One well-placed source in the equipment community says the company is choosing to lease long-haul network capacity from existing carriers, instead of lighting up dark fiber coast-to-coast.

Posted by Dal at 04:20 PM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

As Interim President of Vonage Network, Tim will oversee all of Vonage's network and systems operations globally and manage Vonage Network's staff.

Before joining Vonage in July 2005 as SVP of Network and Systems Infrastructure, Tim worked in various management roles for leading technology companies and organizations including Sun Microsystems Inc., UUNET Technologies Inc. and Wayport, Inc.

"We are thrilled to be promoting from within as we continue to shape our organization and are excited about Tim's new critical role with Vonage," said Vonage CEO Mike Snyder. "Tim has 20 years of experience designing, deploying, operating and maintaining Internet service delivery systems. Vonage will continue to benefit from his demonstrated record of leadership of technical teams and commitment to customer service."

Source: Vonage 

Posted by Dal at 10:26 AM | Direct Link Posted to Vonage

Advanced TCA, the PICMG 3.x family is the latest series of PICMG specifications, targeted to the requirements of the next generation of carrier grade communications equipment. This series of specifications incorporates the latest trends in high speed interconnect technologies, next generation processors and improved reliability, manageability and serviceability to make a new blade and chassis form factor optimised for communication applications.

The newly released SDK marks a significant step forward for VoIP application developers. In releasing a quick start ATCA development platform, Audiocodes have provided a cost effective solution for developers of a wide range of next generation applications such as VoIP gateways, Packet to Packet mediation, media servers, Next Generation switches and IP service platforms looking to take advantage of the next generation of communications hardware. With its comprehensive feature set that covers integrated voice and signalling functionality, the TP-12610 SDK offers considerable flexibility for managing and implementing high density, high availability solutions.

The product is based on AudioCodes cPCI VoIP board, hosted in a cPCI to ATCA adaptor which enables GB Ethernet Base and Fabric interfaces. The new design kit features a high capacity blade of 2016 channels and is based on field proven API which is common to all AudioCodes boards. Customers can use the same API for future platforms and thus reduce their development cycle and time to market.

AudioCodes' support of the ATCA form factor meets the demands of customers for a cost-effective, VoIP building block for the new generation of boards. AudioCodes has developed a software development kit that enables a quick start for building media gateway and media server platforms. The TP-12610 SDK meets the needs of software developers looking for a fully operational platform in the interim stage until the final phase of our TP-12610 is released.

Posted by Dal at 10:19 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Software

The hack allows users to to install linux by first erasing all traces of the Vxworks proprietary real-time operating system, and this without having to open the unit. "There is now a way to flash a WRT54G/GSv5 without any big modification or opening the unit", stated a message posted on the site, pointing to a forum user as the inventor of the hack.

"Db90h from our forum found a way to generate a flash image which overwrites the original bootloader of the unit", this turns Linksys units running Vxworks into linux compatible units, running dd-wrt.

It should be noted however that you can apparently run only the "light" edition of dd-wrt open sauce due to the low space available on the new "v5" Linksys devices. Linksys bean counters decided to maximise profits by cutting the device storage space thus lowering the bill of materials.

The web page hosting alternative eWRT firmware for the Linksys routers suggested people do not buy the "v5" router running Vxworks, helping visitors identify the 'not cool' version. "The WRT54G/GS version 5 routers contain half the RAM and Flash, and are shipped running vxWorks OS. These devices can be identified with serial numbers starting with CDFB or CGN7".

It seems very few people outside Linksys' accounting division was happy with this new version: it has been described as "a lousy router" in a recent review. Cisco/Linksys re-released the linux-compatible WRT54G as the "WRT54GL" the "L" supposedly standing for "Linux compatible", which has a higher price.

The procedure to kill Vxworks and install dd-wrt linux based firmware on the v5 units is explained in the dd-wrt project site: "After applying this image you can flash this unit with the dd-wrt 'micro edition' without any big troubles" the site reads. The software which allows this has been dubbed "VxWorks killer" and we're sure this won't amuse the folks at Wind River Systems of Alameda, California -creators of Vxworks- a single bit.

This proves hardware manufacturers that they are better not annoying the linux crowd because programmers will often get things their way - or move on to other hardware that is more open.

Despite this interesting hack, it should be noted that users who want to install a full -not lite- version of dd-wrt or any of the half a dozen linux based alternatives to Linksys' original linux firmware -- like OpenWRT, HyperWRT and ewrt among others - including the one from commercial vendor Sveasoft, are better purchasing the WRT54G"L" which Linksys released to please the crying linux crowd. As for pricing, one WRT54G can currently be had for around $50, while the linux-friendly "GL" sells for around $65.

