Bandwidth.com Puts Developers in IP Sandbox

In an effort to further boost the creation of next-generation IP communication applications, a Cary, N.C.-based IP voice, hosted Voice over Internet Protocol, data and managed network service provider announced it is launching a new program that will let open-source telephony developers test pilot projects using the company’s network.

 

Under Bandwidth.com’s new Developer Sandbox Program, developers can tap into the company’s IP communications network functionality. That includes next gen VoIP codecs, SIP-enabled SMS, the T.38 fax protocol, and HD voice. Users can also access fixed-mobile convergence functionality, including advanced call-flows, call routing and sharing one number across both mobile and landlines.

 

The program also will take advantage of FreePBX, the popular front-end interface to Asterisk-based distros, which Bandwidth.com adopted last fall. In addition, developers can access emerging technologies from Bandwidth.com’s technology partners, CounterPath Corp. and Ditech Networks, company officials said.

 

The Developer Sandbox program is designed to encourage innovation of integrated applications that use both premise and network functionality, Todd Barr, vice present of marketing for Bandwidth.com, told TMCnet in an interview.

 

“We hope to develop a core of developers who will help us define use cases for new network technologies we are developing so that we can push them out more quickly,” Barr said. “With the Developer Sandbox, we intend to more rapidly test and prove out network features so that we can roll them out faster, with more example use cases.  That will help drive innovation around IP communications, convergence like fixed-mobile convergence, which we are piloting, and open source telephony software.”

 

The announcement marks the first time telephony developers have access to both open source software functionality and open access to network functionality using Bandwidth.com's IP voice network, Barr said.

 

As with any technology, testing the solution is an important step. And through the Developer Sandbox Program, Bandwidth.com hopes to raise the bar on IP communications and open source telephony software with developers.

 

“As we have built out a network, we have tried a lot of things - and not all make the cut,” Barr said. “Now, we have a chance to be more selective, and really engage users and developers in new technology trials to prove out use cases and even business models. Assuming a new feature solves a customer or developer problem, and we can make money on it and support it, I think our hit rate will be pretty good - especially with more eyeballs from the Developer Sandbox program.”

 

Initially, the program will include a small group of developers, which Barr hopes to grow over the coming months. As it evolves, Bandwidth.com plans to invite additional developers to participate, he said. Developers can sign-up  online for details about the program’s selection process.