Officials of AudioCodes (News - Alert) are presenting their Enterprise Session Border Controllers as tools to provide secured SIP connectivity between existing Skype Connect and Microsoft (News - Alert) Lync.
You know as well as we do that business customers are migrating to the Skype Connect service, and you can guess why: It’s a wonderful low-cost alternative to legacy telecom services in ever greater numbers.
Fine. At the same time, however, the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 is used in more and more in enterprise voice services. So obviously what’s needed is a way to connect an enterprise’s Microsoft infrastructure to the Skype (News - Alert) Connect service.
AudioCodes officials say their E-SBCs fit this bill, as they’re officially certified with Microsoft for connecting Lync Server 2010 with SIP Trunking to Internet telephony service providers, and certified with the Skype Connect service for connecting both Legacy TDM and IP-based Private Branch Exchanges (PBX’s) with Skype’s SIP Trunking service.
The way it actually works isn’t complex, as company officials explain: AudioCodes E-SBCs provide the interface between Skype Connect and Microsoft Lync Server. The E-SBC terminates the Skype Connect sessions from the WAN, applying security rules with access control lists and packet filtering, using the Back-to-Back User Agent features to resolve SIP incompatibilities and finally passing calls to/from the business and Skype network.
Sounds like if you’re interested in certification-based products, with the extra peace of mind that brings, this might be a good option for you.
Using this setup, AudioCodes officials say, users can make calls by taking advantage of Skype’s low cost global calling rates to landline and mobile phones directly from Microsoft Lync clients, and establish Skype Online numbers in over 25 countries, allowing local access via landlines and mobiles.
It also lets users create Skype buttons on their website that Skype users can call businesses for free and set up outbound Caller ID so that customers know who is calling.
Last month TMC’s (News - Alert) Carrie Schmelkin wrote that Voice over IP (VoIP) provider AudioCodes teamed with Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) in an effort to better deliver secure voice network offerings. The two will participate together in the Alcatel-Lucent Application Partner Program
David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of David’s articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.
Edited by Jennifer Russell