Source: www.voip-news.com

Broadcom has launched Broadcom InConcert modules that combine Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips in the smallest form factor and also bring best-in-class wireless capabilities to notebook PCs and Netbooks.

“Having shipped millions of single-chip combo products, it’s not a stretch to apply those lessons to create a better solution for PCs,” said Michael Hurlston, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom’s Home and Wireless business unit. “Most notebook designs can benefit from better wireless performance and fewer components, but the sweet spot for InConcert modules is Netbooks and UMPCs. Several of our PC customers are using these modules in their next designs to provide the functionality, style and trouble-free user experience that today’s consumers demand.”

According to Broadcom:

The new InConcert modules expand Broadcom’s industry-leading family of wireless combination products that are driving Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi and FM into an array of handheld devices. Although notebooks typically have more board space to accommodate discrete Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips on separate modules, the growing demand for smaller Netbooks and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) has created the need for more integrated wireless solutions. By combining two of its most popular Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips onto a half mini-card, Broadcom can help PC vendors seize this opportunity by offering proven wireless performance in smaller, more cost-effective platforms.

The two services (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) together will allow users to utilize their machines to their fullest – with VoIP calling capabilities and more.

“Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provide the wireless freedom and enable the mobile applications that Netbook customers want – from fast Internet surfing, to multimedia streaming, to convenient connections with peripheral devices,” said Campbell Kan, Vice President of Acer’s Mobile Computing business unit. “Equipped with Broadcom’s new wireless solutions, our next generation of Aspire One Netbooks will go even further to keep people connected with style and simplicity.”

Source: www.voip-news.com

A new phone service from sipgate claims to be a landline replacement that has all the functions of a phone service including telephone number but it carries no cost for the set-up, the number itself or any monthly charges or minimums. Sipgate one works with any phone (including standard analog ones, mobile phones and VoIP phones). It operates over the internet.

Calls cost 1.9 cents per minute, but calls to other sipgate users and received calls are free as well, giving it an advantage over Skype where you pay for incoming calls.

“There is simply no barrier to people disconnecting their old phone lines anymore. Phone and cable companies have long been pushing voice plans in the region of $25 to $40 per month–which end up being as much as $60 or more with extra charges–and that’s just ridiculous,” said Thilo Salmon, CEO of sipgate. “Even with calls to other landlines and mobile phones, most users will spend less than $5 a month using sipgate one. And for those people only receiving incoming calls on their VoIP phone, the service is completely free.”

I have to disagree with Salmon on there being no barrier to disconnecting old phone lines — if the internet goes down or the power goes out, you will lose your phone service, which is a problem for some people (like parents who want the security of having an analog backup phone with a traditional line so that you can phone anytime in an emergency). Nonetheless, as far as VoIP goes, this sounds like a good deal.

Here’s the benefits:

At no additional cost, sipgate offers a rich feature set designed to make users’ lives easier and more convenient:

– Need to write down a number while driving? Record any phone
conversation by pressing *6
– Want to customize your voicemail? Upload an mp3
– Want your calls to follow you? Have your home, office and mobile
phone ring in parallel
– Left your mobile phone at home? Simply go online and divert calls to
your office line
– Want to talk to friends in an ad-hoc conference? Bridge them with the
touch of a button
– Missed calls while on a flight? A list is waiting for you in your
email

Source: www.voip-news.com

EMBARQ has launched EMBARQ Managed IP Telephony service, an always-on managed IP solution with monitoring and alerting, management and support services. The service oversees a business’s voice communications systems including call servers and voicemail servers.

“Unmanaged growth could result in problems with speed, throughput, response time and other issues causing jitter and latency,” said Susan McQueeny-Scholes, Director of Marketing Communications for EMBARQ Business. “Allowing EMBARQ to take care of these issues can help businesses focus on their core competencies while lowering their costs and needs for internal support.”

Here’s the detes of what EMBARQ offers:

EMBARQ(R) MIPT service provides life-cycle support for day-to-day management and monitoring and offers two levels of protection to match the evolving needs of a customer’s enterprise.

Monitoring and Alerting Service
– 24×7×365 device monitoring
– Remote diagnostics and minor remote repairs
– Help desk support with 24×7 live response
– Notification of events through phone, e-mail or both
– Up/down and ticket status
– Monthly traffic and alarm activity reporting

Comprehensive Services
Includes all Monitoring and Alerting Services plus:

– Design and engineering assistance
– Project implementation
– Assigned technical engineer
– Proactive management of alarm monitoring, notification and escalation
– Software management services, including annual major software updates
– On-demand business management reporting through a secure Web portal.

Source: www.voip-news.com

8×8 is the latest of the VoIP companies to announce their call to release the data on their earnings for the quarter that ended on March 31. For 8×8, that means FY09, quarter 4 — so the year end results will be released at the same time.

The conference call will be led byBryan R. Martin, the chairman and CEO and Dan Weirich, the CFO and president. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. EST on May 21.

