Stratus Rolls Out SIP-Based Mobile Call Convergence Solution
By Laura Stotler

Stratus Technologies (news - alert) has announced its Mobile Call Convergence (MCC) solution. The SIP-based software offers seamless handover of voice calls between GSM/CDMA cellular networks and 802.11 WiFi networks and enables a number of enhanced services.

The MCC helps achieve single-subscriber access to services and data using any device and over any network. It also enables new revenue-generating subscriber services while preparing networks for IMS capability. This opens the door for IP Voice and text messaging services, and service providers may now offer converged solutions that bridge VoIP and mobile networks and forward the goal of fixed/mobile convergence (FMC).

Providers who implement the MCC solution may offer subscriber access to the network using an array of mobile or IP-based devices via fixed residential/enterprise broadband or a WiFi connection. They may also offer converged subscriber phone numbers, in which one number identifies a subscriber (or multiple numbers based on preference). The subscriber may then receive calls over any network device when a calling party dials the number.

“MCC capabilities extend far beyond the limitations of UMA to enhance the service experience for subscribers, while giving providers immediate opportunity to increase revenue and reduce subscriber churn,” said Ali Kafel, vice president of telecommunications at Stratus.

http://www.stratus.com

American Telecom Launches First Digital Clear DECT Internet Phone

American Telecom Services (ATS), (news - alert)a provider of both Digital Clear Internet phones, VoIP, and Pay ‘n Talk pre-paid long distance communication services bundled with digital cordless multihandset phones, announced the release of its first DECT 6.0 cordless multi-handset Internet phone. The release of the new home and small office phones represents a significant advancement in Internet based telephone technology and consumer ease of use.

Efficient design and production allows ATS to price the E6501 and E6502 in a range comparable to traditional phones and removes almost all of the barriers to entry for an Internet user’s conversion to VoIP.

The E6501 includes ATS’ patent-pending Digital Clear functionality and is expandable to up to five total handsets. The release of the E6501 is the first cordless phone to use DECT technology that integrates a router and a SIP-based VoIP platform in the charging base of the master cordless phone unit.

“Internet phone users no longer need to purchase a separate analog telephony adapter (ATA) and telephone or undergo the added effort and expense of re-wiring their home to use their service around their house because all the needed functionality is included in this single affordable device,” said Adam Somer, Co- President of ATS.

360networks Selects Netrake for Voice Interconnect Service
By Johanne Torres

Netrake (news - alert) announced its nCite Session Border Controllers have been chosen by telecom broadband services provider 360networks (news - alert) to support deployment of the new SIPConnect Service, designed for cable operators (MSOs), ISPs, broadband service providers, and VoIP service providers.

The partnership calls for Netrake’s nCite Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to be installed at interconnection and peering points in 360’s network. The SBCs secure the network, ensure quality of service, and deliver SLA compliance. Netrake’s system provides a comprehensive set of security functions for 360networks such as Denial of Service (DoS) protection, authentication, FW/NAT traversal, access control, and network topology hiding.

“Netrake’s carrier-grade, fault-tolerant solution and performance are imperative for the high quality requirements of the 360networks’ SIPConnect service,” said Rick Coma, senior vice president at 360networks. “Additionally, Netrake’s proven focus on security and scale made them a clear choice for our network.”

360networks’ SIPConnect service suite offers high quality voice services, comprising local telephone numbers, inbound and outbound local calling, domestic long distance, E911, local number portability, directory listing, operator services, and directory assistance. The service will integrate 360’s CLEC status and robust fiber optic network with reach into tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 markets throughout the western half of the United States.

“We’re thrilled to be working with 360networks to help expand and secure one of the largest long haul fiber networks in North America,” said Netrake’s vice president of sales, Terry Orosco. “The Netrake Session Border Controllers give 360networks the tools and scale required to offer its customers a secure suite of integrated nextgeneration IP services.”

http://www.360.net
http://www.netrake.com

BandTel Introduces Itself to the VoIP Market

BandTel, (news - alert)a global provider of next-generation VoIP termination to the PSTN for high volume telecom users, such as call centers, enterprise users, teleconferencing companies and IVR users, announced it has received a second round of funding.

Seagrove, LLC, which specializes in financing small-to-middle market companies, lead the Series B investment. BandTel will use the funds to further expand its sales and marketing team, invest in marketing and business development initiatives and support the company’s working capital needs.

BandTel’s VoIP termination to the PSTN solutions provide users with a fault-tolerant, scalable VoIP architecture, which allows for continuous service and investment protection on legacy devices. Its SIP Softswitch technology allows users to receive service from one of two BandTel switching centers at any given time. The company’s unique ability to connect call systems via a trunk-to-trunk transfer combined with the ability to cost-effectively terminate calls to and from any location in the world instantly unites global businesses with multiple users in various locations.

