishing Attacks

Cloudmark, Inc., which develops messaging security solutions for VoIP service providers, business users and consumers, claims that it can identify and block phishing attacks carried out over voice over IP (VoIP) systems. Most of these spoofs are aimed at users of any online financial service.

In such cases, users receive emails form scammers posing as bank or financial institution of any kind to spoof an unwitting target's financial institution. These emails tell you to dial a number and enter your personal information if you want to access your account.  Of course, the first thing to do when users receive such emails is to notify their service providers immediately.

Cloudmark combines a global threat detection network that uses real-time reporting by trust-rated users, with a unique fingerprinting technology. Thus, Cloudmark can easily identify and begin blocking new spam, phishing and virus attacks immediately.

Via MarketWire

VOIP-based call center

Supershuttle, a transport operator in NewZealand is the latest organization to switch from the old PBX-based communication system to VoIP services.

Supershuttle aims to save money and much more by switching over to VoIP. It has 14 offices in New Zealand, all of which using different phone systems. The company had to pay huge communication bills because of toll calls, afterhours diverts and other necessities of the business. A company official says that their phone bill used to be their second largest expense, including all those internal calls and diverted calls.

Supershuttle not only plans to save money by switching to VoIP, the new VoIP system will also help it in tracking on-duty performance and activities of workers.  Moreover, if it receives too many calls on any day, Supershuttle might use remote call-takers who can work from home using broadband connections.

Via ComputerWorld

Digitrad introduces the First Live multilingual Interpretation Service on Skype™

Digitrad, a VoIP solutions company based in France, has introduced the Live Interpreter by 1TouchConnect™ Service. This multilingual interpreter will be included in Skype's new services package Skype for Business.

The Live Interpreter service enables the business user to conference with non-English speakers using Skype. The Live Interpreter supports the following 'on-the-fly' translations - from English to French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin Arabic or Farsi.

To use the service, users have to call the specific language live interpreter and then conference-in the third party on a Skype™ call (PC to PC) or on a SkypeOut call (calling traditional land or mobile lines).

Via Newswire Today

Telco in Belize blocking VOIP

Yet another 'stuck-in-the-old-times' telecom monopoly, you might say. Russell Shaw reports about this telecom monopoly, Belize Telecommunications Limited, which has been allegedly blocking outgoing calls over Vonage, Skype and other Internet phone service providers. Users say this is happening for the past few months.

This one might hurt the Belize economy most. Belize is dependent upon tourism and tourists like VoIP, a lot. As expected, online forums are active on the topic. Nevertheless, expect the matter to be resolved soon enough.

Via Zdnet

Users can buy music from the Skype site

Skype is doing the right thing by trying to monetize its brand (in this case, its site) in creative ways. Now, Skype has formed a deal with EMI Music Publishing, a song rights company. Under this deal, Skype can sell EMI's music on its new retail website. Skype can use song copyrights from EMI's catalogue to sell music as downloads and ring tones.

It is also a first for the music industry. Skype can sell the music to buyers worldwide. The normal practice so far has been that licenses are given out on a country-by-country basis. This in turn hurt the songwriters, as they could not easily collect payments for their work. EMI has more than one million copyrights,

Skype has also made a deal with the Warner Bros' group of record labels.  However, Skype has not yet announced a launch date for its new online store.

Via Times Online

School District using VOIP

Earlier, we reported about a city administration using VoIP services. The Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) in Phoenix, Arizona is spread across 400 square miles and comprises 37 schools. The school district has recently deployed VoIP-based communication system.

The VoIP system uses Nortel's CS 1000, and Tenor VoIP switches from Quintum Technologies. Not surprisingly, the school district has reduced its communication costs vis-à-vis regular landline system.

Moreover, DVUSD’s also wanted to integrate a wide range of analog systems into their new VoIP-based network. It was able to do that using Nortel's solution.

Via Yahoo Finance

Clearwire enters the US VOIP market

Finally, Clearwire, the wireless broadband provider, has entered the US VoIP market, albeit in a small way.

The wireless broadband provider recently rolled out its VoIP services in Stockton,California. It would be interesting to see how Clearwire competes against the likes of Vonage, AT&T and EarthLink among other major players. How will it differentiate? On price, many would say. The US VoIP is a tough place to be in at this moment. Clearwire would be wise to market its service to business consumers aggressively. Clearwire's advantage is that it already serves its broadband service in 27 U.S. metro areas and 200 cities.

Let us see how this wireless broadband cum VoIP service plays out.

Via TeleClick 

VOIPCON 2006 in the Philippines

The Makati Shangri-La Hotel will host VOIPCON 2006 from June 26 to 28. This forum will discuss the potential and real-life applications of VoIP services in the Philippines. Attendees to the forum can benefit from discussions on a variety of VoIP-related topics ranging from VOIP regulations, revenue implications to telecom companies as well as to independent service providers.  They will also address benefits of large-scale VOIP deployment to residential users. Of course, the king of Peer-to-peer VoIP calling, Skype will be a main focus, too.

Among the attendees to VOIPCON, there will be experts from the academic, technical and governmental. Moreover, entrance to event will be free as the organizers hope to create awareness about the technology first.

Via INQ7

The ZyXEL Prestige W2000 VOIP phone

You can make VoIP calls using the ZyXEL Prestige W2000 in a WiFi environment.  ZyXEL's new WiFi phone is nothing great to look at. Like many other VoIP phones, this has a small, mono screen. I am continuously amazed why users are not clamoring for color handsets.  The keypad is not bad to use. It also sports a socket for a standard, mobile-phone style headset.  The phone comes with one headset piece.

The handset uses SIP (session initiation protocol). That means that U.K. users may use this VoIP phone with all VoIP providers except for BT's service. 