The code hackers among you might want to know that the dd-wrt project sparked from the official GPL source code of Sveasoft Alchemy, later mixed with work from OpenWRT. It has tweaked radius support and according to the site allows "the use of an external filesystem device" via Samba networking. At only 1.7MB, the 'micro edition' of dd-wrt has a reduced footprint, allowing it to fit on devices with less RAM and Flash memory.

The programmer -and apparently linux die-hard- "db90h" who authored this cool hack is actually named Jeremy Collake in real life, according to OSDir.com, and detailed instructions on how to install the "Vxworks killer" are available at the dd-wrt wiki.µ

Source: Inquirer.net 

Posted by Dal at 10:16 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

SMC Networks has announced the availability of a PC-independent VoIP device - SMCWSKP100 Skype Wi-Fi phone - that uses the popular Skype software for making free or low-cost calling options. It is compatible with most standard 802.11b/g access points and provides constant connectivity without slowing down network connections while running in a pure 802.11g wireless environment.

In a shared wireless and data network, the SMCWSKP100 Skype Wi-Fi phone maintains good quality by prioritizing voice over data packets. With the embedded Skype software, it incorporates most Skype features such as voice mail, as well as Skype-in or Skype-out services, which allow users to make low-cost calls to other phone networks.

As long as users have a valid Skype account, they can access both PSTN and Skype networks. Within any free wireless environment, Skype account holders can use the compact SMCWSKP100 device to make calls in different scenarios.

Source: SMC Networks

Posted by Dal at 10:11 AM | Direct Link Posted to Skype

For the first time, service providers can leapfrog legacy copper and economically roll-out a fiber-grade wireless infrastructure without trenching fiber.

ClearMesh Metro Grid technology extends the reach of metro Ethernet networks, where lateral expansion of fiber would require significant up-front investment and months for deployment. Metro Grid complements existing WiFi and WiMAX service deployments by infusing additional bandwidth in high density metro areas, expanding the customer base for wireless networks.

For wireless Internet service providers, the ClearMesh Metro Grid provides the ability to economically serve the dense metro SMB market with high-bandwidth business-grade services beyond those offered by WiFi or WiMAX solutions. Operating in the license-free band, the ClearMesh solution enables wireless service providers to overcome the crowded RF spectrum and deliver high-quality services in dense metro areas.

Now, Metro Ethernet service providers can cost-effectively deliver business-class Ethernet services in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of trenching fiber. This extends the fiber service providers' market by enabling them to reach a large number of medium-sized businesses and "light-up" underutilized core fiber.

"Small and medium sized businesses increasingly rely on broadband connectivity for Internet-based, mission-critical applications," said Suresh Nihalani, President and CEO of ClearMesh Networks. "We provide a truly scalable access network solution, enabling service providers to deliver the necessary bandwidth to support high-margin service bundles including VoIP, network backup, video conferencing, multimedia and security, at an affordable price."

Service providers can immediately begin to market fiber-grade Ethernet services and extend the physical reach of the Metro Grid as more customers sign up - a true pay-as-you-grow solution.

The Metro Grid solution is immediately available and is comprised of two products, the ClearMesh 300 (CM 300) node and the ClearMesh Management System (CMS).

A Metro Grid deployment consists of ClearMesh 300 nodes which can be pole or roof-mounted. This integrated networking platform combines high-capacity Ethernet switching and low-cost wireless optical transport with business-grade Ethernet service delivery interfaces. Using secure optical transmission, the CM 300 can distribute up to 300 Mbps of wire-speed, ultra-low latency, and full-duplex service capacity. This allows service providers to deliver enough capacity to concurrently serve thousands of VoIP calls, video streams and Internet sessions.

The ClearMesh Management System (CMS) gives service providers carrier-class tools for mesh-wide installation, diagnostics, service analysis and provisioning to support fast and efficient service deployment across the Metro Grid.

About ClearMesh Networks

ClearMesh is the only worldwide producer of next-generation, wireless optical mesh networking equipment, enabling service providers to target broader metropolitan business markets. The Metro Grid allows service providers to build reliable and cost-effective fiber-grade access networks. With ClearMesh, service providers have the ability to leapfrog legacy copper to deliver 5-100 Mbps per customer with a license-free and interference-free wireless mesh solution. For more information, please visit www.clearmesh.com.

Source: BusinessWire 

Posted by Dal at 10:15 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

The move will pit the Apple-branded video conferencing and instant message software against existing VoIP solutions from the likes of Skype, Google and Microsoft.

Skype, which began as a small software startup in 2003, is largely accredited with popularizing free Internet telephony through its self-titled software application. The Luxembourg-based company was recently acquired by eBay. It boasts a userbase of over 100 million and offers its software in 27 different languages.

