Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Computer world Malaysia is reporting t QubeConnect Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian company has produced to the market it’s own VoIP IP Telephony solution based on open standards. The call control solution, called the QubeTalk Enterprise Communications Server (ECS), unifies voice, data and video on a single IP network and is targeted at medium and small-sized enterprises.
According to the company, QubeTalk ECS architecture also integrates both IP and legacy TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) connections that ensures high availability and minimal downtime as well as full SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) support.
Complete article at CW Malaysia.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

British Council has been in the forefront of teaching English all over the world. Among other services like cultural programs, libraries in most developing countries, bringing English to the door steps of those who in need, according a post on Gaurdian UK, it is bringing VoIP as one of the major tools for teaching English.
This January the British Council went on to YouTube, the popular video sharing website, to announce its plans to develop a web-based English language teaching site for young people that will harness "VoIP" technology.

According to Marina Orsini-Jones, who researches educational technology at Coventry Business School in Britain, language learners are now the top users of technology in education, matched only by medical students.

"This technology can really motivate learners. Until VoIP became widely available, online learning was largely silent. This has enabled them to speak and created a thrill for learning," she says.

This enthusiasm for VoIP is shared not just by the British Council but by an increasing number of language education providers. In October last year the Guardian’s commercial arm launched Guardian Languages, which uses VoIP to give learners of English access to live language practice with "fluent English speakers".

The latest venture in America is www.speak-english-today.com. This offers a networking facility that puts learners in touch with native speakers and with teachers who provide individual tuition using VoIP.

Gaurdian

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

I was assigned by Ravenii to do research on this new VoIP Solution provider that was published by him on our new testing site VoIP IP Telephony Japan site (That is yet to have an Japanese article posted ;)) called Voitel. A visit to the site revealed that they provide cellular services in addition to VoIP. They will also be offering broadband services in the future. More like a one stop shop for your home or soho communication needs. The site still lacks proper information but substantial help is provided in the form of a FAQ.
The service is offered at 24.95 a month for Local and Long Distance calling to anywhere in the US and Canada. With this service, one also need to purchase a VoIP Adapter (Linksys PAP2) which comes pre configured so that you can plug the system and talk away. Or you can select Voitel Plus at 29.95, which comes with a free VoIP Adapter and a lot more.
Of course you get to select a number, any where in the continental USA (for now) and there is no charge for the number unlike some other services that provide a number as a part of VoIP solutions.
I have reserved a package for testing and I will write about it more once I get to use the system for a while.
You can get your information at Voitel Portal. You need to register, no cost involved, to get further information such as plans and equipment.

Source: www.voip-news.com

PC Magazine recently tested a number of VoIP solutions designed for the home and small business. There’s no doubt that VoIP can be a money-saving alternative, but finding the right solution - the best solution - can be tough. Here’s a sampling of their picks:

• Best for Home: YMax magicJack
• Good Ready-to-Use Solution: Microsoft Response Point
• Good Serviceable and Scalable Solution: Avaya Quick Edition/Netgear Voice over IP
• Good Pricing: RingCentral

To read the full review of these, click here.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Counterpath Corporation has acquired BridgePort Networks and said to secure and promote it’s position in the VoIP market. According to a news release, this business deal stand to deliver following benefits for CounterPath;

- Immediately enables CounterPath to offer proven voice, text messaging, multimedia and presence-based applications between broadband and mobile networks.

- Positions CounterPath as a solutions-based company combining its proprietary softphone technologies with its core-server technologies.

- Expands CounterPath’s pre-IMS and IMS product portfolio to include mobile products and solutions which have been successfully deployed and are integrated with the company’s existing products.

- Broadens CounterPath’s patent portfolio with eighteen additional patents pending or granted.

- Adds engineering personnel with skill sets in SS7, IMS, SIP and networking who will continue to focus on building FMC solutions for service providers.