This phone takes time to work in WiFi hotspots.  It costs £140, VAT extra.

Via The Independent

Soft DSPs help ubiquitous VoIP

We are slowly moving towards ubiquitous VoIP. Vast types of devices will have VoIP capabilities embedded in them. Soon, you may not have to spend extra on a specialist DSP (digital signal processor) chip to be attached on the main processor. A DSP costs between $5 and $10.  It also requires a bulkier circuit board. You also need two development toolkits instead of one - one for the CPU, another for the DSP.

All that may be past as far as VoIP capability is concerned. . ARM and MIPS are launching faster embedded processors that do away with the need of DSPs.

Ubiquitous VoIP also translate into more VoIP usage.

Via TechWorld

VOIP service from Tesco

Tesco's VoIP service in the United Kingdom offers users all the usual VoIP service features that other service providers deliver. So, what is different this time?

First, let us see what is wrong with the service. Tesco's VoIP uses a proprietary VoIP carrier. It is not based on SIP. Thus, users can make free calls to other Tesco users, but they might have to pay extra for calling other VoIP users.

What is good about the service? Well, unlike some other VoIP handsets, Tesco's handset does not mess with your PC's normal sound operation. That means that you can continue listening to some music while you are on a call. Although why you would do that is that is beyond my comprehension. 

Until 14 May, Tesco's VoIP service costs £20, and you pay only £14.97 for the VoIP handset.

Via The Inquirer

WhichVoIP.com introduces Free Business VoIP Plan Search Bar

Earlier, WhichVoIP.com launched the VoIP residential plan search bar and affiliate program. They have followed it up by launching a Free Business VoIP Plan Search Bar.

The WhichVoIP business plan search bar allows users to search and choose a VoIP service provider that best meets their needs. The WhichVoIP database collates the latest information from 11 different business service providers and 23 plans. Moreover, the WhichVoIP database contains the price of each business plan, descriptions of the features available, user reviews and ratings, special promotions and the latest industry and service provider news.

Users can search by business provider or by business size such as home office, small to medium sized business or large sized business. Webmasters can copy a few lines of HTML code available at the WhichVoIP website at www.whichvoip.com. Users can also choose from 3 layout pans.

Via PressMethod

Netgear's SPH101 Skype WiFi Phone

Starting June 30, Netgear will sell its new Skype-enabled WiFI phone through online retailer Amazon.

You can pre-order the SPH101 Skype WiFi Phone at the Amazon website. Many buyers would find the $250 price tag a bit on the high side. However, if it gives any consolation, the new phone originally had a price tag of $300.

Features-wise, it has all the usual must-haves – including contact list manager. You can also forward calls to your mobile, landline, or some other Skype account.

Via Engadget

e4's new VoIP Provisioning Service for ITSP and VoIP Hosted PBX Providers

e4's VoIP Provisioning service combines best process management techniques and best practices in the industry. The company claims that its services enable clients to use VoIP Provisioning

"as a business" not "within" a business.

Other services from e4 include:

- VoIP Branding – companies can use e4's  VoIP private labeling program to nurture brand recognition with the customers.

- VoIP Warehousing - e4 claims that its service enables low-cost service operation. Customers don't have to bear sizeable overheads involved in maintaining large inventories of VoIP ATA's, (Analog Telephone Adapters), VoIP Gateways and VoIP Phones.

Via TMCnet

Expert says Skype still undetectable

ExtremeVoIP gave Art Reisman, Chief Technical Officer of APConnections to see how easy it is (or not) to detect and block Skype.

We wrote earlier about software and methods to detect and block Skype in Corporate Networks. So what did Mr. Reisman find? He reports that Skype traffic is indeed difficult to block and detect. Mr. Reisman gives tow main reason for this:

- Skype calls are not self-evident from the detected stream.

- Skype's apparently distributed topology masks key factors such as who has set up the Skype call.

Via Zdnet

VoIP connects a Navajo settlement

White Rock Chapter House, which is a remote settlement, has never had any type of phone service until VoIP came on the scene. The settlement is at 160 miles northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico. To make a call, residents of the settlement drove on dirt roads to the nearest pay phone situated 6 miles away.

The $100,000 price tag for a normal telephone system was too expensive. Now, thanks to a collective effort of New Mexico State Senator and some organizations, the residents set up  a 75-mile microwave connection that now provides and supports VoIP, Wi -Fi access points, and videoconferencing. Cisco Systems provided the routers VoIP phones for use at White Rock.

Via Zdnet

Experts advice to plan before implementing VOIP

VoIP Experts insist that businesses must plan before they implement a VoIP system. Experts have listed out a number of things to do beforehand. Before anything else, they advise to conduct an infrastructure audit prior to implementation. It is necessary because VoIP/IPT traffic is "live" transmission. We do not talk in series of interrupted words. Questions that we must answer during the audit:

1.        Is the cabling infrastructure capable of handling the new VoIP system?

2.        If it was installed years ago, does it meet today's standards?

3.        VoIP technology has voice and data running over the same cabling system, so will the increased traffic slow down existing applications and affect business operations?

4.        Does the current cabling infrastructure offer the transmission throughput required for a smooth-running system?

Via ComputerWorld

Former 8x8 and Micron Technology CEO is back on Board of Directors at 8x8

Joe Parkinson has returned to 8x8 Inc, a VoIP and videophone communications service provider as a member on the board of directors. 

Mr. Parkinson is an old technology business veteran. Earlier, he used to be Chairman of the 8x8 Board of Directors from April 1995 to January 1998, and from November 2000 until December 2003. Moreover, Mr. Parkinson has led a number of technology companies,

Mr. Parkinson also served as a board member of the Semiconductor Industry Association. He was a Chairman over there for a year.  He is a co-founding board member of Sematech, a private-governmental research consortium. 

