|
| When we launched INTERNET TELEPHONY™
magazine, we perceived education as one of our single most important goals. Our editorial
- including such monthly features as unbiased TMC Labs reviews, far-reaching product
roundups, and in-depth technical articles covering the Internet telephony industry - is
our best method of imparting our wealth of knowledge and research to our readership. Our
ongoing dialogues with leaders in the Internet telephony market, as presented in our
monthly feature Round Table, are another way of imparting knowledge to our readers. As
yet another method of educating our readers as to the vendors and products that make up
our industry, we are proud to announce our first-ever Internet Telephony Product of the
Year awards. This list, which is broken down by category, is designed to draw attention to
those vendors whose products have helped redefine a fledgling technological anomaly into
an unimagined telecommunications (r)evolution. In fact, this can be looked upon as a list
of those pioneers who had the vision and the energy to move the industry from rudimentary
PC-to-PC software phones to large-scale carrier deployment of Internet telephony.
Our list of award-winning vendors includes some very familiar names, and still there
are other vendors who are not yet as well known. The products range from the basic
building blocks (such as DSP Resource boards and H.323 protocol stacks) to a whole slew of
gateways (NT-based, SPARC-based, large and small-scale…) to applications such as
Web-based Unified Messaging. When we began researching this list, we figured we might pick
the top 2 or 3 products and be done with it. However, 1998 was an amazing growth year for
Internet telephony, and as such, our listing would be incomplete without recognizing the
multitude of vendors whose products have helped shape this still growing industry.
I invite you to take a look at the winners of the first-ever Internet Telephony Product
of the Year award. Use this information as a preliminary "Who's Who" of Internet
telephony when you seek to learn more about the products and services our industry has to
offer. Start with the basics. Send an e-mail. Make a call. And years from now, when you
can't even remember what a traditional telephone looked like or how we ever managed to get
by on the miniscule amount of services offered from today's service providers, you'll look
back on this list and realize that the vendors mentioned here were indeed the true
pioneers.
- Greg Galitzine, Executive Editor
|
CATEGORY |
COMPANY |
PRODUCT |
DESCRIPTION |
| Billing Software |
Mind CTI, Inc. |
iPhonEX |
This
carrier-grade billing solution provides scalability and customer management solutions to
Internet telephony providers. Real-time billing system is suitable for telcos. |
|
Telephony Experts, Inc. |
Telephony
Gateway Billing Manager |
Integrates with
VocalTec telephony gateways, providing centralized access to the billing system, which
includes billing, authorization, account management and reporting. |
|
Solect |
Solect IAF/3 |
Open
architecture allows integration of customer care, service management solutions, and
end-to-end billing across multiple servers. |
| Development Platforms |
Dialogic Corp. |
DM3 IPLink |
This
standards-based open development platform supports the H.323 standard for communication
across IP networks and a wide variety of vocoder algorithms. |
|
Natural MicroSystems |
Fusion 2.0 |
Developers can
create gateways with 8 port to multiple T1/E1 configurations without latency increase or a
drop in performance through this open development platform. |
|
Brooktrout Technology, Inc. |
TR 2001 IP
Telephony Platform |
Provides
processing power for up to 60 channels of IP voice and fax transmission over IP packet
networks. Voice compression is compatible with multiple vocoders. |
| Development Tools |
AudioCodes, Inc. |
TrunkPack-VoIP/200 |
This
compression board provides VoIP packetization for 60 channels in one PCI slot. A
communications processor performs voice streaming protocols, RTP/RTCP, and control. |
|
dynamicsoft |
jVoIP Framework |
Provides a
foundation for developing voice/fax capabilities over IP networks. A new set of software
modules delivers a foundation for custom-developed applications. |
|
Parity Software |
VoiceBocx/IP |
A member of the
CallSuite family of controls, the VoiceBocx/IP supports Dialogic boards with IP
interfaces. Allows easy construction of telephony applications. |
| DSP Resource Boards |
DSP Research, Inc. |
Viper-12 |
This high
density resource board allows 60 channels of H.323 VoIP to run on a single board. Ideal
for voice and telecommunications infrastructure applications. |
|
Analogic Corp. |
TAP-800 family |
The only
general-purpose DSP Resource boards that support both MVIP and SCSA standard TDM buses,
enabling developers to cut costs and time to market. |
| Gatekeepers |
VocalTec Communications, Inc. |
VocalTec
Gatekeeper (VGK) |
Works with the
VocalTec Ensemble Architecture to provide centralized security, addressing, and accounting
for IP telephony networks, while acting as the platform for advanced services. |
|
DataBeam Corp. |
H.323
Developer’s Toolkit v2 |
The
industry’s first carrier-grade protocol stack incorporating the Version 2 standard.