Here’s the detes:

Date: May 21, 2009
Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT
Dial In: (888) 397-5338, domestic
(719) 457-2630, international
Replay: (888) 203-1112, passcode 4712725, domestic
(719) 457-0820, passcode 4712725, international
Webcast: http://investors.8×8.com/

Source: www.voip-news.com

There is a new market sizing and forecasting service that looks at the migration to all-IP network infrastructures and the rise of packet-enabled products. It’s been created by Heavy Reading (www.heavyreading.com) and Pyramid Research (www.pyr.com).

“The IP Network Transformation Quarterly Market Tracker delivers concise and complete intelligence covering one of the telecom equipment industry’s most critical landscapes – the evolution of telecom networks from circuit-switched TDM to packet-switched IP,” notes Jim Hodges, Senior Analyst at Heavy Reading and creator of the new service. “It stands alone as a one-stop source that offers unrivaled breadth and analysis of the ongoing Class 5 network transformation in an easy-to-use package.”

Here’s the detes:

Each quarter, the IP Network Transformation Quarterly Market Tracker Service provides a fully updated, comprehensive view of the actual and anticipated rate of deployment of VoIP infrastructure in fixed networks in strategic markets around the world – all in one single, convenient package. The debut version includes coverage of North America, Western Europe, Central/Eastern Europe, and Asia/Pacific; the service will include coverage of Latin America in future releases.

The IP Network Transformation Quarterly Market Tracker offers a sweeping array of information and analysis, including:

– Timely updates charting the progress of IP network transformation in
wireline telecom networks by region and by national market.
– Regional and country-specific forecasts for packet- and
circuit-switched deployments through 2013, updated quarterly to
reflect new market realities.
– Detailed IP deployment statistics and forecasts for 59 individual
network operators through 2013, updated quarterly.
– Deep market intelligence and analysis covering key customer wins and
losses in the IP transformation sector by country and specific
operator, focusing on 16 leading IP transformation vendors, including
Alcatel-Lucent, BroadSoft, Cedar Point, Cisco Systems, Comverse,
Ericsson, Huawei, Italtel, MetaSwitch, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel
Networks, Sonus Networks, Thomson, UTStarcom, Veraz Networks, and ZTE.
– Ongoing tracking of the key technologies (IMS, softswitches,
application servers, etc.) that carriers are deploying as part of
their IP transformation initiatives.

Source: www.voip-news.com

Point. Click. Go. That’s one of those easy, fun things about web-based VoIP solutions. But hosted IP PBX solutions traditionally lacked that capability … until now.

A user dashboard for hosted IP PBX applications? Oh yes. Vocalocity has just released on, bringing click-to-call functionality and on-screen ease to the hosted IP PBX environment, which has traditionally lacked those two things.

According to a recent VoIP-News feature:

The application, called the VocalocityPBX Dashboard, works through a Web browser rather than through separate PC software. It’s available free to all users of the hosted service, allowing them to view onscreen information about the calls, conferences and queues operating in their companies at the moment. It also lets them see the status and availability of co-workers, and set their own status for co-workers to see. Permissions set by management determine exactly who can see what. CEOs, for example, typically can view more information about calls, such as whom each person is talking to, than can other employees.

Source: www.voip-news.com

There is a new service control and subscriber data management system that allows the rapid and cost-efficient launching of mobile broadband and VoIP services on WiMAX networks. Bridgewater Systems says that the Bridgewater ServiceMAX 500 offers connectivity service network (CSN) functionality that WiMAX operators need for rapid deployment, as well as managing subscribers and supporting both pre- and post-paid billing.

“WiMAX operators have told us that they need a proven, entry-level integrated system to speed their time to service launch, with a compelling price-point and the scalability to meet their subscriber growth objectives. The Bridgewater ServiceMAX 500 is perfectly packaged to meet key business and network requirements and has optional advanced features for differentiation and service expansion,” said David Sharpley, Senior Vice President, Bridgewater Systems.

Other cool points:

- The ServiceMAX 500 incorporates the market leading Bridgewater(R)
Service Controller (AAA) to securely authorize and authenticate
subscribers and performs critical accounting functions. It is
anchored by Bridgewater’s Subscriber Data Broker(TM), a sophisticated
subscriber data management product that unifies subscriber
information including service entitlements, devices, billing
profiles, preferences and context, and provides the tools to broker
this data to systems and applications.
- Optional modules include lawful Intercept support, a regulatory
requirement in many countries, the Bridgewater(R) Policy Controller
for over-the-air device configuration and service activation, server
redundancy, and custom plug-ins to allow for future expansion and
service innovation.
- This new turnkey system enables operators to:
- Rapidly launch commercial services using a pre-integrated software
and hardware system that easily scales to meet subscriber growth
requirements.
- Reduce risk by implementing market leading, widely deployed
service control and subscriber data management products that have
proven interoperability and integration with leading WiMAX
equipment vendors.
- Deliver innovative, personalized services including flexible
prepaid and postpaid charging models, seamless roaming, and
optional support for mobile advertising, casual usage, over-the-
air provisioning, location-based services, and other advanced
applications.