It is a good move on part of 8x8. It gets an experienced hand to help it maneuver through the competitive VoIP market.

Via PRNewswire

47.3 million VOIP customers by 2006

According to Infonetics, a consulting outfit, VoIP calling will boom in 2006. However, I must add that no one was in doubt over this. The benefits of VoIP reach way beyond cost.  The distributed nature of IP based services is a boon. A greater degree of competition in the market means services will get cheaper and better in the long run.
Infonetics says that VoIP, services will almost double this year, to 47.3 million,.

Infonetics also says that residential and small business subscriber base of VoIP in North America will multiply nine times to 39 million by 2009. Europe is slightly behind and its numbers of VoIP users will multiply by 8 times to 42.5 million. The user base for Asia will jump to 49.9 million.

Via BusinessWeek

eCOST to sell Vonage startup kits

eCOST.com, which is an online discount retailer and a hundred percent subsidiary of PFSweb, Inc., will now push Vonage starter kits on its website.

The Starter Kit contains VoIP components from Linksys, Uniden and VTech. The reseller configures telephone adaptors (TA), wired and wireless routers with TAs and broadband enabled cordless phone systems with Vonage(R) phone service. Moreover, Vonage consumers can also make unlimited calls throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico for $24.99 per month. Vonage gives a $30 to $90 mail-in-rebate after 60 days in service for starter kits purchased from eCOST.com. Although, it gives out varying rebates depending upon which device the customer opts for on the website.

Via TMCnet

Arbinet extends services to Miami

Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. an electronic market where users trade, route and settle communications capacity, has recently added a virtual Exchange Delivery Point (vEDP) in Miami, Florida.

Arbinet is targeting the lucrative Latino American market. A number of Latin American telecom companies have recently joined Arbinet.

Apart from Miami, Arbinet Members can also connect to thexchange at EDPs in New York, London, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and through the PacketExchange private IP backbone from 24 VoIP EDPs in Europe.

Via PRNewswire

The growing need for VOIP security

Organizations around the world, including businesses are investing millions in VoIP-ready systems. However, they are still to fully grasp the security implications related with VoIP.

Data Network security must address a range of threats ranging from network-clogging unsolicited 'special offers', to unauthorized eavesdropping. Customers can easily lose voice communications if their network runs out of bandwidth.

Organizations engaged in data-sensitive businesses such as finance and government & defense need to be more aware of the security problems.

Starts with a VoIP-enabled firewall, an area a number of VoIP vendors are paying increasing attention to these days.

Via IT Wales

Skype defends Chinese censorship

Skype was prepared for this from the moment it set its eyes on the lucrative Chinese market. Even if it turns out not so lucrative, having a Chinese presence is must for firms with global ambitions.

The Financial Reports that Skype admits its Chinese partner, Tom Online, censors text messages that contain references to the Dalai Lama, the banned Falun Gong spiritual group and other sensitive items.  However, Skype says Tom Online is only doing what it is required to do by law.

Google accepted the same compromise when it launched its Chinese search service.

Via TMCnet

VOIP in Seychelles

Cable Company Intelvision becomes the third company to offer telephone and internet services in Seychelles

Intelvision offers cable, internet and telephone services independently so that customers can freely subscribe to any one of the services.

Intelvision uses an advanced Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cable network, which Intelvision claims is the best in the Africa region.

Though details about Intelvision's VoIP plans arte still to clear up, one is sure that the company will use this 'high-speed' cabling to offer PC-based phone calls in due time.

Via Nation Online   

Yet another VOIP company crosses the million-customer mark

This time, it is a VoIP service provider from Europe.

UPC, which operates a cable network spanning across the European Continent has announced that   it now serves more than one million VoIP customers. To arrive at that number, UPC has clubbed numbers from its operations in Austria, France , Hungary, the Netherlands , Poland, Romania and Switzerland.

In addition, UPC has doubled its VoIP subscriber-base in the past 15 months.  Currently, UPC's cable networks serve 18 million homes in Europe. Next, UPC plans to extend VoIP operations in Ireland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia by the end of 2006.

Via TeleGeography

VOX to provide VOIP services in Puerto Rico

From May 1, customers in Puerto Rico may get to use VoIP services from VoX Communications Corp. which provides wholesale and retail VoIP services in the United States.

VoX has announced a special deal for Puerto Rican customers. From now on, U.S. customers of VoX can add a Puerto Rico telephone number to any U.S.-based VoX plan for an additional $4.95 per month.  Thus, friends and family of Puerto Ricans living elsewhere in the United States can call on a local number instead of a long distance number. This way, customers can enjoy healthy savings on their phone call bills.

Via TMCnet

Cost-effective VOIP phone switch from 3rd Wave

Now, good news for business users of VoIP services from Virginia. 3rd Wave Consulting Services, a Virginia-based company, has launched its latest VoIP phone switch product line. The 3rd Generation Telephone Exchange (3G-TX) is designed keeping the needs of small to mid-sized businesses in mind.

3G-TX enables system integration at a lower cost. Users can customize the 3G-TX and seamlessly integrate voice mail, call logs, report generation, and e-mail. No need to say that users can do all of this for a much lesser price than a usual PBX.

In addition, the 3G-TX product line consists of two models, the 3G-TX-P and the 3G-TX-R. A high capacity model that provides several layers of redundancy is also available.

Via TMCnet

Salesforce.com's AppExchange is VOIP-enabled

Salesforce.com, a leading provider of online CRM (Customer Relationship Management) applications has made a deal with Vapps, a company that supplies SIP-based, VoIP audio conferencing solutions to provide high-speed VoIP-conferencing service on its AppExchange on-demand platform.