Enables third-party developers to embed standards-based voice and video in Internet and
LAN products. |
| Gateways (NT-based) |
NeTrue Communications, Inc. |
NeTruePhone |
This gateway
connects to virtually any business telephone system that supports a T1 interface and
analog single lines. Uses industry standard components and is H.323 compatible. |
|
eFusion, Inc. |
eStream |
The eStream is
a new class of enhanced services platform, providing a broad range of market-ready
H.323-based Internet telephony applications. |
|
Clarent Corp. |
Clarent
Enterprise Gateway |
Connects
telephone voice calls and FAX over a TCP/IP Intranet or VPN-enabled Internet. Improves
packet loss recovery and reduces latency through patent pending technology. |
|
IntelliSwitch, Inc. |
iSwitch IP
Telephony Gateway |
This
intelligent gateway uses a routing table of switch locations to direct calls to the
respective gateway through virtually any IP connection. |
| Gateways (UNIX-based) |
Digi International |
NetBlazer 8500 |
Based on open
standards, this powerful VoIP gateway converts voice signals to TCP/IP and routes them
over standard IP networks. Able to integrate with various networks. |
|
Franklin Telecom |
Tempest DVG |
Unites
geographically dispersed workgroups by integrating voice and fax over an existing LAN/WAN
network. Allows integrated accounting, debit card billing, and authentication. |
|
Linkon Corp. |
LinkNet IP
Telephony Gateway |
Supports four
analog channels to multiple E1/T1 digital circuits. Allows phone-to-phone communications
over satellite, SS7 network protocol-based applications, and prepaid calling card
services. |
| Gateways (Small scale) |
Connected Systems |
SimpliCT VoIP
Gateway |
An integration
of PC and voiceboard functionality in reliable open platforms. Features toll quality voice
compression and industry standard programmability as well as 2-8 ports. |
|
Handlink Technologies, Inc. |
EtherVoice
Internet Telephony Gateway |
Stand-alone
embedded system for making VoIP calls using CPU and on-board DSP resources. Connects to
the PBX via analog, and the IP network via a 10/100BaseT Ethernet interface. |
| Gateways (Router-based) |
Cisco Systems, Inc. |
Cisco 3600
Series |
Meets the
expanding requirements of branch offices by giving customers access to changing
technologies. Analog modem network modules support basic phone service connections. |
|
Motorola, Inc. |
Vanguard 6450 |
Addresses small
to large branch office needs for high throughput to regional sites. Used over
analog/digital leased lines, ISDN, Frame Relay, X.25, and Nx64K. |
| Gateways (PBX w. IP Trunk) |
Lucent Technologies |
Definity ECS
Call Center |
Architecture is
made up of a switch fabric layer, an applications layer, and a call management layer made
up of three subsystems: call processing, maintenance, and system management. |
|
Nortel Networks |
Meridian 1 |
An
enterprise-wide multimedia communications system, Meridian 1 is part of Nortel’s
Power Network, integrating voice, data, video, and image communications into a single
network. |
| Gateways (Other) |
Oki Network Technologies, Inc. |
Internet Voice
Gateway BS1200 |
All inclusive
one-box design allows companies to route voice and fax communications over IP networks.
Bridges existing PBX or Key Phone systems with digital data networks. |
|
Nuera Communications, Inc. |
Access Plus
F200ip |
This leading IP
gateway/voice FRAD is integrated to allow network routing on a call by call basis for
optimal call quality and minimum transmission cost. |
|
Netrix Corp. |
Network Exchange
2201 |
This voice over
data switching platform supports Internet telephony and WAN switching along with
multiprotocol data support. Works as a stand-alone switch or with other Netrix products. |
| H.323 Protocol Stack |
RADVision |
RADVision H.323
Protocol Stack |
This complete
set of tools for developing H.323 entities allows developers to license source or object
code for Windows, Unix, VxWorks, and pSOS operating systems. |
|
elemedia |
elemedia H.323
Protocol Stack |
Specially
engineered to support embedded processor applications. Makes minimal use of operating
system functions for high portability and interoperability with various platforms. |
| Headsets |
Andrea Electronics Corp. |
PC Headset
Telephone Interface (PCTI) |
Integrates
speech-centric computing and telephony applications by connecting users to the phone,
computer, or both simultaneously. Frees users from having to toggle between connectivity
devices. |
|
Ahern Communications Corp. |
AVID AV-Series
PC Headsets |
This headset
and amplifier is designed to work with Internet telephony, CTI, voice recognition,