VANCOUVER, Feb 05, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — CounterPath Corporation (OTCBB:COPA), a leading provider of desktop and mobile VoIP software products and solutions, today announced that it has acquired BridgePort Networks, Inc., a leading innovator in Fixed Mobile Convergence solutions for service providers. The addition of carrier-class FMC solutions to its VoIP softphone and enterprise offerings immediately broadens the company’s market reach. Fixed and mobile service providers gain a competitive advantage by offering CounterPath’s integrated voice, video, messaging and presence-based services for consumers and enterprises on virtually any mobile and SIP-enabled device. The acquisition firmly establishes CounterPath as a provider of innovative FMC solutions and an early leader in the growing mobile VoIP solution space.

"We are rapidly executing on the new strategy and vision that started with our acquisition of NewHeights Software, that is, to transform CounterPath from a leading desktop softphone company to an innovative ‘one stop shop’ VoIP solutions company," said Greg Pelling, Chief Executive Officer of CounterPath. "Our acquisition of BridgePort Networks builds on the value of our most recent acquisition of FirstHand Technologies, a leader in Enterprise FMC. By adding BridgePort’s unique carrier-class FMC offerings, we now become the industry innovation leader for service providers, enterprises, small and medium businesses and consumers as the only company offering a tailored platform that seamlessly bridges voice, text messaging, multimedia, video and presence-based applications between virtually any networks - fixed or mobile. Our management team’s unique approach to successfully identify, acquire and integrate companies allows us to rapidly execute on CounterPath’s strategy and increase shareholder value while establishing ourselves as a trusted innovator to our growing list of strategic clients."

BridgePort Networks is a leader in providing mobile convergence enabling IP Multimedia Subsystem and pre-IMS applications for a variety of service providers. The company’s Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) open standards-based approach creates a seamless union between mobile and broadband networks, allowing users to benefit from numerous advantages such as single number identity regardless of the network they use. BridgePort’s innovative products include the MobileSTICK solution which transforms personal computers into voice, SMS, Multimedia Messaging Services and video terminals for integrated broadband and mobile carrier services, leveraging standards-based VoIP and SIP technology. The company’s products, which also include the NomadicONE Network Convergence Gateway (NCG) and NomadicONE IMS Convergence Server, are backed by eighteen patents either pending or granted. Since 2002, over $50 million has been invested in the development and initial marketing of BridgePort’s intellectual property assets.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Radware and IPTEGO, integrated application delivery solutions provider and a voice over IP, VoIP service provider based on SIP protocol, respectively have formed a joint venture based on OEM agreement to provide carrier grade, high availability paired with scalability and security for SIP based VoIP services.

MAHWAH, New Jersey, February 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Radware , the leading provider of integrated application delivery solutions for business-smart networking, and IPTEGO, a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based services and solutions, announced today that the two companies have entered into a strategic original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement to ensure carrier-grade high availability, scalability and security for SIP-based VoIP networks.

The Radware and IPTEGO partnership has resulted in the creation of a more complete and robust SIP-based solution. Using Radware’s SIP Director, a fully SIP-aware intelligent ADC solution as an integral part of IPTEGO’s SIP-based VoIP framework, enables IPTEGO to offer a more cost-effective carrier-grade solution that meets carrier requirements for scalability and greater interoperability integrating service availability, performance and security.

"This OEM agreement with IPTEGO is another proof point for the carrier market need for intelligent layer-7 application delivery controllers", said Yossi Vardi, Vice President Business Development Radware. "IPTEGO’s expertise in deploying SIP-based VoIP network solutions combined with Radware’s expertise of providing intelligent and innovative ADC solutions for both application and network layers, will provide a more complete SIP-based solution to fulfill customer needs."

"Radware represents a critical partnership for us, as they help differentiate our product and solutions portfolio through their robust, state-of-the-art SIP capabilities," said Alex Hoffmann, CEO, IPTEGO. "This yields high significance for us, as we set out to service for millions of users across our SIP-based VoIP framework. Furthermore, this partnership allows us to bring SIP-based services faster-to-market and with minimal development costs."