From now on, salesforce.com customers, most of whom are businesses, can connect up to 500 conference callers within their salesforce.com application module.

Vapps' HighSpeedConferencing.com service enables businesses to connect multiple users over the Internet thus saving on calling costs. The service supports a variety of calling devices - Web-based IP phone, wireless device, traditional landline handset and others. Moreover, HighSpeedConferencing.com service sports all the traditional conference-calling features.

Via TMCnet

VOIP applications for hospitals

An increasing number of hospitals in the United States are using VoIP systems to lower costs of communications. Take the example of Queens Long Island Medical Group (QLIMG), which operates 22 medical facilities in and around New York City.

Quality of Service is big issue with hospitals, for obvious reasons. The earlier IP based system did not perform to expectations. Then, the hospital group switched to a new solution from Mitel. Mitel supplied and successfully installed its flagship 3300 IP Communications Platform (ICP) in QLIMG's medical centers, featuring embedded standard unified messaging, auto-attendant, Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system and included in-building wireless from SpectraLink.  Mitel also supplied the 22 medical facilities with 1,500 IP phones.

Via TMCnet

Packeteer's Release 8.0 features VOIP capabilities

Packeteer is a leading player in the business of WAN application optimization in the world. Recently, Packeteer launched the next-generation operating software for its PacketShaper appliances. Packeteer has unimaginatively named it Release 8.0.

Release8.0 has the usual augmented feature–list, but what interested me is that Packeteer is prepared for trend of multimedia networks that companies are setting up. All this multimedia, especially voice traffic needs quality-monitoring and bandwidth management software that will seamlessly handle this network convergence. Release 8.0 can also examine Real Time Protocol (RTP) traffic for jitter, delay and packet loss.

Moreover, Release 8.0 has new real-time traffic compression capability, which allows it to expand bandwidth capacity for increased voice and video traffic loads.

Via Playfuls

VoIP phone adapter with fax support

China-based Tiger NetCom Ltd has introduced the GATE 104, which is a SIP technology-based VoIP phone adapter. What is better, this adapter model also supports fax. This adapter model is useful in businesses where they still use fax machines extensively. The adapter also has a built-in DHCP/NAT router.

A Compact and ultra-lightweight design means that users can easily carry this VoIP phone adapter with them anywhere. This machine supports SIP 2.0 (RFC 3261), TCP/UDP/IP, RTP/RTCP, ICMP, ARP/RARP, DNS, DHCP, NTP, PPPoE, STUN and TFTP. Moreover, the adapter also features password enabled VoIP-to-PSTN and PSTN-to-VoIP call routing.

It also has the standard VoIP feature-set such as caller ID display, 3-way conference calling, call blocking, call hold, call waiting/flash, call transfer, call forward, DTMF and dial plans.

Via Global Sources

Speakables for Skype released

This is one more reason to cheer for Mac users to cheer. San Francisco-based Speakables has introduced Speakables for Skype.

Speakables work with Apple's voice recognition application in Mac OS X. Using Speakables, users can create a Skype contact list and then can make calls by just calling out the person's name. Moreover, Skype users can also disconnect ongoing calls by voice command.

Users can download Speakables for Skype (for Mac OS X 10.2 or newer) for no cost the Speakables website.

Via ComputerPartner

Broadband is still slow in Ireland

VoIP insiders in Ireland say that broadband in the country is plagued by the three evils of high cost of broadband, the scarcity of broadband services and the quality of broadband services.

As a result, only corporate customers are in a position to afford VoIP solutions. VoIP is still out reach of small business owners, which may be one of the biggest markets for the service. Individual and home-based consumers are low down on the usage chain now.

Service providers accuse the telecom monopoly, Eircom that it is juicing them dry. Moreover, theyt accuse, there are a number of "vested interest" at play.

Via SiliconRepublic

Juniper and ShoreTel form a new partnership

Juniper Networks' J-Partner Solutions Alliances program has a new participant.  Juniper has currently added Sunnyvale, Calif.-based ShoreTel as an infrastructure partner.

Juniper and ShoreTel have already tested their products for interoperability. From now on, they will go after new sales and marketing opportunities as a team. Their offerings will combine Juniper's firewall, VPN and routing products with ShoreTel's IP telephony product line.

Interestingly, Juniper already has a solid partnership with VoIP supplier Avaya.

Via betadot

Russian VOIP network expands

Russian VoIP carrier Tario Communications is arguably the largest VoIP service provider in Russia. This is a Russia Vonage, if you will. Tario's customer-base is on a rise. Currently, Tario serves more than 300,000 customers per month and hosts more than 60 million minutes of phone calls and messages.

Tario is wisely investing in new technology to handle all this growth. It decided to choose a system that was easy to install and was interoperable with the VoIP carrier's existing infrastructure.

Keeping its requirements in mind, Tario chose the Pro Dynamic Cluster with SIP Farm from CommuniGate, which features patent-pending technology for clustering VoIP.

Via TMCnet

On Men, Women and VOIP

Why women continue to be mystified with technology is more than a cliché.  Just the other day, I read about the demographics of gamers. Now read this: A recent HarrisInteractive survey about VoIP awareness in the U.S. and Britain tells us the usual thing.

The HarrisInteractive survey found:

"Women are far less likely than men to have heard about VoIP in both Great Britain (28% of women vs. 57% of men) and the United States (34% of women vs. 62% of men)."

Does this also mean that more men tend to use VoIP than women? Marketers should take up steps to educate the homemaker in they want VoIP in ore homes in the future.