Recently other industry heavyweights have looked to get in on the VoIP craze. Just this month, Microsoft added VoIP features to Windows Live Messenger, which will be available to users of its forthcoming Vista operating system. Meanwhile, Google wedged its foot in the door last year with public beta release of Google Talk, a similar software-based service.

If reports pan out, VoIP functionality won't be the only feature of Apple's Leopard to rival similar offerings from both Google and Microsoft. Earlier this month, sources reported that Apple also appears ripe to introduce a geographic mapping solution with Leopard, similar to Microsoft's Virtual Earth and Google's Maps.

The Apple software, which is simply dubbed "Maps," is also rumored to employ GPS functionally. In the future, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company may leverage the technology to help track stolen Macs or iPods, people familiar with the software have said.

A team of Apple executives is scheduled to formally unveil Leopard during the second week of August at the company's annual World Wide Developers Conference. Although Apple has so far referred to the operating system as "Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard," there's a strong possibility that name will change, sources have said.

Source: AppleInsider 

Posted by Dal at 10:12 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Software

Brian Ward said Citron’s speech at Convergence 2.0 failed to address any of the issues facing Vonage these days (growing criticism about its marketing spending, class-action lawsuits, discounts for subscribers who threaten to leave, etc.). With Vonage under siege, this is a time when you’d expect a marketing-wizard such as Citron to creatively and enthusiastically come to the company’s defense. After all, he co-founded Vonage because he believed VoIP would be a disruptive technology.

What happened to that chutzpah? Now that Vonage is public, itseems like Citron believes he has to behave. But if all you’re going to do is give tepid keynotes with no meat, why bother talking at all because you end up doing more harm than good?

Posted by Dal at 12:53 PM | Direct Link Posted to Vonage

RemoteControlEyes is designed to be used in conjunction with popular IM and VOIP video conversation programs such as AOL, MSN, Yahoo and Sykpe. RemoteControlEyes enables the webcam owner to offer their friends the ability to remotely control the pan tilt functions of the webcam. Many pan tilt webcams automatic feature face tracking and local control of the pan tilt function.

RemoteControlEyes adds to this with remote control functionality. Remote Control pan tilt helps to make video conversation more natural experience and its great fun to use. Using RemoteControlEyes with Skype or Instant Messengers is simple. The Remote ControlEye program generates a unique URL which you cut and paste into the chat feature of the VoIP or IM with an invitation to pan tilt control and an access password.

The remote user opens the control page in a web browser window and takes control. You can set up four preset positions. Access to the control page is password protected so you can be sure of just allowing your friends pan tilt control privileges.

Source: ClickPress 

Posted by Dal at 12:49 PM | Direct Link Posted to Skype

Brekeke Software, Inc., an emerging leader in voice and data communications technology, today announced successful completion of interoperability testing of OnDO PBX with Kapanga Softphone. Kapanga Softphone is a product of Ecotronics Ventures LLC, an Internet and Electronics Engineering services company based in the Washington DC Metro area.

"Brekeke has a great set of software products that enable both small businesses and system integrators to deploy IP-based solutions easily and at a very low cost," said Martin Cadirola, President/VP Business Development at Ecotronics Ventures. "Ecotronics relationship with Brekeke opens up a great range of opportunities for deploying media over IP solutions (voice, video, fax) since Brekeke's customers will be able send and receive voice, video calls and transmit and receive faxes using just one SIP client: Kapanga Softphone."

Kapanga is a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based software phone capable of voice, fax, and video-over-IP communications. As a SIP phone, Kapanga can be used on VoIP networks to interact with traditional Public Switching Telecommunication Networks (PSTNs) and future IP-based telecommunication devices. In addition, Kapanga Softphone offers features such Voice and video-over-IP recording, fax auto-answering, real-time Quality of Service monitoring and much more.

OnDO PBX, an award-winning IP-PBX system, is easily managed through a web-based administrative interface and includes Conference Call, Automatic Route Selection (ARS), Call Forwarding, Call Monitoring, Call Recording and much more. Brekeke's products provide multi-platform support on Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, Red Hat Linux, and Solaris™ and are highly compatible with most SIP phones, gateways, and service providers.

About Ecotronics

Ecotronics Ventures LLC is an internet software and Engineering services company based in the Washington DC Metro area, providing innovative technology products and services in the IP communications, Internet and Engineering fields for commercial and governmental organizations. In 2005, Ecotronics launched Kapanga Softphone, the first SIP software phone client that integrates T.38 fax in addition to voice and video call capabilities. As a fully featured SIP client, Kapanga Softphone is designed from the ground up to work with current and future VoIP systems and infrastructure. Kapanga Softphone has also been tested by engineers and softphone users across many VoIP hardware and service providers in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Kapanga Softphone is available for free download for personal or academic use from http://www.kapanga.net.