Nokia’s business SIP solution

Finnish mobile telecommunications equipment maker Nokia (news - alert) announced the launch of the Nokia Business Communication Solution. The new product is a hosted end-to-end SIP-based solution that helps operators and other service providers tap into the enterprise voice market by hosting advanced IP-based services for businesses.

The solution includes both network equipment and phones, such as Nokia Eseries business optimized devices, for empowering an enterprise’s workforce with voice services on the company’s cellular and multi-radio mobile devices or fixed IP phones.

The solution is made up of the Nokia Business Communication Application Server, Nokia handsets and client software, and a Web-based tool that allows enterprises to manage their services themselves. It also includes a comprehensive range of system integration services to streamline interworking with an enterprise”s existing private business exchange, or PBX, systems.

The solution can be an integral part of an advanced IP Multimedia Subsystem environment, such as the Nokia IMS for fixed and mobile. In addition, the Nokia MSC Server System mobile softswitch brings additional benefits to operators who deploy the Nokia Business Communication Solution.

BellSouth Provides Carrier-Class Telecom Switch for Georgia Tech

BellSouth (news - alert) announced that it will provide a fully redundant, carrier-class Nortel telecommunications switch for Georgia Institute of Technology to support the communication needs of students, faculty and staff.

The advanced switch will support up to 50,000 phone lines and connects 113 classroom and administration buildings, dormitories, research laboratories, and sports facilities to friends, family, and colleagues around the world. BellSouth will begin implementation at the Atlanta campus this summer. Additional phases of the project will support other Georgia Tech sites throughout the state, including a research facility in Cobb County.

The Nortel CS 2100 solution for Georgia Tech includes a geographically split core design. If a portion of the switch fails, the other half will maintain uninterrupted service to Georgia Tech’s campus. The switch is managed and maintained by dedicated BellSouth technicians and connects directly to BellSouth’s self-healing, fully redundant SONET ring, which consists of two diverse paths of fiber that connect both distributed switch core locations on the Georgia Tech campus to each other and the BellSouth network. If one fiber path is cut, the signal will travel over the second fiber route. If both fiber paths are cut, the signal reverses and travels around the remaining arc of the loop. In addition to the switch’s survivability, Georgia Tech selected the solution because it supports new and emerging protocols, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for VoIP and dual mode wireless technologies.

http://www.bellsouth.com

Peer Telecom Taps TelTel to Deploy VoIP Service
By Johanne Torres

SIP-based Internet telephony provider TelTel (news - alert)announced on Tuesday that Peer Telecom is using TelTel’s SIP Virtual Network Operator (SVNO) program to deliver its Eggee VoIP telephony service in France.

The SVNO program will offer Peer Telecom a suite of products comprised of a managed network, branded hardware devices, and softphone client, in order to enable the telecom to rapidly deploy SIP-based Internet telephony.

The Eggee service seems to be a good choice for the SMB and SOHO markets offering its customers the ability to call more than 130 destinations for the cost of a local call. By partnering with TelTel, Peer Telecom will also be able to offer its users free access to over 1.5 million users of Public SIP Telephony Network (PsipTN), and to more than 30 million VoIP users of SIP. Peer Telecom can also use the PsipTN to deploy VoIP-based services, such as conference calling and desktop sharing.

“Peer to peer managed networks is the best alternative to Centrex solutions for the SMB and SOHO market,” said Peer Telecom’s founder Micha Benoliel. “TelTel’s SVNO program allowed us to rapidly deploy the Eggee service and offer our customers a standards-based solution that cost-effectively connects them all over the world via the PsipTN.”

http://www.peertelecom.com
http://www.teltel.com

Tekelec Announces TekMedia IMS-Ready SMS Solution

Tekelec, (news - alert) a developer of highperformance network applications for next-generation fixed, mobile and packet networks, unveiled the TekMedia Short Message Service (SMS) Solution that enables operators to deliver advanced messaging capabilities without costly network overhaul.

The TekMedia SMS Solution provides a secure, modular architecture that supports the evolution of SMS beyond simple text messaging to include mobileto- application, application-to-mobile and applicationto- application services, such as tele-voting and telemetry. The Tekelec solution also will support future multimedia instant messaging (MM-IM) applications using session initiation protocol (SIP) in Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) architectures, such as mobile IM services that link text with voice, video and pictures.

The short message service centers (SMSCs) currently deployed by many operators are designed to handle the relatively predictable traffic of simple text messaging but are not optimized to support the large spikes in signaling traffic created by SMS applications such as tele-voting. The TekMedia SMS Solution can replace or “cap and grow” SMSCs, allowing operators to increase capacity and capabilities incrementally or to create a completely new SMS solution.