Via Networking Pipeline

More analysis from the HarrisInteractive Survey

The HarrisInteractive Survey asked 1,089 U.S. and 1,117 U.K. consumers 18 or over about VoIP.

Russell Shaw over at Zdnet goes over the survey results. He gives out tow very useful analysis:

1. 23 % of respondents in total would never buy VoIP or would prefer to wait 12 months or longer, 42 percent of people had not heard of it. It is a challenge for marketers to make VoIP familiar to these people.

2. Talking about money savings is okay. Moreover, surveys find that the most desirable feature about VoIP to non-subscribers in the U.S. is "caller ID" which displays callers' name." Every VoIP provider should start providing this.

Via Zdnet 

VOIP's next market: City administrations

Looking for newer markets is the only way VoIP service providers can survive in a tough market. I think VoIP service providers should pay attention to government agencies. They are big technology buyers. Moreover, they run up huge communication bills.

Recently, Utah's Missoula city government recently decided to change from a Nortel private telephone switch operated by Missoula County ( $103,000 a year) to a new VoIP service which will costs only $ 65000 a year. In this way, the city saves at least 30-35% in costs.

There were other problems with the old system. Private telephone switches run up huge bills when many remote sites are connected. In a normal city, fire stations, parks and street department offices are spread out and always connected to each other. Moreover, aging phone switches, routers and other hardware need to be replaced at regular intervals.

Via betadot

Vonage gets serious about the business VOIP

Did you know that Vonage is recruiting an increasing number of small office-home office and 'home office network' tech support people than ever before? Russel Shaw discovered this via a recruiter used by Vonage.

The Holmdel, N.J. based VoIP pioneer is getting serious about the needs about the important business customers. Cost-savings is a biog thing for perceptive small business owners. Attracting and retaining customers is battle out the in the market.

Via Zdnet

New deal between Globe7 Inc and Lycos to increase international coverage

Globe7 Inc and Lycos Inc USA have formed a three-year non-exclusive agreement, under which  Globe7 will power the newly launched Lycos phone service with Voice, Real time Video, IM, and IPTV with Video on Demand.

After this latest deal, Globe7 has expanded its international coverage Across 7 Continents It now covers 187 countries. Moreover, more than 3 million people downloaded the Globe7 Internet2 Soft phone technology. 2 million downloads took place in the previous month alone. Majority of the down loaders came from the following countries: USA, China, UK, Morocco, Brazil, Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam, Poland, India and France.

Via dBusiness News

Rising cost of copper may affect VoIP phones

Copper accounts for roughly 19% of most cellphones, wi-fi devices and VoIP phones. However, the price of copper is on the rise this year. By March end, Copper futures for May delivery touched $2.439 a pound on the Comex. This is the highest ever price for copper. In addition, it is still not over. Te price continues to rise.

Experts say that these price spikes will continue thorough a major part of the year. Handset prices may increase. However, VoIP providers may also turn to subsidizing the VoIP phones to drive adoption.

Via Zdnet

XO Communications updates its VoIP Services Bundle

XO Communications has updated its XOptions Flex voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services bundle. The highlight of this service update is that it also includes web hosting.

For one flat monthly fee, XOptions Flex's VoIP services bundle consists of unlimited local and long distance calling, dedicated Internet access and web hosting.

More than 3,000 businesses in USA have subscribed to this service bundle.

Via HostSearch

VOIP in System i machines from IBM

IBM has recently introduced VoIP capabilities in its System i machines, which are targeted at the small business market segment. IBM entered into a deal with 3Com under which 3Com will develop the related VoIP software components.

IBM will integrate the IP telephony features in the System i machines. Everything, from hardware & database software to storage & security, will come as part of the whole package.  The VoIP software runs in a single Linux partition on the System i.

It also gives another reason for business owners to opt for System i machines.

Via Search400

Vonage and CARP join to serve the elderly

Now the elderly people in Canada can have the low-cost benefits of VoIP. lEading VoIP service provider Vonage has teamed up with CARP to provide VoIP services to retires and others.

To use the cost-effective VoIP services, users need high-speed/broadband internet connection, a Vonage phone adapter and a touchtone phone.

Currently, CARP has 400,000 members. Now remaining in touch with one's family members who live far off will be an easy, money-saving experience.

Via betadot

First-ever commercial Wimax deployment: Good news for VOIP

Samsung has tried out Mobile WiMAX deployment in some places in Europe and Asia. Now Samsung will exclusively provide Mobile WiMAX services for Arialink in the Muskegon County region in Michigan, by early 2007.  If it takes place smoothly, Samsung will be the first to deploy commercial Mobile WiMAX in North America.

Having a Mobile WiMAX network in a rural setting means that from a single, IP-based network. a number of applications, including good old VoIP will be deliverable to Home, business, and vehicles.  These applications also include video telephony, multimedia messaging and conferencing, location and telematic services, broadcast, and multimedia push and demand services.

Via 3G UK

The Problem with Voice Passport Technology

On the surface, Voice Passport Technology is nothing new. A number of companies are into it. Recently, Teledata Technology released applications for "voice biometrics".

"Voice biometrics" or Voice print identification, the idea is simple. Here your voice acts as the password. Users do not need to remember a password or PIN to access their voice-based IP PBX system. The service provider also saves money, as it does not have to employ an admin to monitor everything.

However, there is a downside. What if you're some day you are speaking properly? Maybe it is a cold.  How do you log in such case?

Via Addict3D

VOIP flaws: Revisited

Supporters of the two opposing gangs of regular telecom companies like SBC never miss a chance to point out the flaws with VoIP services from VoIP providers like Vonage. Let us look at the often-cited flaws.