multimedia, personal conferencing, and business audio applications. |
| Industrial Computers (Intel-based) |
Crystal Group, Inc. |
CS-500 |
Unique size
configuration allows four 5-slot models to fit in a standard 19" rack, 32 computers
per rack. Two cooling fans and two drive bays are additional features. |
|
CSS Labs, Inc. |
MaxPro 1500 |
This scalable
system is designed to manage the workload and multiprocessing performance of a complex
environment. Has a 20-slot multi-segment split passive backplane. |
|
Industrial Computer Source |
P2LX Series |
Features Intel
Pentium II Processors, Intel 440LX Pentium II Chip Set, and several models with key
feature combinations for versatility. |
| Industrial Computers (SPARC-based) |
Alliance Systems |
Alliant SSP
Series |
The Alliant SSP
Series are industrial grade, rack mount systems built with mission-critical features: RAID
5, hot swap devices, and an external drive enclosure. |
|
APPRO International, Inc. |
SURE-5208X |
Designed to
house Sun’s SPARCengine Ultra AXmp, the SURE-5208X offers a rugged and protective
housing, a 600W power supply, and three 82 CFM fans to avoid meltdowns. |
|
Force Computers, Inc. |
teraforce-50 |
The
teraforce-50 is a 20-slot VMEbus-based computing platform combining high performance and
low power consumption with an eye toward the telecommunications applications arena. |
| Industrial Computers (CompactPCI) |
Diversified Technology, Inc. |
CPC8622 |
Based on
Intel’s 440GX chipset, the CPC8622 supports all current full or partial length AT-ISA
bus cards as well as any number of CompactPCI cards. |
|
Ziatech Corp. |
ZT4101 |
This 14-slot 6U
CompactPCI backplane has two buses and is compatible with several Ziatech CPU boards. It
also accommodates up to 13 peripherals. |
| Internet ACD |
PakNetX Corp. |
PNX ACD 2.0 |
Performs
traditional call center functions in an Internet environment. The ACD can hold, retrieve,
and transfer calls as well as manage Web-initiated and direct calls. |
| Internet Fax Products |
Panasonic |
PanaFax UF 770I |
Sends faxes
over the Internet through G3 fax compatibility and network scanning capabilities.
Integrates with existing network/e-mail setup and doubles as a network shared scanner. |
|
RADLinx, Ltd. |
PASSaFAX |
Routes faxes
between the PSTN and IP backbones in real-time. Least cost routing allows network
operation, and user verification and billing are available for service providers. |
|
@fax, Inc. |
FAXfree Portal
500 |
Store 500 phone
numbers and e-mail addresses and route a fax over the Internet to a PC, another Portal
unit, or a Panasonic UF770I machine. |
| Internet Telephony Appliances |
Quicknet Technologies, Inc. |
Internet
LineJACK |
Connects
users’ local phone lines to an IP network for long-distance calling. Designed for
low-density applications, the LineJACK is standards compliant. |
|
Aplio, Inc. |
AplioPhone |
Uses a phone
and wall jack for making IP calls. Advanced compression technology and hardware adjusts
sound quality according to Internet traffic. |
|
InnoMedia, Inc. |
InfoTalk |
Routes calls
over the Internet through a phone and wall jack. Achieves high voice quality through
packet compression and recovery that monitors traffic and bandwidth constraints. |
| Internet Telephony Clients |
NetSpeak Corp. |
NetSpeak
WebPhone |
Enables
real-time full-duplex voice and video over IP or TCP/IP networks. Includes cellular phone
interface and H.323 support as well as voice detection and voice mail. |
|
Microsoft Corp. |
NetMeeting |
Works with any
video capture card/camera that supports Video for Windows. Allows data conferencing in any
32-bit application through a whiteboard, text messages, and file transfer. |
| Internet Telephony Service Providers |
ITXC Corp. |
WweXchange
Service |
Routes calls
over IP/private data networks to ITXC affiliate gateways for voice conversion, or through
traditional long-distance if no affiliates are available. |
|
IDT Corp. |
Net2Phone Direct |
Users pay
reduced rates to route calls over Net2Phone’s switches for full-duplex, real-time
communications. Only one caller needs a PC and connectivity through an ISP. |
|
Delta Three, Inc. |
Phone-to-Phone
Internet Telephony Service |
A managed
telephony network over private leased/owned lines, allows QoS control for low-cost calling
to more than 200 countries. |
| Multicasting |
StarBurst Software |
StarBurst
OmniCast |
Rapid,
simultaneous file delivery from one sender to all network recipients reduces traffic.
Distributed architecture separates send/receive functions from user interface functions. |
|
Real Networks, Inc. |
RealSystem G2 |
Incorporates
Intel’s streaming video for improved performance/quality, and better CPU scalability.