Posted by Dal at 09:27 AM | Direct Link Posted to PBX / iPBX

The new cordless phones have dual functionality so consumers can make free Voice over Internet Protocal (VoIP) calls, as well as ordinary landline calls.

The Skype VOIP321 and Windows LM VOIP433 phones, launching in the U.S. in July and September 2006, operate on Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT) technology. The new DECT technology enhances the sound and security available in a cordless phone. Consumers will experience crystal clear sound and reduced noise interference with the new DECT technology.

The VOIP321 was developed to combine the key benefits of Skype with the Philips’ home cordless technology. Skype’s rich features include free worldwide calls, conferencing with other Skype users, Skype Instant Messaging and file transfer. Users can make and receive calls on both Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and VoIP networks from a single handset. The new VOIP321 allows consumers to view who is online anywhere in the home by simply looking at the cordless phone display. The handset allows specific polyphonic ring tones to distinguish Skype and landline calls.

Designed for Microsoft, the VOIP433 Dual Phone enables consumers to easily call and connect to anyone listed on their Windows LM contact list with the simple click of a button. Consumers will have three calling choices: free PC-to-PC calling through Windows LM allowing users to place and receive voice calls; MCI Web Calling offering Windows LM users a low-cost PC-to-phone outbound calling option; and traditional landline phone service.

The VOIP433’s color screen takes the consumer experience to the next level by allowing users to see their friends’ online presence, displaying dynamic Windows LM icons, and delivering notification options on the cordless handset, even when users are away from their PC.

Source: Philips 

Posted by Dal at 09:24 AM | Direct Link Posted to Skype

 

The new products, centered on an innovative optically-connected "virtual base station" approach, give service providers extreme flexibility in rolling out a cost-optimized Mobile WiMAX service network.

"2006 represents a milestone year for the commercialization of Mobile WiMAX, and ADAPTIX's strategy and new products are designed to assist both mobile and fixed carriers with the transition from voice-centric to multimedia-centric services," said ADAPTIX's Vice President of Marketing and Product Management Byron Young. "Our new BX-3000 Micro Base Station family represents the next wave of IP-based OFDMA base stations that will cost a fraction of what large, macro platforms will, while offering substantially better per-sector and per-user performance over 3G."

"The traditional macro cell configuration typically does not offer the kind of per-user throughput or flexibility of a micro or pico cell approach," said Iain Gillott, founder and president of iGR, a market consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "As more and more people around the world use wireless and mobile services, demands on traditional network architectures are increasing, and it is clear that fresh approaches are required."

Based on ADAPTIX's own core OFDMA technology, the new BX-3000 base station line and SX series of mobile terminals are built with a highly programmable Software Defined Radio architecture, allowing easy software upgrades to new features such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) as well as new services based on OFDMA beyond Mobile WiMAX. Next Generation PHS, 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the IEEE's 802.22 are all emerging standards considering OFDMA as their base physical layer standard.

While many companies are only now working on their first generation OFDMA products, ADAPTIX has constructed its third generation mobile OFDMA engine for the BX-3000 family, while also supporting the new robust IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard with its very first release. Its fully programmable, hardware- accelerated design makes it possible for the BX-3000 to achieve peak performance while supporting standards-based QoS for new services like Voice over IP and Mobile IPTV. Advanced functionality such as Gigabit Ethernet backhaul, dynamic IP routing with mobility, and Smart Antenna technologies such as MIMO are also supported. Finally, the BX-3000 supports high-speed optical interfaces between its ultra-compact baseband unit and up to three outdoor RF units, enabling a wide range of installation options while maximizing RF performance.

Complementing the BX-3000 is ADAPTIX's new SX series of Mobile Terminals. Smaller and lighter than a typical travel hard drive, the SX-300 Compact Mobile Terminal is ideal for fixed, portable and true mobile uses. The SX-500 High-Performance Mobile Terminal, designed for fixed, portable or vehicular use, features a dual antenna array and can support peak throughput of more than 10 Mbps.

"ADAPTIX was one of the earliest innovators of OFDMA technology with two prior pre-WiMAX mobile systems already in deployment," said Young. "Our third generation family provides the right combination of spectral efficiency, superior performance and cost efficiency that carriers require in order to take Mobile WiMAX and other emerging OFDMA services to the next step - mass deployment."

About ADAPTIX

To meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth, integrated mobile voice, video and data applications, ADAPTIX delivers software-defined, hardware- enabled infrastructure platforms for wireless and wireline service providers around the world. ADAPTIX's standards-based, OFDMA/WiMAX solution gives service providers the highest level of spectral and resource flexibility as well as the efficiency to deploy rich media applications quickly and cost effectively. ADAPTIX, one of the earliest developers of OFDMA technology, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional offices in Seattle, Washington, and Shanghai, China.