1.  The VoIP is not as reliable as the regular phone system

2. The quality is somewhat dodgy.

3. There is no 911 service.

4. You can't plug more than one phone into the ATA easily.

I leave it to the customers to decide about the veracity of these flaws.

Via betadot

SPIT: Spam over IP Telephony

Free VoIP calls may be a good reason to switch to VoIP. However, customers must be aware of the pitfalls, as well. They must keep in mind that that the next VoIP call they receive, someone selling raffle tickets may be speaking on the other end of the line.

This nuisance may hurt business customers of VoIP more. Solutions to deal with the phenomenon of SPIT are on the way. For example, Massachusetts-based Sipera is developing products that fight VoIP spam by monitoring VoIP traffic and looking for anomalies in call patterns. 

Via Red Herring

Jeff Pulver and Tom Evslin fighting for equality

Tom Evslin and Jeff Pulver, undisputed champions of the VOIP business, have filed a formal petition with the FCC. They are asking the FCC that

"all phone companies who are currently required to provide E911 service also be required to make voicemail and call-forwarding available to ALL their customers any time those customers phones are inoperable or unusable (as in an evacuation) for more than twelve hours."

This is very important during any disaster scenario. You can go to PulverBlog or Evslin's blog to learn more about how you can be part of this petition drive.

Via PulverBlog

Arbinet forms a partnership with PacketExchange

Arbinet has done a deal with with PacketExchange, after which VoIP service providers can connect to Arbinet's voice exchange. To do this, VoIP providers will use the services of private IP backbone from 24 PoPs in Europe .

After this deal comes into effect, all Arbinet Members can use that private IP backbone to reach thexchange. Arbinet. They will also enjoy a broad range of voice services. That is the benefit of forming a deal with PacketExchange.

Via TradingMarkets

EQO Mobile for Mac OS X

EQO Communications has introduced EQO Mobile for Mac OS X users. Now Mac users can use the Skype VoIP service on Cell Phones.

Moreover, using EQO Mobile, Skype subscribers can easily make and receive call. They can also exchange text messages using their mobile phones. EQO Mobile is compatible with more than 45 models of cell phones from all the major manufacturers. The beta version of the software is free.

Via MacObserver

Human Error at NASA causes VOIP shutdown

According to sources, the system shutdown at NASA's Washington D.C. headquarters took place when an outside technician working on a contract basis deleted the entire NASA Headquarters VoIP user database by mistake when he was adding some new VoIP user accounts to the system.

As a result, the VoIP system went down from around 1:30 p.m., April 12.  Technicians finally back network online by 3 p.m. However, the VoIP phone service was reinstated by 7:30 p.m.

Via VoipNews

Listing the costs of Small Business VOIP

By now, it is well established that mall and medium-sized businesses save 10-20% on their communication costs when they switch to VoIP service.  However, businesses must do a detailed cost-benefit analysis of VoIP deployment beforehand. This analysis may take into consideration the following six items into consideration:

    * Telecommunications cost profile
    * Equipment
    * Usage profile
    * Business VoIP Solution Costs
    * Call Sound Quality
    * Reliability .

Via VOIP News Net

What do users want in their VOIP phones?

Recently, Pew Internet, AOL, and Associated Press did a study of mobile phone users across the United States. They found that while 19% of mobile phone users wished they had music on their phones, they discovered that only 6% of cell phone users play music on their devices. There is more. Only 2% actively use doodads such as mobile TV or video services; however, 14% said they would like those features nonetheless.

Just as music and video on mobile phones is a new thing, so is VoIP. People take time to get familiar with any new piece of technology. Plainly cramming a VoIP set with multiple features will not cut it. Proper user studies and user conveniences must come before everything else.

Via betadot

Russel Shaw thinks SprintNextel’s VoIP strategy needs work

Russel Shaw does not seem happy with the fact that SprintNextel has not heeded his long-running advice that SprintNextel should Vonage.

Why is that? Because, in Russel’s opinion, SprintNextel needs a self-operated VoIP component that will make its VoIP package offering complete.If it does that, that is, it acquire Vonage, it will form a formidable bundle that may give a tough fight in the ongoing broadband war. Moreover, the likes of Vonage, standing alone, can never become a potent force in this big broadband play. Vonage will also find it difficult to compete with IM-based offerings from Skype and Yahoo among others.

Bottom-line: The time is ripe for SprintNextel to buy out Vonage. The timing is perfect for both these entities.

Via Zdnet

Making Unified Communication a reality

According to the latest research report from Light Reading , organizations must solve all sorts of interdepartmental and technology issues before they set out to harness all benefits of IP-based communications.

The report rightly says,

Rather than simply using the same network resources, telecom and IT must be willing to share access to applications and databases.

It goes on to suggest,

Solutions must incorporate existing components from a variety of cross- industry players, which means standards such as SIP [Session Initiation Protocol] and Simple [SIP for IM and Presence Leveraging Extensions] become extremely critical.

Via Sys.Con

Avaya to use Legerity's voice interface for SMB offerings

Avaya, which has sold more than 60,000 IP Office systems to businesses worldwide, has announced that it will use Legerity's VE880 VoicePort and Le79112 voice control processor to provide the voice interface for updated versions of IP Office voice and data systems.

Legerity's voice modules will enable Avaya's introduce a better range of phone solutions for its business customers as well.

Via ComputerWeekly

How to track VOIP

The FCC rules has made it mandatory for all VoIP service providers, each provider, at all times, must know where the customers’ VoIP phones are and who is assigned to each phone, each time a call is made. 

eTelemetry has introduced Locate911, which is a plug-and-play device. Locate 911 can help VoIP service providers comply with the FCC’s e911 mandate, without any hassle.