Radware’s and IPTEGO’s partnership will enable the companies to deliver a complete, scalable solution with guaranteed carrier-grade SIP service delivery to serve millions of users, which is critical when addressing future Web/VoIP collaboration trends. By integrating Radware’s SIP Director, IPTEGO will offer service providers enhanced service delivery.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Phone In A Flash From Ribbit, (A lengthy press release) I mentioned last year, has released Amphibian, a full scale VoIP application for the web. According to the Amphibian site,With Amphibian you can:

• Manage your mobile voicemail like email on your computer and on your mobile phone.
• Turn your voicemail into text to make voice messages sharable, searchable, and most importantly actionable.
• Take and make mobile calls from any browser or web page - such as iGoogle, Facebook, and many more.
• Experience Caller ID 2.0 - dip into the social web and know not just who is calling but what the caller has been doing.
• Have scores of web developers working at internet speed building new phone applications for you.

Talking about developers, check out Air Phone, an iPhone for your desktop. Built using the Ribbit API, I think it will be hit among Amphibian users.

The Amphibian will easily work with your favorite webtop, like iGoogle or facebook. Ribbit was also at DEMO 08. And the 5.58 min presentation(Demo 08 presentations were limited to 6 minutes) is on Ribbit Corporate blog.
I know I will have that Air Phone.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Dell seeing the value of providing VoIP solutions to it’s vast customer base of small business has chosen to partner with Fonality, a leading SMB VoIP Solution provider.
CEO of Fonality has written a lengthy post to TrixBox weblog and a very good explanation of the facts and needs for the business venture. It explains the view from Fonality’s perspective.
From Dell’s stand point, it is going to the market well prepared with Fonality and Nortel, with Fonality filling up the group 5-125 user business while Nortel will fill the needs of 5-500 user business’.
I think this is a very good news for Fonality and it should clean up things like back doors that everyone jumped up about, including me, and resort to open operations. If you need feedback from your clients, request it. (They did clean up the last act.) TrixBox can go a long way.
For now, all I can say is, Congratulations!

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

In-Stat Research announced that US business are looking in to VoIP Solutions for their long distance communications, even though they are slow to go full scale IP Convergence. Most companies are still tied to the TDM equipment and therefore selecting hybrid solutions at the moment. But research firm does not feel that is what the future holds and voiced it’s finding in the research paper described below.

This research is part of In-Stat’s Business IP Communications Service. Growth in the business IP market has tremendous potential to disrupt the traditional telephone industry on multiple levels. Service providers, equipment manufacturers and systems integrators are increasingly offering different types of business VoIP solutions. IT managers and C-level executives recognize the cost savings and flexibility that VoIP solutions can bring to their businesses, but issues remain before comprehensive adoption takes place, such as security, integration and end-user transparency. Business adoption of IP communications will also be influenced by how companies integrate other communications functionalities, such as wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and WiMAX, IM, and video applications.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 17, 2008 - While very few US businesses use IP as their exclusive voice communications capability, businesses of all sizes are gradually moving in that direction, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). As voice communications evolve, businesses are finding benefits in a variety of IP and hybrid solutions that incorporate TDM equipment and capabilities. Long distance cost savings continues to be the driving factor in VoIP adoption, but In-Stat does not feel this is a long term value proposition for most VoIP business users. Ease-of-use, convenience, and a conduit to greater control over communications as unified communications capabilities expand, hold more long-term promise.

A recent report by the high-tech market research firm found the following:

• US business VoIP users generally feel comfortable using VoIP in place of traditional voice services, but often use it strategically to minimize long distance charges.
• Fewer than half of the respondents to an In-Stat survey of US businesses have disconnected a traditional telephone line as a result of adopting VoIP.
• IP-enablement of legacy TDM PBXs and the adoption of new IP PBXs are the most common business-grade solutions cited by respondents.

Recent In-Stat research, US Business VoIP End-User and Decision Maker Analysis 2007 (#IN0703693CT), summarizes the opinions of VoIP decision makers and end-users in the US about how well VoIP is being integrated into the business voice communications landscape. It provides results of an In-Stat survey of US businesses with details about how a comprehensive array of IP and TDM voice solutions are used, including voice-over-WAN, voice-enabled IM, and TDM displacement. Satisfaction levels, call frequency and duration, and key drivers of adoption, as well as trending data are also provided.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/pcatalogue.asp?id=18
or
contact a sales representative: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Sutus tightly integrates advanced data, voice and collaboration capabilities onto a single platform. The functionality includes wired and wireless networking, file server, email, VoIP PBX, auto attendant, voice mail, internet router, security and access to managed services. The Business Central 200 is designed to meet the needs of companies with 25 or fewer employees.