Web-based administration for network and server management, and content production
efficiency. |
| Multimedia Conferencing |
White Pine Software, Inc. |
MeetingPoint 3.5 |
A software-only
conferencing solution for existing IP networks based on H.323 and T.120 standards. Can be
configured and administered remotely and uses IP multicast technology. |
|
OutReach Technologies |
CONFERease 900 |
A turnkey
system for real-time voice/data collaboration. Accommodates up to 96 participants through
LAN/WAN and PSTN networks, with a 10/100 BaseT connection port. |
|
Intel Corp. |
Intel
TeamStation System |
This
multipurpose workstation allows users to video conference at up to 30 frames per second.
Features wideband audio and compliance with H.320 and H.323 standards. |
| Programmable Switch |
Redcom Laboratories, Inc. |
Modular Digital
Exchange (MDX) |
Uses an
expandable switching module that can be stacked to increase system capacity. Compatible
with all standard digital switches, can be expanded to more than 18,000 ports. |
|
Harris Corp. |
Harris
Integrated Network (IN) Server |
Offers an
NT-based processing environment with SCSA/MVIP access to a switching matrix on a card in
the switch. Part of the Harris Enhanced Services Platform. |
|
Excel Switching Corp. |
EXS 1000 |
A
non-blocking programmable switch for the 100 port range that offers seamless integration
with larger EXS environments. This compact product offers an open architecture. |
| Remote Access |
3Com Corp. |
SuperStackII
Remote Access System 1500 |
An
upgradable, stackable, multiservice access platform, the system is made up of three
modules that can be connected using StackNet technology for hot-swappability. |
| SS7 Products |
Trillium Digital Systems, Inc. |
TCAP over TCP/IP
software |
Implements
connection management services based on socket calls for TCAP message exchanges over TCP.
Offers TCAP over UDP in connectionless mode. |
|
Ascend Communications, Inc. |
MultiVoice |
Guarantees QoS
across IP, frame relay, and ATM connections. Allows ISPs to integrate services between
circuit-switched voice/fax and packet-switched networks. |
| Testing Products |
Hammer Technologies |
Hammer IT VoIP
Test Suite |
Supports voice,
data, and digital PBX set testing during the development/manufacturing phase, installation
phase, and the in-service phase. A 32-bit application built on Windows NT. |
|
Zarak Systems Corp. |
Abacus |
A modular and
expandable system that generates and switches phone traffic simultaneously. Can create a
confirmed call every 5 seconds per circuit. |
|
Ameritec Corp. |
Niagara |
A
self-contained test head allowing high volume testing of simulated complex or feature
calls. User programmable with analog, EBS, digital, ISDN, and SS7 interface models. |
| Web-Based Unified Messaging |
Telinet Technologies, LLC |
MediaMail 2.1 |
Contains a
unified database, a messaging platform, Internet mail, administrative, Web, and telephony
services, and backend tools for development. Open architecture enables scalability. |
|
MediaGate, Inc. |
iPost |
Enables voice,
fax, e-mail, and page services in a single mailbox. Allows users to retrieve messages with
multiple services, and provides notification and forwarding. |
| Voice/Data Switch |
NetPhone, Inc. |
NetPhone iPBX |
Offers complete
PBX functionality including desktop call control, server-based automatic call
distribution, accounting, security, and least cost routing. Provides support for up to 96
extensions. |
|
Selsius Systems, Inc. |
Selsius-IP PBX |
Provides PBX
functionality while using IP networks to deliver telephony. Consolidates voice traffic
over a LAN or installed PBXs through phone, call manager, and access products. |
|
Touchwave, Inc. |
WebSwitch 1608IP |
Offers an
optional integrated VoIP gateway, ideal for branch offices. Includes full-featured PBX,
voice mail, and auto attendant. Users dial through TAPI from Windows applications. |
| VPN Products |
Compatible Systems Corp. |
IntraPort 2+ VPN
Access Server |
Supports DES
and triple DES encryption with a built-in hardware coprocessor for mid-sized businesses
that need 200 simultaneous remote access sessions and 32 site-to-site connections. |
|
VPNet Technologies, Inc. |
VPNware VSU-10 |
Triple DES
encryption at 8 Mbps. Includes key management, real-time packet compression, Network
Address Translation, global roaming, and support for 25 to 100 users. |
| Web-Enabled Call Center Solutions |
Acuity Corp. |
WebCenter
Enterprise |
Provides a
scalable foundation and flexible framework for application modules through the Acuity
Real-Time Enterprise platform. Available for Windows NT 4.0. |
|
Ericsson, Inc. |
Phone Doubler
Quick Call |
Allows users to
speak to a customer service agent while accessing the Web without additional software, a
second phone line, or having to disconnect from the Web. |
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