Very simply, Locate 911 is able to provide real-time VoIP location tracking as it automatically links the VoIP phone to building/room and the person.

Via Processor.com

Vistula gets new CEO

Vistula Communications Services Inc. has appointed Keith Markley as its new CEO. Earlier, Markley worked at Liberty Aerospace, where he was actively involved in a range of functions including business' strategic planning, sales and marketing including international distribution.

Sometime before that, Markley has worked in senior executive positions for communications firms including DSL and Covad. Keith Markley appears to be the right choice for Vistula, which is undergoing a promising growth phase.

Via TMCnet

CompUSA and Bandwidth.com join to provide VOIP services

Bandwidth.com has made a deal with CompUSA to sell VoIP services through CompUSA’s 240+ retail stores across the United States..

Bandwidth.com will target small- to medium-sized businesses, which have 10 or more phone lines at single or spread across multiple locations.

The VoIP offering from Bandwidth.com consists of a VoIP platform provided by California-based Sylantro Systems.  The package includes four-digit intra-network (the company) dialing, an automated attendant and voicemail. The Sylantro VoIP platform supports a wide variety of VoIP phones.

Via LocalTechWire

Skype on Palm Handhelds

Now, we can officially say that VoIP on mobiles and handhelds has entered the mainstream.

Recently, EQO Communications has introduced EQO Mobile for Skype for devices running on the Palm Operating System. Using EQO Mobile for Skype, users can make and receive VoIP calls, send Instant Messages to friends and others. They can also look at their friends’ presence information over the Skype network.

This software will also support Motorola ROKR, SLVR, and RAZR handsets.

Via PDABlast

Action in the Canadian VOIP market

CQIP Investments has acquired a 50% stake in Quebek (Canada) based Damya International. Furthermore, Damya, CQIP and Satelinx have made a deal under which all operations of Damya will converge under Satelinx.

This new deal enables the Trio to further operations into Africa and Europe. The companies hope to sell their VoIP, Telephony and Voice Virtual Private Network Solutions in these promising markets. Now, the three companies will unify their product liens and can market more effectively.

One special area of focus will be voice encryption. At present, this market is about $150 million per year and analysts estimate it to grow to $1 billion in the next five years.

Via Financial News USA

MetaSwitch & Dash911 partner to simplify VoIP E911

MetaSwitch is working together with Dash911 to simplify how VoIP providers handle 9-1-1 emergency calling. Already, Public Interest Network Services, Inc. (PINS), a communications provider based in New York City's "Silicon Alley", is using the' simplified' version of E 911 service.

The 'simplified' system combines MetaSwitch's Class 5 softswitch with Dash911's hosted service platform. Thus, VoIP service providers can route 911 calls to the relevant Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that is determined by learning about the subscriber's current location. The new E911 solution from MetaSwitch and Dash911 also features regular VoIP calling features such as custom call treatments and web-based configuration.

Via Converge Digest

What is driving Enterprise VOIP deployments?

VoIP services providers see Enterprise customers as the key to success. InfoVista, which is a performance-management software company, has identified the following three key that will drive enterprise VoIP deployments:

1.        Service-centric performance-management strategy.

2.        Tailored-reporting for distinctly different enterprise users.

3.        Real-time, granular snapshot of the user experience.

Via BusinessWire

The Importance of VOIP management

Bard Webster at Converge Digest has done a detailed look at the importance of VoIP management. This is timely stuff. VoIP has moved to the mainstream. It is almost a commodity, if you will.  Companies are increasingly using VoIP management products to monitor performance points.

What comprises proper VoIP management? Brad lists them out here:

… effectively measure Jitter, Packet Loss, and Latency in RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) streams for MOS (Mean Opinion Socre) calculations. (There are VoIP network health monitoring systems). Products are also now available to monitor specific sub-applications associated with VoIP, such as signaling functions and gateway performance.

Via Converge Digest

VOIP primer redux

1. VoIP is now more than voice. Call it MoIP - multimedia over IP.

2. When you hear an echo over a VoIP call, the PSTN"s equipment is to fault. VoIP is geared to give 'equal to or better than' toll-quality voice

3. Whatever internet-based security tools are available for other online applications, you can use them to secure VoIP.

4. Whatever your ISP might say, VoIP requires little bandwidth. Experts say that the most common VoIP encoding schemes require around 100kbs per conversation at most.

5. Before they install, VoIP services, companies must conduct a 'predeployment network audit' of applications and their priority.

6. Experts suggest to go in for full IP based deployment over PSTN based IP deployment. The reason is simple: the IP based solution is distributed in nature. So, even if one node goes awry for some reason, other nodes are working fine.

Via Networking Pipeline

Mobile VoIP from RabbitPoint

RabbitPoint's Wi-Fi based VoIP phone service in Britain £9.99 per month.

The handset that RabbitPoint provides, stores the user's most used wireless connections so one doesn't need to log in every time.

RabbitPoint will introduce a 3G/Wi-Fi handset later this year. Until then users will have to make do with the rather large, unwieldy handset. Moreover, when today, color screens are all the rage; this handset has a mono screen.

Via The Guardian

Skype Buys 2 VOIP outfits

Skype Technologies, now a part of eBay, has bought two VoIP companies. These two outfits are Sweden-based Sonorit Holding and its U.S. subsidiary, Camino Networks, for about US$27 million in eBay stock. Consider this, therefore a paper–money buyout.

Skype bought out Sonorit and Camino so that it could add these outfits' online voice engineering technical staff to its workforce. Engineers from the acquired companies will design and develop future versions of Skype's voice-over-IP (VoIP) product.

Interesting information: Sonorit and Camino are both involved in IP related lawsuits.

