In an era of mobile and multimedia communications, it has become critical for businesses to ensure the survivability of their communications systems, which they have done largely by eliminating single-vendor solutions. What that has done for the vendor community is place a burden on them to ensure interoperability with other pieces of the multimedia puzzle, especially those that might be in place first.

For instance, Interactive Intelligence’s Communite, a software-based unified messaging solution for enterprises and educational institutions, has become widely adopted. But, because it is operable on both legacy TDM and newer IP-based platforms, many customers have opted to delay migration to an IP platform.

Now, however, that migration has been simplified by the proven interoperability between Communite and Cedar Point Communications’ SAFARI C3, an integrated carrier-class VoIP switch that supports SIP functionality and embraces the move to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (News - Alert) (IMS) architecture. Importantly, like Communite, SAFARI C3 supports both legacy and next-generation telephony systems, which means that uses of both have the option of migrating to a simplified all-IP environment at completely at their own pace.

With SAFARI C3 providing scalable and reliable carrier class IP switching capabilities, and with Interactive Intelligence (News - Alert) providing enhanced messaging applications, corporations and learning institutions of any size can have a comprehensive, cost-effective enterprise communications system. Indeed, SAFARI C3 was initially designed for the carrier community, but as it has become apparent that large, distributed organizations have similar needs, Cedar Point has adopted its hardware in response.

Cedar Point has designed its SAFARI C3 to be able to support future multimedia services and applications that will be required by businesses and educational institutions alike, allowing them to replace legacy PBX (News - Alert) systems with a single Safari C3. In fact, they can, if they choose, ultimately develop their network into their own VoIP service, which would not only reduce expenses further, but would also put complete control of the communications system in the hands of the organization. The University of Massachusetts was the first large educational institution to trial Cedar Point’s technology earlier this year.

“As we grow our higher education and enterprise activity beyond our initial deployment with the University of Massachusetts, it will be important that we work with proven enterprise solutions,” said George Kassas, founder and executive vice president, business development for Cedar Point Communications. “The high degree of confidence that major universities have placed in Communite, and Interactive Intelligence’s ability to expand our menu of business features make the company a valuable ally in this space.”

Kassas is no doubt right in asserting that a relationship with Interactive Intelligence, which is well known in institutional circles, can only serve to increase Cedar Point’s presence as educational institutions continue to explore ways to improve communications while saving money.

Interactive Intelligence developed Communite as an alternative to proprietary messaging systems, featuring simplified set-up, maintenance, and administration, as well as scalability up to hundreds of thousands of users across distributed sites. Adding to Communite’s appeal is the fact that it is open standards based, making it highly compatible with other SIP-based software and hardware solutions. That, in turn, presents long term investment protection and a viable, incremental future migration path to VoIP — Communite also supports hybrid environments.

“Like Cedar Point, we are committed to providing solutions that reduce complexity and cost, and increase results for our customers,” said Paul Weber, vice president of North American sales for Interactive Intelligence. "By certifying interoperability between our two products, we can help our mutual customers accelerate the rollout of simpler, more cost-effective voice services that are configured to meet the needs of the higher education environment.”

What’s the number one VoIP conference in terms of attendance? What’s the leading VoIP expo for exhibitors in terms of lead generation? And which VoIP industry event will feature special attractions for service providers, resellers, and the enterprise and SMB market as well as an overview on the Future of IP Telephony? Answer: INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & Expo, WEST, which runs October 10-13, 2006. See you in San Diego!

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Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.