Posted by Dal at 09:21 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

By integrating Tropos solutions into ScanSource Securitys product offering, resellers are able to easily convert their wired security solutions to wireless.

By enabling hardwired solutions to become wireless, Tropos products help resellers provide more efficient, larger security solutions that can be installed in expansive environments, including campuses and prisons, where end-users might need multiple wireless network systems. Whats more, with Tropos, resellers can transmit video surveillance over a wireless network, an ever-increasing security need.

Posted by Dal at 09:18 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

The Lucent Compact Switch is a carrier-class solution with fault-tolerant hardware and software that delivers exceptional uptime for all voice and data services and with redundancy that extends to every part of the system including inputs and outputs, switching fabric, and system processing. The switch can support from as few as 1,000 subscribers to more than 100,000 subscribers.

The Lucent Compact Switch will enable Westelcom to deliver tandem switching and advanced next-generation Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services customers in upstate New York. Lucent’s VoIP solution will enable Westelcom to migrate toward a facilities-based platform, reducing operating costs and creating additional revenue opportunities.

Dynavar will provide the network engineering, integration and deployment services for the installation. Lucent Worldwide Services will provide maintenance. "To satisfy customer demand and maintain our competitive edge, we needed a solution that would allow us to offer our customers advanced new services in a timely manner, with no risk of sacrificing quality," said Jim Forcier, president of Westelcom. "Lucent’s solution, with support from Dynavar, offered the most feature-rich and reliable next-generation compact solution available on the market."

"Westelcom’s deployment of the Lucent-Dynavar solution will allow them to deliver a more cost-effective and better managed service to their customers," said Sean MacNeill, president and chief operating officer of Dynavar Corporation. "With the Lucent Compact Switch, Westelcom has a smooth migration path to a facilities-based platform."

"By partnering with Dynavar, we were able to offer companies such as Westelcom a compelling end-to-end solution that resolved their needs in a cost-effective manner, as well as met the needs of their customers," said Gerry Cafaro, vice president of sales for Lucent Technologies. "The Lucent Compact Switch offers Westelcom the flexibility they need to succeed in today’s competitive market, and also allows for the addition of new advanced services as they become available in the future."

The Lucent switch also can serve as a building block for carriers that choose to migrate to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network to offer blended lifestyle services.Service providers can deploy the Lucent Compact Switch for end-office (Class 5) and tandem (Class 4) applications to replace an existing switch or as an addition to the network. In addition to providing VoIP, Internet off-load and gateway mobile switching center features, the compact switch also offers CALEA and E911 capabilities.

Source: WebWire 

Posted by Dal at 09:13 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Hardware

Posted by Dal at 04:32 PM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP News

Consumers buying the routers, which usually cost about $60, will need to let others use their Internet connections and in return will be able to connect for free to other wireless hot spots that are part of the network, said Juergen Urbanski, Madrid-based FON's U.S. general manager.

FON, which in February raised $21.7 million from Google, eBay's Skype Technologies, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital, is aiming to build a global network of wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, links to promote Internet access. The company also wants to give consumers a way of making money by renting connections to others.

"We want Wi-Fi to become much more ubiquitous," Urbanski, who is based in San Francisco, said in a Friday interview. "That's good news for the different Web-based companies. It's good for the router makers."

The routers are made by Linksys Inc., acquired by Cisco Systems Inc. in 2003, and Buffalo Technology Inc., and FON is making 1 million available for sale at the subsidized price, Urbanski said. Wireless routers plug into home Internet connections and broadcast a signal that can be picked up by laptop computers.

Users who already have certain makes of wireless routers can also install software from FON to join the network.

The company aims to have 50,000 wireless hot spots by September and 150,000 by the end of the year, Urbanski said.

Posted by Dal at 10:10 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

Posted by Dal at 10:05 AM | Direct Link Posted to WiFi / Wireless

Microsoft's vision for unified communications breaks down today's silos of e-mail, instant messaging, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), telephony and conferencing, allowing people to communicate and collaborate more effectively with colleagues, customers and partners.

Polycom will develop and market integrated business-class UC SIP voice end-points beyond its previously announced integration. The new products will include integrated desktop devices that leverage the presence awareness, instant messaging, and new telephony and VoIP capabilities of Microsoft's unified communications platform. The solutions will bring the richness of the PC together with the familiarity and voice capabilities of the desktop telephone enabling users to easily find and communicate with customers, partners and co-workers within a more secure environment.