Via CIO

Coming Soon: UMA Cellphones

Yesterday, we reported about the advent of VoIP calls across Wi-Fi networks. We had reported about, UMA, short for Unlicensed Mobile Access.

Manufactures of mobile devices have started making UMA-enabled devices. Samsung and Motorola already make UMA-enabled phones. Other players will soon introduce their offerings. VoIP on Cellphones will be a quicker reality than previously imagined. I am positive that UMA will give a serious challenge to mobile services everywhere. With this, the customers can chose to use the service that has maximum signal-strength.

Via Mobile Mag

Forget 'Three Play, here comes 'Four Play'

In the United States, you have cable and telecom companies battling for the $300 billion 'triple play' market – broadband, cable TV and fixed line telephony. However, it would appear that some players have introduced the 'Quadband' play consisting of Brodband, Cable TV, Fixed Line and Mobile services.

In his inimitable manner, Richard Branson who currently sold his Virgin Mobile to NTL calls this 'Fourplay'. In Canada, Rogers Communications, a cable operator, is rolling out its 'Fourplay' offering model. Ditto in the United States, where Sprint is doing similar things. In one of our previous articles, we had reported about Sprint's smart VoIP play.

Via BBC

Update on Vonage IPO: New bankers added

Vonage's slow march to an IPO continues. Now, the VoIP services company has added three investment banks to its initial public offering. 

The VoIP Company has filed information with U.S. regulators stating that Bear Stearns, Piper Jaffray and Thomase Weisel will be part of its IPO banking team. Close followers of Vonage's progress will remember that Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Securities and UBS Investment Bank are the three main underwriters of the IPO.

Via MarketWatch

Cable companies get serious about VoIP

And, why shouldn't they be? VoIP may be the most potent one of the so-called multi-billion dollars 'triple play' battle between the telecoms and cable companies.

Sprint and its four cable partners are fast emerging as the main challenger to Vonage's leadership in the VoIP services sector. Sprint serves more than one million voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers for the cable industry. This is a quadruple jump from the previous year's performance.

Comcast has collaborated with Walmart and currently delivers Triple Play bundled services in about 500 stores.

Via TMCnet

Soundwin's Eight-port VoIP gateway

Soundwin Network Inc., a Taiwan-based company, introduces an eight-port high-density gateway, the S804.

he S804 VoIP gateway supports four FXS and four FXO ports that connect to IP and PSTN networks. It also has the NAT router function so that you can access the Internet using a single IP address.

The S804 VoIP gateway complies with H.323 and SIP protocols. It is built upon a Texas Instrument (TI) chipset. It comes equipped with T.30/T.38 support and G.711/G.723/G.729 voice codec.

The S804 VoIP gateway also features echo cancellation, polarity and NAT traversal, smart QoS and voice channel display. Its other main features are direct dialing mode, silence compression, watches dog function and outbound proxy function.

Via Global Sources

Comverse Buys Netcentrex for $164M

The season of consolidation is on. Bigger players are buying up promising smaller players. Comverse Technology will buy out privately held voice-over-IP (VoIP) software vendor Netcentrex for about US$164 million. Moreover, Comverse may cough up an additional $16 million; if Netcentrex's financial performance is up to the mark in this financial year.

Paris-based Netcentrex, , clocked revenue of about $50 million in the year ended Dec. 31, 2005. It has about 50 service providers as its clients.

Via CIO.com

Facetime claims it can detect and filter out Skype 2.0 traffic

IM security specialist FaceTime claims that its new software can detect and filter out Skype 2.0 traffic.

Detecting and filtering out Skype is fast becoming a must-have feature for many businesses who want to control the flow of data flow in their organizations. However, very few software companies can actually do this blocking work.  It is some sort of the Holy Grail, if you will.

Facetime has released the latest version of its IMAuditor platform, called version 7.0. The latest version has the much-vaunted anti-Skype feature

Via PC World

VN-CX1: Mouse shaped Skype phone

Sony introduced the VN-CX1 quite a while back. It got ample coverage in the blogging world. Let me remind you what it is.

VN-CX1 is first a mouse. However, you can use it as a clamshell mobile phone and you can make VoIP calls on it.  It also sports a loud speaker and an echo cancellation function that reduces the echo at a peculiar telephone call.

VN-CX1 "mouse phone" has 2 buttons and a central wheel. It is USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible. It is available in 5 colors (Red / Blue / Black / Silver / Green). Despite of its mouse-like appearances, it is measures just 67g. .

Via IT Moldova

Using VoIP in TV programming

At the recently held CTIA show, an advertising company demonstrated mobile –based marketing campaign for teen sleuth drama series "Veronica Mars." This experiment worked beautifully. Ratings doubled and the show website got more page views.

Russel Shaw over at Zdnet says that advertisers can use an IM/VoIP connection, such as Skype, Yahoo! or Google Talk to achieve similar effects with their campaigns. He explains in detail how the IM/VoIP system might work:

A viewer could send an IM to a user name associated with a show. Maybe even a character, whose name would be reflected in the IM address.

The actor with the character could then reply at pre-set times via a phone call back to the IM sender. It could be any one of several messages that would be configured to be compatible with keywords included in the original message sent by the fan. And a pane on the IM window could also include an ad.

Via Zdnet

Global Crossing Expands into Europe

Global Crossing will introduce its Enterprise VoIP Outbound and VoIP Local Services to countries across Europe. This complements Global Crossing's existing Enterprise VoIP services in North America.

Global Crossing's VoIP service is now available for both national and international calling from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, UK, alongwith USA. The service enables international calling from Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.  Global Crossing will introduce National calling in these countries in phases as part of the company's continuing VoIP development program.

Via Yahoo Finance