Source: www.voip-news.com

I have to admit, I am a little weirded out by Google’s latest move. When Google was just an awesome search engine, I embraced it with open arms. When Google launched email, I happily jumped ship from Hotmail. And when Google became the instant messenger of choice, I downloaded it at lightning speed.

But Google … and VoIP?

Come on, there has to be a point where Google’s giant outstretched arms encompassing browsing, photo sharing, blogging and more just becomes too much, doesn’t there?

Here’s the detes on their latest:

GrandCentral Communications, founded in late 2005, had a simple yet powerful appeal. It provided one phone number on which you could receive all your calls forever. You could have calls forwarded to any landline or cellular phone simply by entering the phone’s numbers via GrandCentral’s Web interface. It meant you need never again lose contact with people when you moved or changed jobs. But after Google bought it in July 2007, GrandCentral seemed to disappear. It still supported existing customers, but it stopped signing up new users or offering new features. Now it has reemerged as Google Voice, with several new features and capabilities.

Read more in this VoIP-News feature.

Source: www.voip-news.com

Verizon Business is launching a new managed service that is intended to help corporate users control their UC solutions easily.

Verizon Business Application Management for Office Communications Server uses the Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 platform. Users have enhanced communication capabilities with real-time IM service, web conferencing, VoIP and more.

“Unified communications is a transformative technology that has the power to change the way people communicate and work together to be more effective, creative and productive in the office or on the go,” said Michael Marcellin, vice president of global managed solutions, Verizon. “By managing this leading software-based solution, Verizon Business can help customers take the complexity out of introducing unified communications across an enterprise while keeping their resources devoted to their core business activities.”

So, what are the key features? According to Verizon Business:

– On-Premises Web Conferencing: Users can create, join and modify Web
conferences in real time. The technology makes collaboration easy,
with the capability for IM, audio, video, application sharing and
slide presentations built in and simple to use. Users benefit from a
secure, stable Web conferencing platform running within the Office
Communications Server platform.

– Enterprise Voice: This VoIP-powered solution allows users to choose
the best way to interact with colleagues, either by phone or computer.
For instance, users can place a call by clicking on a contact in
e-mail or IM, as well as access voice mail from their computer and
e-mail on their phone. Verizon Business Application Management for
Office Communications Server provides full integration and support
with any Microsoft-certified PBX or SIP Trunk. The technology is
particularly beneficial for workers who are traveling or
telecommuting, as the VoIP functionality enables users to place a call
from their computer wherever an Internet connection is available,
without incurring additional long-distance charges.

– Enhanced Presence: Enables users to choose the most effective means
for communicating with other users by providing information on status,
location and availability.

Source: www.voip-news.com

There are new tools available from Telsasoft. The company has launched new alarm management, performance monitoring and CDR analytic platforms for Pocket Communications Northeast, Black Dolphin Limited of Papua New Guinea and Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited of the British Virgin Islands.

“Our customers count on our network management tools and support to empower their technical team to maintain superb network performance. Customers are using our tools to monitor RF, switch, VoIP, and other network elements to effectively manage their network. We will continue to make sure that our products and services grow with our customer’s networks and services,” said Ray Lo, President of Telsasoft.

According to the company:

Quality network performance and service are keys to all networks’ thriving, as exemplified by Pocket Communications and other Telsasoft customers. Telsasoft’s network management tools continue to enable operators to achieve ever-higher levels of quality and a sharper competitive edge.

Source: www.voip-news.com

Good news for VoIP in China.

The Virtualization Technology Application Engineering Research Center of Shandong Province has been approved for launch by the Department of Science and Technology. The Center will be lauched by Jinan Yinquan Technology Co., a division of China VoIP and Digital Telecom.

“The opening of the Center is another major achievement of Yinquan in
promoting virtualization based on the support it is receiving from the Shandong
Information Industry Department. The virtualization solution provided by Yinquan
is a “Green IT” concept that helps businesses as well as governments to improve
IT efficiency and reduce costs. The government will provide USD200,000 for the
center, while the Center will provide Yinquan a broader platform both for
technical innovation and talent recruitment,” said Li Kunwu, Chairman and CEO of CVDT.

Source: www.voip-news.com

Speakeasy has launched integrated Voice business trunks service for small businesses. IThe cost-saving measure includes a T1 line for the one box.

According to the company:

Speakeasy business trunks utilize G.729 as the primary voice codec. This codec is used for voice compression and provides a significant reduction in bandwidth usage per call, allowing businesses greater utilization of overall bandwidth. Customers may also select the G.711 codec, depending on their needs. Additionally, Integrated Voice business trunks run on Speakeasy’s private nationwide Broadband Voice over IP (VoIP) network. Businesses can easily access and manage advanced voice features such as simultaneous ring, click to call and auto attendant.

“Speakeasy Integrated Voice is a cost-effective way for small businesses to get scalable, powerful voice and data service at a lower cost than traditional phone systems,” said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy’s President and CEO. “With the addition of business trunks, Speakeasy now provides a full complement of voice communication services for small businesses, offering packaged and customizable solutions for both on-premises and hosted communications.”