"Industry-leading companies such as Polycom will play a significant role in the development of real-time collaboration solutions using our unified communications platform," said Zig Serafin, general manager of the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft Corp. "Polycom is a recognized brand in enterprise communications and will bring high-quality voice and video products that are integrated for a Microsoft unified communications environment. Through our cooperative efforts, we will enable businesses to make better decisions faster by connecting people, information and business processes in a seamless fashion."

Today's announcement expands Polycom's commitment to Microsoft environments with new SIP desktop voice devices that will leverage the instant messaging, presence, and new integrated telephony and VoIP capabilities of Microsoft unified communications platform, including wideband voice communications (14 kHz). These devices will also support auto provisioning, management and configuration of Microsoft's UC platform, enabling use in a dynamic and mobile work environment.

Polycom's commitment builds on its strategic relationship with Microsoft, which has delivered multiple phases of integration including federation of its market-leading Polycom VSX(TM) video systems, SoundStation® and SoundPoint® IP phones, and V2IU(TM) network address and firewall traversal solution with Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2005. An industry first, this integration enables presence and buddy lists on Polycom VSX video systems and SoundStation and SoundPoint phones to simplify rich media calling for end-users, making it as easy to connect a call from your phone or video system as it is using Office Communicator 2005 on your PC.

"To support today's announced Microsoft unified communication vision, we are developing integrated desktop devices that bring Polycom voice quality, ease of use and performance to customers in Microsoft environments," said Sunil Bhalla, senior vice president and general manager of voice communications at Polycom. "Through our expanded integration with Microsoft, we are able to offer solutions that bring the advantage of real-time presence information, name-based dialing and the simplicity of using directories and buddy lists to the forefront of the telephony experience."

Polycom reserves the right to modify future product plans at any time. Products and/or related specifications referenced in this press release are not guaranteed, and will be delivered on a when and if available basis.

Posted by Dal at 09:51 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Hardware

Secure VoIP peering enables VoIP wholesalers, VoIP clearinghouses, IP transport providers and network co-location providers to increase customer loyalty and generate new revenues from peer to peer VoIP traffic.

Secure VoIP peering for Entice includes two new features which eliminate interconnect fraud risk and settlement disputes. First, digitally signed tokens included with each call setup ensure secure peer to peer access control. Second, real time collection of encrypted call detail records from both source and destination peers eliminate interconnect settlement billing disputes.

To enable secure VoIP peering, the Entice Session Border Controller communicates with the NexSRS settlement server using the OSP peering protocol – an operations and billing support (OSS/BSS) protocol standard defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The OSP peering protocol, designed for secure clearing and settlement of peer to peer applications such as VoIP and video, is supported by a growing variety of VoIP platforms, such as Cisco, Veraz, Asterisk, SIP Express Router and OpenSER.

"We are pleased to certify that the TransNexus OSS/ BSS software platform is fully compatible with the Entice Session Border Controller. Our partnership with Emergent offers TransNexus customers new alternatives for VoIP protocol inter-working and interoperability," said Jim Dalton CEO of TransNexus.

Posted by Dal at 11:11 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP News

The notification (Ref# 2155455200) is a response to alleged infringement of Naztech products. Wireless Xcessories Group has been notified and a response is pending.

The complaint alleges that the Wireless Xcessories Group, Inc. website contains online products that have copied every aspect of Naztech products, including the identical designs causing confusion to consumers and irreparable damage.

Naztech Wireless Technologies’ legal department commented “We are accustomed to eventual copying of our merchandise overseas after a certain period of time with its own uniqueness to avoid infringement, however this case is unique.

We have never dealt with a customer creating an identical design and merely changing the logo. This is noticeably unfair business practice in addition to probable infringement. We have taken the preliminary steps to put an end to this activity and are hopeful that the response will be favorable”.

Naztech is a pioneer in the wireless accessory market and has been in similar situations before. All previous attempts of comparable unfair business with other companies were terminated upon notifying the companies and Naztech is optimistic that Wireless Xcessories Group will abide by the appeal.

The wireless industry has had to deal with infringement since its existence. Earlier this year, network equipment giant Ericsson filed a lawsuit against mobile phone maker Samsung alleging patent infringement.

Posted by Dal at 11:08 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP News

The strategic relationship formed between Microsoft and Plantronics will enable the two companies to jointly develop new innovative unified communications devices that provide professionals with superior voice and data integration enabling unified communications across the enterprise.

"Plantronics and Microsoft teamed together because we share a vision for creating the next generation of unified communications solutions that will make office communications integrated, intuitive and real-time," said Chuck Yort, vice president of Business Solutions at Plantronics. "This initiative is consistent with Plantronics' long-range strategic view to make voice solutions more deeply embedded and valuable across the entire enterprise workflow and communication process."

