Source: www.voip-news.com

Verizon Business’s Managed Unified Communications and Collaboration Service was awarded the 2008 Product of the Year Award by TMC’s Unified Communications magazine.

“This award from TMC and Unified Communications magazine underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to help customers address critical business objectives,” said Nancy Gofus, senior vice president – global business products, Verizon. “Verizon Managed Unified Communications & Collaboration Service is a cost-effective, highly scalable solution that helps businesses and governments streamline business processes, drive employee productivity, accelerate decision-making, enhance customer service delivery and control costs.”

According to Verizon:

The service provides large-business and government customers with management of the newest capabilities of the Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0. Launched in December 2008, the service enables enterprises to deploy the latest in unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) technology, while helping reduce the complexity of managing, monitoring and maintaining these solutions. Verizon Business is the first global service provider to deliver a managed service based on the Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0.

Source: www.voip-news.com

VoIP Weblog is talking about 8×8, and why the company deserves respect. Read it here.

VoIP and Gadgets Blog has news about Objectworld offering Unified Communications for just 7 cents a day. Read it here.

How does open source impact VoIP? Good question, isn’t it? Read the discussion here.

Source: www.voip-news.com

There is a free live webinar coming next week (Thursday, July 24, to be exact) on unified communication. It’s intended to help employers and employees connect across organizations.

Among the things you will learn:

Learn step-by-step how to:

1. Plan and prepare each stage of your UC project with the right people in your organization
2. Understand what platform features, pricing and technical specifications best suit you and your
employees
3. Cost-effectively help increase on-site and remote employee productivity
4. Easily integrate video, voice, data, instant messaging and email into your existing desktop environment
5. Reduce the risk and worry of moving to unified communications

TO learn more, or to find out how to sign up, click here.

Source: www.voip-news.com

The latest report by Light Reading’s VoIP Services Insider says that there is more potential for major security breaches in unified communications. Among the biggest problems? Improper or incomplete use of security features by business and enterprise users.

“Even as vendors put technologies in place to provide protection from the threats that exist, as well as from impending threats, the likelihood of a major and successful attack on UC systems is growing for one simple reason — end-user failure to implement security techniques properly,” says Denise Culver, research analyst with Light Reading’s VOIP Services Insider and author of the report. “Simple measures such as encryption aren’t utilized by customers, even though their UC platforms enable such protection, leaving vendors to wonder what kind of disaster must occur before enterprises realize the need for implementing the security measures on their UC platforms.”

According to Culver, although UC services from services providers seem to have less chances of attacks, mistakes by users can undo properly setup security measures.

“Vendors are working diligently to build more security into their UC platforms, teaming up with third-party security experts and, in some cases, with vendors that normally would be considered competition,” she said.

Source: www.voip-news.com

Are they kidding? Techno Solutions fills us in on VoWiFi – because we needed another acronym – which apparently is the future of mobile communications or something. Read it here.

About VoIP reports on an expected VoIP boom in 2008. The idea is supported with fact. Really. Read about it here.

Office VoIP Solutions has advice on choosing the right unified communications for you. Read it here.

Source: andyabramson.blogs.com

David Greenfield at ZDNet has a wonderfully insightful post about Cisco’s moves to enhance their collaboration efforts in big ways.

What’s interesting is many of the moves they are making are exclusive of their WebEx franchise. Rumors have long made the rounds internally and externally about the WebEx product suffering from a bad case of success driven ego-brashness and NIH (not invented here) syndrome when new ideas have been brought to them. It looks like the Cisco approach is let WebEx be what it is, while adding other services and platforms that can take advantage of 2.0 thinking and technology.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

MINNEAPOLIS, DECEMBER 18, 2007 – A major challenge in sending faxes directly to the desktop is designing a fax server to understand the various phone systems’ (i.e., PBXs) codes for where to send the fax. PBXs vary in the way those codes (i.e., DTMF digits) are presented, and it is up to the fax server to adapt to them. Multi-Tech® Systems, Inc., a leading data communications and telecommunications technology company based in suburban Minneapolis produces a line of FaxFinder® fax servers that, so far, have been interfaced to over 40 PBX models.

