Westcon Group (News - Alert), a leading specialty distributor of advanced network technology solutions, is now selling Phybridge’s UniPhyer VoIP appliance, an affordable and easy-to-deploy VoIP solution that creates a parallel network using a company’s existing phone wiring.

UniPhyer enables VoIP deployment and Power over Ethernet (PoE) over existing phone lines. Thus it enables companies to establish a complete IP network for voice and data quickly and easily -- as well as more affordably, since voice doesn’t actually need to be converged onto the LAN. The system, which comes in 24 and 48 port versions, works with (and actually enhances the functionality of) IP PBXs and phones from Cisco (News - Alert), Avaya, Nortel and others. In fact the company just recently announced that UniPhyer is now certified interoperable with Avaya’s (News - Alert) industry-leading telephony products.

Using existing phone cabling, UniPhyer creates a direct point-to-point path for voice, thus ensuring Quality of Service (QoS) and delivering sound quality that is comparable to, if not even better than traditional phone service. The “plug-and-play” appliance, which connects to a company’s PBX (News - Alert) or switch on the LAN, also delivers Power over Ethernet (PoE) to every desktop using existing phone wiring by way of a special adapter. Thus it eliminates the need for costly cable upgrades and/or additional cabling at every end point.

What’s more the solution remains operable in the event of a LAN disruption -- a common concern among companies considering deploying VoIP for the first time.

“Phybridge’s (News - Alert) products offer a straightforwardness and speed of deployment that is exciting to see in the VoIP space,” said Lynn Smurthwaite Murphy, vice president, Westcon Canada, in a release. “Their products represent a very strategic addition to our North American portfolio, and help remove some of the biggest obstacles businesses face in deploying IP communications across their networks.”

“Very often, the existing LAN is not capable of supporting VoIP, but Phybridge’s UniPhyer enables IP and POE over existing telephone cabling, regardless of age or grade,” Murphy continued. “This is a very compelling proposition, especially for those customers just getting their feet wet with VoIP.”

Phybridge will also participate in Westcon’s ConvergencePoint program. Resellers seeking more information about the UniPhyer can refer to the ConvergencePoint site, which offers detailed positioning information, FAQs as well as video-based training resources.

“Phybridge’s agreement with Westcon is in answer to requests from our partners,” said John Croce, CEO, Phybridge Inc. “Resellers asked us to work with a reliable, knowledgeable distribution partner and Westcon’s name was most frequently mentioned. We are excited about the opportunity to introduce the Phybridge UniPhyer to Westcon’s loyal partner base.”

“Westcon is a ‘one-stop’ shop for VoIP solutions, information and innovations,” he added. “Our number one goal is to help our reseller partners be more successful with their clients. Westcon’s experience and relationships with key partners will help us achieve this goal.”

Phybridge recently launched its “#1 VoIP Enabler” channel on TMCnet. The channel offers articles and other resources explaining the benefits of its UniPhyer product.