"Microsoft's vision for unified communications enables people to find and collaborate with co-workers right from the applications they use most to more effectively get business done," said Eric Swift, senior director of product management for the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft Corp. "Plantronics is playing a significant role in the development of voice and VoIP peripheral solutions using Office Communicator 2007 and our unified communications platform. Through our cooperative efforts and the integration of the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset system with Communicator 2007, Plantronics is adding significant value to PC-based enterprise communications and enabling businesses to better connect people, information and business processes."

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB marks the first step towards this joint vision, supporting instant VoIP connectivity and extending the reach of the network via a wireless Bluetooth headset. The Voyager 510-USB will support the enhanced instant messaging (IM) capabilities of Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 by enabling professionals to instantly place hands-free VoIP calls through a PC.

Office Communicator 2007 on the PC brings voice capabilities to enhanced IM and presence awareness, integrated telephony, VoIP, and real-time elements of conferencing and unified communications.

An extension of Plantronics' VoIP product portfolio, the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB features the award-winning Voyager 510 headset and includes a plug-and-play Bluetooth USB adapter that simplifies setup and use. Plantronics' exclusive multipoint technology allows users to switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices, including softphones and mobile phones, with the touch of a button. The Voyager 510-USB also includes Plantronics' PerSonoCall(R) software which enables users to wirelessly answer/end PC telephony calls while roaming in the office. By "cutting the cord" between the PC and headset, professionals will have the freedom to roam within their offices, talk between conference rooms or at the printer, and be completely hands free to multi-task and collaborate more effectively. PerSonoCall will be fully integrated with the new Communicator 2007 and include wireless call control in the near future.

Posted by Dal at 11:04 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Hardware

It is believed that Telstra has acquired around 30 Touchbase staff.

In a recent interview with CRN, Magnus Maynard, managing director, Touchbase said the integrator refused to agree to stipulations imposed by Avaya which restricted its service capabilities.

In a statement to CRN, Telstra said it has bought Touchbase Australia’s Avaya assets. According to Telstra, Touchbase will continue to trade with other vendor products.

“Telstra will continue to provide customer service to Touchbase's Avaya customers - many of whom are already existing Telstra customers for other ICT services. This acquisition would allow Telstra to deepen their relationship with existing and new customers,” stated Telstra.

“We will also be selling Touchbase’s Avaya products.”

The acquisition of the Touchbase's Avaya customer base and associated staff is part of Telstra’s strategy in the IP telephony space.

With this acquisition, Telstra will be able to provide a broad range of IP Telephony solutions to enterprise and government customers in Australia.

Telstra now has relationships with vendor partners including, Avaya, Cisco, NEC, Ericsson, Nortel and Mitel.

Posted by Dal at 10:58 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP News

The box, which is about the size of a large suitcase, goes by two names—the Mobile Communications Kit and the NetHope Relief Kit. Cisco doesn't sell the James Bond-like kit directly. The kit connects to a satellite service to deliver local and long-distance voice and data and standard wired access for buildings and wireless access up to 20 miles.

However, the NRK is made up of common off-the-shelf equipment.Cisco's effort was designed to solve connectivity issues for relief agencies. The problem: Mobile radios are ineffective, and high-frequency radio transmissions are at the mercy of interference and jamming. In addition, bandwidth toll rates can blow budgets when large files such as X-rays are transferred.

Bob Browning, manager of tactical operations support at Cisco, in San Jose, Calif., likened the kits to blocks that can be used to build ad hoc networks. The kit was largely started as a test within the company to see how many products it could cram into a small space.

The kit made its debut in Iraq in 2003 to support the NetHope relief agency, a membership organization comprising the CIOs and chief technology officers of 17 global nongovernmental organizations working in international development.Cisco created six kits in 2004 to be used during the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Indonesia and Thailand. The kits were also used during Hurricane Katrina in September 2005.

"It's designed to be rugged and available as long as you need it," Browning said, adding that NRKs are most useful in the first 24 to 48 hours of a disaster but can remain in place until infrastructure comes back online.The box can operate under multiple AC and DC power standards and includes Ethernet uplink ports, switches for LAN connectivity, antennas for wireless access and associated cables. The box also includes two exhaust fans.

Browning estimates that the kits take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to set up, with the bulk of that time needed to tune satellite reception. Browning notes that the NRK is a work in progress, but the possibilities are promising. Six NRKs coupled with Cisco's Mobile Command Vehicle, an RV equipped with networking technology, have managed to generate a mesh network covering 350 square miles. The command center provided the satellite broadband connection, and the NRKs relayed the wireless signals. "These are like Lego blocks," Browning said. "There are infinite possibilities."

Source: TheChannelInsider

Posted by Dal at 10:51 AM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Hardware

Posted by Dal at 06:14 PM | Direct Link Posted to Asterisk Help

 

The Bluetooth 2 Class 1 Skype phone has a remote control for shifting from Skype phone to Skype function, and vice versa.