January 15, 2008 , Vancouver - Sutus Inc., a leading manufacturer of converged Phone, Data and Networking solutions designed specifically for Small Business, today announced today announced a host of new features for the award winning Sutus Business Central™ - a unique all in one office communications system providing advanced data and networking capabilities and a business-class phone system designed specifically for Small Businesses.

The Business Central product line already represents the most comprehensive integrated phone, data and networking appliance available to small businesses today. The latest software release includes support for soft phones and remote offices, enabling remote and traveling workers to stay connected to their office.

Additional upgrades include a number of advanced networking features such as Port Forwarding, Private IP address support and Primary Domain Controller (PDC) control to support an even wider array of installation environments and other network devices. Business Central has always utilized Internet Message Access Protocol 4 (IMAP4) to easily access and synchronize email and voicemail across multiple inboxes on PC’s and handheld email clients, this latest release now enables you to easily forward copies of your email to other email accounts.

Designed for businesses with under 25 employees, Sutus Business Central™ integrates all essential IT and communications tools a small business needs into a single, easy to use appliance. It is a business-class phone system with a wide array of advanced data and networking functions such as: file server, email server, router, firewall, wireless access point, VPN remote access server, automated backups, and with the ability to simultaneously support both standard phone line and VoIP connections.

Shawn Chute, executive VP for Sutus, commented, ‘The business environment that most small companies operate in requires them to seize every advantage and to change quickly as their needs grow. As a result, the Sutus Business Central is constantly evolving to provide maximum functionality and flexibility for the small business.’

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Starpower Internet Phone Service Uses deltathree’s Hosted Consumer VoIP Solution RCN Will Target A Broader Base In & Around Its Service Area; Providing Choice For All Potential Customers Who Have A High Speed Data Connection From Any Provider HERNDON, Va. & NEW YORK, Jan 14, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI), a leading provider of video, data, and voice services to residential, business, and commercial/carrier customers, announced today the launch of its new Starpower Internet Phone Service. RCN’s Starpower Internet Phone Service is powered by the Hosted Consumer VoIP Solution of deltathree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DDDC), a leading provider of SIP-based VoIP solutions for service providers and consumers worldwide.

RCN’s Starpower Internet Phone Service is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution that provides new competitive choice for phone users who may not be on the RCN network or within its service area, but who have a high-speed data connection from a broadband service provider. The service is an ideal option for consumers who only have mobile phone service but would like an Internet phone for a second line, fax, home office, or as an alternative to traditional service. Starpower will supplement RCN’s reliable, circuit-switched and digital phone service using VoIP last mile, which will expand RCN’s broadbased marketing capabilities.

"We are excited to offer the Starpower Internet Phone Service and its advanced VoIP features. We now have a solution for potential customers who often contact our call center or visit our website wanting service from RCN," said RCN President and CEO Peter Aquino. "By extending our footprint to new zones beyond our hard-wired routes, new customers will be able to connect to another RCN product through Starpower. We will also have an up-sale opportunity for existing customers who may be interested in Starpower’s conveniences as an add-on to their RCN high-speed data service."

The Starpower Internet Phone Service includes a variety of features, such as enhanced call forward; find me (simultaneous ring); online access to voicemail; as well as enhanced 911 and directory assistance (411). Customers may keep their existing phone number by transferring it to the Starpower service, or they can receive a new phone number from most U.S. area codes, independent of their geographic location. The online Member Center allows customers to manage their account, customize their service, and access their calling records and voicemail messages. They can even place a call with a few taps on the keyboard.

Starpower’s unlimited domestic calling plans cover calling anywhere within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Customers will save even more with great international rates when calling overseas.

The Hosted Consumer VoIP Solution of deltathree provides RCN with a complete VoIP platform, including various components such as billing, eCommerce, fraud management, soft-switch applications, Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) configuration and network management.

"We are proud to partner with RCN, allowing them to expand coverage, especially in areas that overlap with incumbent telephone companies and franchised cable providers," stated Gary Coben, deltathree’s Director, Hosted Consumer VoIP. "We enable telecommunications and cable service providers to build new revenue streams by offering a consumer VoIP product with quick time to market and no capital investments."