To operate, the Multi-Tech FaxFinder is connected to a PBX via a standard analog port and to the company’s Local Area Network (LAN) by a built-in 10/100BaseT Ethernet® interface. The call comes in as a DID (Direct Inward Dialing) number and the PBX converts the number to DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) tones, which define the destination location or extension on the network. The PBX then sends the DTMF signals along with the actual fax data to the FaxFinder. The FaxFinder translates the DTMF digits into an email address and converts the fax into a PDF or TIFF file. The file and email address are then sent to an email server for delivery to the correct desktop. That final location can be anywhere in the world that has an email address. The Multi-Tech FaxFinder is a very easy and straightforward method of implementing unified fax and email communications.

"This solution does not require expensive new equipment or extensive upgrading of your existing infrastructure," states Mike Kydd, Vice President of Sales for Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "It only requires that your PBX be able to transmit DTMF signals and fax data through an analog port to a FaxFinder fax server, and that the FaxFinder be able to interpret the DTMF signals properly. To find out if your PBX can work with the FaxFinder please contact us and we will let you know if you to can unify your fax and email communications as easily as adding a Multi-Tech fax server."

The FaxFinder fax server is a turnkey solution that connects to an analog port(s) of a PBX capable of DID-to-DTMF conversion. It converts faxes to PDF or TIFF files allowing received faxes to be emailed and to send faxes from any application that can print. Available in one-, two-, four- and eight-port models (FF120, FF220, FF420 and FF820 respectively), it includes a Web server interface for configuration and management, and synchronizes addresses with Microsoft® Outlook® email. The FaxFinder fax server can schedule delivery times and build faxes from multiple documents using multiple applications.

Multi-Tech Systems is an ISO 9001:2000 certified global manufacturer of telephony, Internet and device networking products connecting voice and data over IP networks. Multi-Tech Systems has 75 U.S. patents and numerous international patents. Contact Multi-Tech in the U.S. at 800/328-9717 or +763/785-3500, via fax at +763/785-9874, EMEA at T: +(44) 118 959 7774 (UK) or T: +(33) 1 49 19 22 06 (France), or via fax at F: +(44) 118 959 7775 (UK) or F: +(33) 1 49 19 21 00 (France) or at http://www.multitech.com.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

A monitor to replace/add to my 21 inch Dell Monitor I am using. I will test this out very soon.
FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Peripherals Inc. (EPI), home to the AOC and Envision branded displays, today expanded its high performance LCD desktop monitor line with the introduction of the 22-inch Envision E218c1 slim bezel monitor featuring a built-in webcam and echo- canceling microphone. Part of the "Professional Series" of Microsoft Windows Vista Premium-certified LCD displays, the Envision E218c1 is designed to maximize desktop space and facilitate the latest personal communication over the Internet.
"The Envision E218c1 excels at everything from productivity and gaming to watching movies and connecting with family, friends and colleagues via the Internet," said Michael Lien, GM, North American Brand Sales. "It’s designed for personal and business users who don’t want the hassle of installing separate components to take advantage of advanced Internet communications capabilities including VoIP, video conferencing and video-enabled instant messaging."

Featuring a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, the E218c1 is ideal for video conferencing and video instant messaging. Whether taking snapshots, creating video or video conferencing, the adjustable height and swivel design of the display allows users to accurately line up the webcam to ensure desired subjects are within view. The E218c1’s built-in microphone with echo cancellation delivers clear, feedback-free communication, making it the perfect complement for VoIP long-distance calls or webcam enabled video conferencing.

Designed to complement Microsoft’s Window’s Vista operating system, the new 22-inch widescreen enables users to navigate between multiple side-by-side applications and columns in tables or spreadsheets. The widescreen format takes advantage of Vista Premium’s Aero Flip, eliminating the need to toggle between applications.