The unit has an answer/dial phone call function. It supports handsfree, headset and serial port profiles. It supports 100m operating range in open space, 4hr talk time and 120hr standby time.

The Bluetooth Skype phone is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery and supports USB charging.

Posted by Dal at 06:12 PM | Direct Link Posted to Skype

Key New Features :

   * full rewriting on the web interface, new PHP Framework OO class
(code more structured & centralized)
   * CallBack : Web callback from customer interface, ANI callback, DID callback
   * Gettext Multi Language support for the customer interface (Spanish, English, French, Chinese, Italian, Romanian, Turkish, Urdu)
   * SOAP-Webservice : Create Card, Remove card, Update... See WSDL : A2Billing_UI/api/SOAP/soap-card-server.php?wsdl
   * Ratecard Simulator on Customer interface
   * CallerID Update on Customer interface
   * Based on Adodb, dbms layer
   * Features to export to XML
   * Update of the Web Dialer WebPhone Jiax
   * Add the VAT on the customer invoice
   * Better support for ARA
   * lot of bugs fixed
   * and more...

WIKI -> http://wiki.asterisk2billing.org/
FORUM -> http://forum.asterisk2billing.org/
DEMO -> http://demo.asterisk2billing.org/


As usual I am waiting for your good feedback and recommendation!

Enjoy your Sunday,
/Areski

Posted by Dal at 06:07 PM | Direct Link Posted to Asterisk Software

Posted by Dal at 01:07 PM | Direct Link Posted to Asterisk News

"The first model will come during the first half of '07," Chung said, adding the handset will be made available worldwide.

WiMAX is a wireless technology that offers the promise of high-speed connections over a greater area than is possible with Wi-Fi. Fixed-wireless and mobile versions of the technology are being developed, with the fixed-wireless version seen as a replacement for wired broadband connections, such as cable and DSL.

Samsung's mobile WiMax technology is capable of downlink speeds up to 10.2Mbps while travelling at 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). By the third quarter of 2007, the company expects to push downlink speeds higher, to a maximum of nearly 40Mbps, Chung said.

At CommunicAsia, Samsung demonstrated a mobile WiMax network. The demonstration included a notebook equipped with a PCMCIA WiMAX card and several WiMax-equipped PDAs capable of surfing the Internet, downloading videos, and sharing files with other users.

These technologies are already making their way into the outside world. Samsung is now working with operators in several countries to test mobile WiMAX networks, including South Korea, where local operators will launch commercial services based on the technology at the end of this month, Chung said.

Posted by Dal at 01:05 PM | Direct Link Posted to WiMax

Posted by Dal at 12:58 PM | Direct Link Posted to Asterisk News

Sanjay Singh, head, SMB Business, Avaya GlobalConnect, told Business Standard that the company planned to launch a new “IP solution, which will enable conferencing among 20 users without using EPABX.

There will be a software sitting on the IP phones, which will perform functions that an EPABX does.” Avaya's flagship product 'IP Office' targets SMEs in India. It is a 128-party conferencing solution and can be customised according to customers' requirements.

IP Office was launched globally in 2002 and in India in November 2005. "So far, we have sold 60,000 systems globally and 80 systems in India," he said. However, the company expected a 20-25 per cent share of the IP telephony market for SMEs in India in the next one year. The IP telephony market in India is expected to reach Rs 950 crore in the next three years from the current Rs 300 crore.

The market for SMEs is expected to reach Rs 450 crore in the next three years from about Rs 150 crore by growing 35 per cent annually compounded. Other than marketing its own software products, Avaya also sells products of firms like LG, Polycom, Cyberoam and Plantronics to SMEs. Avaya GlobalConnect's revenue in India at present stands at around Rs 500 crore.

Posted by Dal at 06:51 PM | Direct Link Posted to PBX / iPBX

 
A former AT&T technician told Salon that wiretapping, sniffing equipment was installed at numerous AT&T facilities. The brains of the entire operation are at an AT&T Network Operations Center in Bridgeton, Mo., inside a well-protected, 20-by-40 foot room. The room is protected by a "mantrap" -- highly secure protection.

The Bridgeton facility is said to be able to collect data via any AT&T router in the U.S. via the sniffers.

And if a former AT&T technician is to be believed, they can sniff and capture virtually any piece of information, whether it be browsing information, VoIP, email or more.

"The network sniffer with the right software can capture anything," he told Salon. "You can get people's e-mail, VoIP phone calls — even passwords and credit card transactions — as long as you have the right software to decrypt that."

Is all this snooping needed for national security? We'll never know, because the NSA and AT&T still refused to divulge details.

Posted by Dal at 06:48 PM | Direct Link Posted to VoIP Politics