The TekMedia SMS Solution is part of Tekelec’s “IMS-Ready” portfolio for next-generation networks and applications. The solution is in trials with several operators and will be available commercially in third quarter 2006.

http://www.tekelec.com

SIP Expert Covergence Secures $15 Million in Series C Funding
By Erik Linask

Covergence (news - alert) offers solutions for scaling, securing, and controlling VoIP and other SIP-based real-time services. Lately, though, the company executives have focused their energies on securing a new round of Series C funding — which it has now secured in the form of a $15 million investment by Globespan Capital Partners, along with current investors Highland Capital Partners and North Bridge Venture Partners.

Covergence offers its customers confidence that their real-time communications have the same security, reliability, performance and quality to which they have become accustomed. During that past year — buttressed by the release of its flagship product, Eclipse, in October 2005 — that confidence has paved the way for the tremendous growth Covergence has experienced.

The company’s single-minded focus on making realtime communication a reality for its customers has paid dividends in the way of both customer and partner growth, including customer wins like Vonage and New York Times Digital Media, and strategic partnerships and certification agreements with market leaders including McAfee, Centillium, NETGEAR, Broadsoft, and CounterPath.

Now, that success also evidences itself in investment growth as well. This most recent investment elevates the Company’s total funding to $31M since inception and provides Covergence the resources it needs to develop new sales and marketing strategies and geographically expand further into international markets.

“When we founded Covergence, we knew that the key to unlocking the potential of VoIP and IP-based communications lay in securing SIP and the edge of the network. Our success demonstrates that we hit the VoIP security sweet spot. Our investors’ confidence in our strategy and team is evident by their participation in our third round of funding,” said Bob O’Neil, president and CEO of Covergence.

http://www.covergence.com

Motorola Wireless VoIP Gateway Broadens Home Connectivity Options

Building on its heritage of delivering innovative, multifunction devices that re-define home connectivity and communication, Motorola (news - alert)introduced a new wireless gateway that combines voice, data, and network functionality for DSL users. The Motorola Home Hub (HH) 1620 DSL VoIP Wireless Gateway enables carriers to offer high-speed data and VoIP services to consumers, while simplifying installation and enhancing security.

The Motorola HH1620 combines powerful communication features with advanced security and simplified installation. The product includes an 802.11b/g wireless access point, a four-port router, a USB 2.0 Host Connection, a USB 1.1 slave connection, as well as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based VoIP adapter.

This technology allows the HH1620 to run consumers’ home networks — wired and wireless — and power standard telephones with VoIP service. The Motorola HH1620 uses industry standard SIP signaling protocols to provide an all-in-one solution — offering users advanced ADSL2/2+ technology for higher speeds and longer reach for their high-speed Internet access.

“Consumers today want a single device to integrate multiple functions — from telephony to Internet access — and they want it to be easy to install and use,” said Charles Dougherty, Motorola corporate vice president and general manager, Connected Home Solutions. “This latest Motorola gateway enables carriers to offer their DSL customers a single device that addresses multiple communication requirements and eliminates the need for additional routers, hubs, and wireless access points.”

http://www.motorola.com

Ubiquity Software Releases Version 7.0 of its SIP A/S

Ubiquity Software, (news - alert) creators of standards-based SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) deployment platforms, announced the release of version 7.0 of its SIP Application Server (SIP A/S). The newest release of the highperformance, carrier-grade platform offers significantly broader capabilities, including support for a new Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) that enables carriers to develop, deploy, and manage innovative converged services that blend voice, video, data, and presence.

Ubiquity’s SIP A/S utilizes a new Service-Oriented Object Framework (SOOF), which Ubiquity has packaged as the Appcelerator SOOF 1.0 Feature Pack and Developer Kit. The SOOF architecture extends the capabilities of the Application Server to provide a more richly featured, structured and controlled environment for SIP application creation and deployment. SOOF defines a new concept for developing telecom applications that are strongly aligned with SOA, which eliminates the normal pain of application development and opens new marketplace opportunities for added competitive advantage and profitability.

Compliant with the latest IETF SIP specifications and key extensions, the Ubiquity SIP Application Server is a high performance SIP implementation and provides multiple API layers for optimal control and flexibility when developing and deploying innovative products and services. It is well suited for developing proxy servers, presence servers, general events servers, B2BUAs, registrars, redirect servers, soft switches, call session control functions (CSCFs), IP PBX, and application servers including conference servers, instant messaging chat rooms, third-party control servers.