Equipped with the Digital Video Input w/HDCP interface — needed to "unlock" protected HD content — the E218c1 allows high-quality audio and video playback from the latest high-definition program sources, including HD- DVD and Blu-ray DVDs. For maximum versatility, the unit also delivers HD 720P/1080i compatibility allowing it to display digital TV programming delivered by Cable, Satellite and other Set Top Boxes equipped with DVI-HDCP.

Boasting 1680X1050 screen resolution and 700:1 contrast ratio for vivid, true-to-life image quality, the E218c1 delivers exceptional clarity for viewing fast-paced action programming or playing the latest video games thanks to its 5-millisecond response rate. Built-in stereo speakers deliver rich stereo sound to further enhance the user’s experience.

The Envision E218c1 features a built-in 3-port USB hub enabling users to connect additional components such as digital cameras, flash drives, mice, and keyboards directly to the monitor for a neat, convenient plug-and-play experience.

The VESA wall-mount compliant E218c1 flat-panel display comes with a comprehensive warranty that meets the strictest safety, energy efficiency and environmental standards, including EPA ENERGY STAR® and ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive).

The Envision E218c1 is available immediately through Envision distributors and channel partners at a suggested retail price of $329.99.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Cox Business has released VoiceManager, a telephony platform that integrates a desktop phone, PC and wireless devices.

The IP telephony platform scales to deliver mobility, business continuity and unified messaging solutions to small businesses and large enterprises, according to Cox. Its features include find-me/follow-me, auto attendant and a personal status manager to route calls to the most convenient location and designate priority callers. For mobility, the platform’s remote office, sequential ring and call notification functions allow users to direct calls to desk, home and mobile phones, as well as set up simultaneous ring and voice mail alerts.

VoiceManager

Source: voipcentral.org

Bluesocket has purchased SIP giant Pingtel to expand and enhance its VoIP and Unified communication offerings, which are in growing demand among the business enterprises. However, the financial detail of the deal is not disclosed.

With this acquisition, Bluesocket will integrate its WLAN and security capability with Pingtels SIP PBX technology bringing OEM-ready solutions to larger ecosystem partners who want to provide integrated wired, wireless and voice offerings to their mid-market enterprise customers.

Bluesocket expressed that Pingtel would play a great role in developing integrated mobility solutions for companies with emphasis on transferring mobile phone calls to WiFi networks in a corporate sector.

Mads Lillelund, CEO at Bluesocket described,

Bluesocket is redefining the meaning of enterprise mobility by seamlessly combining leading unified communications, mobility and security solutions, with significant improvements to the user experience and an overall lower cost of ownership.

Image:

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

As I have informed before, Internet Telephony magazine is still one of the paper magazines that I continue to read. And Rich’s weblog is one of the VoIP IP Telephony webblogs that I frequent for it’s in depth and some times .
Keeping with his usual style, Rich Tehrani has published an article "Microsoft Pushes into Communications and Beyond" carries you through Communications and Microsoft from 1990’s to the unified communications in the future.
I suggest that you read the article if you are interested in communications. I think the reason is evident in following excerpt;
"Microsoft has lots of really great communications and other products which are just about to ship. If everything works according to plan, within one year we could be looking at Microsoft as a very serious player in communications. Really, this is Microsoft’s game to lose. When we saw the demos of unified communications throughout the day, my two coworkers and I looked at each other a few times and asked, “When can we get this?” I suspect many others will soon be asking the same question."

Rich Tehrani: "Microsoft Pushes into Communications and Beyond"

Source: voipcentral.org

The scope of VoIP has now further extended. By VoIP, we should not think of just free internet calls. It can also be used in other fields, such as forestry.

The Forestry Commission England has announced that it is now upgrading its communication set up in line with VoIP technology to enable its workforce keep touch with each other round the clock and get timely information on any disaster occurred in the forest.

To workout the VoIP plan, the government department has joined hands with Globall Crossing in a 14 million. As per the agreement, they will implement a unified communications service connecting all 94 Forestry Commission sites throughout the UK.

The unified communication network will enable Commissions 3,500 employees engage in audio and video conferencing in a single managed communications infrastructure.

The Commission is now implementing the project in a phased manner to provide VoIP to all sites by the end of this year.

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