"We look forward to working with deltathree to offer the most advanced VoIP features and technology. Our Starpower Internet Phone Service is a great way to reach new homes that are presently just outside our footprint," said RCN Director of Product and Technology Bryan Laird. "Additionally, Starpower enables RCN to reach a broader base of customers interested in economical global calling services leveraging the inroads in the market RCN has already made with its existing MiTeléfono calling plan."

The Starpower Internet Phone Service offers an unlimited monthly plan starting at $24.95, with an option to bundle it with other services, including RCN’s MiTeléfono calling plan to receive additional savings for calling to Latin America and Spain. As part of an introductory promotion, RCN is also offering the first month free to its new Starpower customers who sign up for the Unlimited Monthly plan with or without the MiTeléfono bundle. RCN also offers the option of an unlimited annual plan for greater savings over the year. RCN offers customers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its Starpower service plans.

To learn more about RCN’s Starpower Internet Phone Service, visit www.starpower.net or call 1-877-STARPOWER.

News Source, RCN

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Combination of Broadcom® VoIP Technology and Trolltech’s Upcoming Qtopia Software Offerings for Broadband Devices Enables Advanced VoIP Solutions and Faster Time-to-Market for IP Phone OEMs

LAS VEGAS, Jan 08, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — 2008 International CES — Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, and Trolltech® (OSLO: TROLL), the leading cross-platform software development company, today announced a partnership to deliver a complete multimedia-enabled voice over IP (VoIP) development platform for IP phone manufacturers. The combination of Broadcom’s proven VoIP technology and Trolltech’s upcoming Qtopia software offerings for broadband devices enables a feature-rich graphical user experience as well as exceptional voice and video quality. The VoIP platform will provide OEMs with an integrated software package that enables faster time-to-market for the development of next generation IP phones.

Trolltech’s Qtopia is a software application platform and user interface for embedded Linux® devices that has been optimized for Broadcom® BCM1103 VoIP processors and its VideoCore® II-based BCM1180 multimedia co-processor. Trolltech’s upcoming Qtopia software offerings for broadband devices will support unified communications (including voice and video calls, and visual messaging) as well as full web integration. Qtopia software enables users to easily access any website or multimedia content, turning the IP phone into the communications center of the digital home.

"As Internet telephony becomes a more mainstream solution, and the need for highly integrated, high performance VoIP solution increases, leading phone manufacturers will continue looking to Broadcom as their supplier of IP phone chips," says Martyn Humphries, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom’s VoIP line of business. "With Trolltech’s ability to provide the development tools and frameworks, we enable our customers to provide high functionality Multimedia IP Startpoint™ devices and a great user interface to the market more rapidly."

Broadcom’s advanced BCM1103 VoIP processor and BCM1180 video and multimedia co-processor combines superior voice services with rich graphical content, including two-way H.264 CIF video calling. The BCM1103 features an integrated MIPS® processor, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch and Fast Ethernet (FE) physical layer devices (PHYs). The BCM1180 is software compatible with the established VideoCore family, allowing rapid development of next generation products and backward compatibility for applications software. This highly integrated video and multimedia processor for advanced desktop multimedia VoIP products combines video and audio processing, polyphonic sound synthesis, an LCD controller, and SRAM on a single chip.

The BCM1180 is optimized for video conferencing, video playback, and multimedia streaming applications, but requires very low power. The BCM1103 plus BCM1180 enables manufacturers to build IP phones with integrated GbE switching and other essential features to support improved voice quality, guaranteed voice security, and advanced graphics-driven multimedia applications that demand more processing power.

"The combination of Broadcom’s leading VoIP silicon portfolio and unique, yet comprehensive PhonexChange™ VoIP software package has proven to be a compelling and powerful platform for building exciting new services and attractive user experiences," said Haavard Nord, CEO for Trolltech. "Our Qtopia software is the foundation for 10 million plus consumer electronic devices worldwide so this partnership with Broadcom will enable their customers to build customized next generation IP and mobile devices with robust voice, video, web and multimedia features."