Ubiquity’s SIP A/S is an open, high-performance, standards-based service creation platform designed specifically for telecommunications applications to allow carriers to offer innovative voice, data, and video services. The SIP A/S offers a programmable, horizontal platform that makes it easy to add new features and applications to carrier networks.

http://ww.ubiquitysoftware.com

West Corporation Deploys Convedia Media Servers

Convedia Corporation (news - alert)announced a comprehensive supply agreement with West Corporation,(news - alert)a premier provider of outsourced communication solutions. Convedia’s (news - alert)CMS-6000 and CMS-1000 Media Servers will be deployed by InterCall, a subsidiary of West Corporation and the largest conferencing service provider in the world, to deliver industry-leading economics in the IP media processing infrastructure essential for InterCall’s VoIP audio conferencing and collaboration services, while providing a versatile, reusable platform for West Corporation’s nextgeneration IP services.

Convedia Media Servers will deliver scalable, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-compliant media processing infrastructure for West/InterCall’s IP-based services architecture. Advanced reservationless conferencing and collaboration services developed by West Corporation’s application development teams will use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Media Server Markup Language (MSML) protocols to integrate and control Convedia media servers, which will provide audio bridging, transcoding, and personalized multimedia mixing capabilities, with superior economics compared to existing TDM-based audio conferencing equipment.

“Large audio conferencing providers are increasingly turning to VoIP technology to drive service innovation and improved network economics, while still adhering to the highest levels of network reliability and scalability,” said Marc Beattie, Partner & CSP Practice Manager, Wainhouse Research. “Companies like West/InterCall are capping their investment in traditional conferencing bridge technology, and are shifting the majority of their new capital purchases towards IMS-compliant technology and IP services. This announcement clearly validates this trend, and demonstrates Convedia’s market leadership as the defacto choice for carrier-class IP media processing platforms.”

http://www.west.com
http://www.intercall.com
http://www.convedia.com

Allied Telesis Enhances iMAP with SIP Telephony

Allied Telesis (formerly Allied Telesyn), (news - alert) a global provider of secure Ethernet/IP access solutions and IP Triple Play networks over copper and fiber infrastructure, announced SIP support for its iMAP integrated Multiservice Access Platform voice services. Allied Telesis continues to expand the iMAP’s range of capabilities, most recently by adding DS3 and ESA (emergency standalone) service, and now with SIP POTS.

The new SIP-enabled POTS service module on the iMAP supports service providers as they move away from the original TDM-based voice network towards a faster, more scalable VoIP implementation. SIP has gained in popularity as a standard for real-time communications over IP due to its scalability, speed, and ease of implementation. Because SIP uses intelligence distributed throughout the network, it can more efficiently and accurately connect a multitude of calls, eliminating demanding processes that previously were done only at the network’s core.

The iMAP offers system flexibility through the ability to mix and match different networking technologies within one platform. It accommodates both fiber and copper-based deployments and supports a wide range of services including SIP POTS, MGCP, xDSL, DS3, T1, Ethernet, active fiber, GEPON FTTx technologies, Emergency Stand Alone (ESA) and 10G backhaul. Ideal for new access deployments and upgrades, the iMAP features a modular chassis design that simultaneously supports different applications from access, transport, and network aggregation. The environmentally hardened iMAP is RUS-accepted and NEBS-certified.

http://www.alliedtelesis.com

Seiko Epson Calls on Mitel for IP Communications

Mitel, (news - alert) provider of IP communication applications and solutions for growing businesses and enterprises, has been selected by tech giant Seiko Epson to deliver networked IP business communications at three South American subsidiaries. Comprised of the flexible and highly scalable Mitel 3300 IP Communications Platform (ICP) and integrated business applications, the solution will be deployed in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

Mitel’s proven IP communications solutions were identified as the best fit for these branches of an organization dedicated to customer service and technological excellence. The units of Epson selected Mitel independently after a lengthy and careful analysis of several leading vendors before concluding that Mitel best met their current needs and offered the most forward looking technology solution.

A crucial consideration in the selection process was Mitel’s advanced adoption of and commitment to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). SIP is an open international communications standard that allows for interoperability and easy deployment of services in much the same way that hypertext mark-up language (HTML) redefined the Internet and helped create the World Wide Web. The 3300 ICP provides native support of SIP to enable users to leverage the power of the Internet to deliver a whole range of business processes and potential that delivers a host of benefits. Mitel phones support both SIP and Mitel IP (MiNET) protocols on a single hardware platform.

With this technology in place, Epson Argentina can not only link its exchanges locally to achieve seamless integration of all its communications, but can also extend this connectivity to other countries. Since Epson Chile chose the same vendor makes it easy to combine resources so that the two subsidiaries in different countries effectively share a single exchange.

http://www.mitel.com