INFONXX to Provide Enhanced 411 Service Through VPF
By Erik Linask

INFONXX (pronounced “INFO – N – X – X”), provider of directory assistance and enhanced information services to both enterprises and service providers, announced this week a partnership with Stealth Communications, owner and operator of the Voice Peering Fabric (VPF). The partnership will provide VPF members access to a new range of voice directory services. Through the partnership, INFONXX becomes the preferred provider to the VPF of directory assistance and enhanced information services via its IP network, which currently handles more than a billion calls worldwide.  INFONXX can be very flexible with what services it offers to its users. Each customer can customize their own services, a definite benefit since enterprises tend to want different services than service providers, and wireline customers’ requirements vary from those of wireless customers.  In addition to its standard directory assistance, which is the basis for its entire product line, INFONXX makes available 14 additional product sets to its users. These include, enhanced services (e.g., weather, traffic, movies, etc.), text direct, Spanish language services, concierge services, location-based services, personal address books, and much more.  INFONXX will enhance the VPF peer-to-peer connections for VoIP telephony traffic with premier directory services. These services will be delivered over private and direct connections that increase the services the VPF provides to its members. In addition to its current service offerings, INFONXX is currently exploring several other new services and technologies, including the ability to more efficiently implement voice recognition software to enable more voice-enabled services, especially for wireless customers. 
www.infonxx.com

JDSU Intros NetComplete VoIP Service for Cable Operators
By Johanne Torres

JDSU introduced its VoIP NetComplete Service Assurance Solution, the company’s new VoIP deployment monitoring application for cable operators. NetComplete allows cable operators to expand service penetration without having to scale operations through data collection, consolidation, and correlation. “NetComplete addresses the challenges cable operators face when deploying VoIP,” said Roger Lingle, vice president of marketing for JDSU’s Service Assurance Solutions business unit in a statement. “NetComplete gives operators an invaluable advantage, accurate visibility into the end-user’s VoIP experience and a clear understanding of where, when and why the voice signal clarity needs improvement. Its ability to immediately isolate VoIP problems results in increased quality of service (QoS), lowered operational costs, drastically reduced truck rolls and a decrease in mean-time-to-repair (MTTR).” The test system measures hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) characteristics, the cable modem termination system (CMTS) and IP network. These features provide visibility into problem areas that affect voice signal clarity. “On an individual cable VoIP customer basis, it correlates the data and presents a complete analysis to a cable technician on one screen to quickly pinpoint the root cause of a service problem,” noted the company’s news release. NetComplete can also perform real time analysis of mean opinion score (MOS) to measure voice quality, and of simultaneous customer calls and correlate this to the signal’s radio frequency (RF) performance from a single, centralized location.
www.jdsu.com

Alcatel Provides Time Warner Cable with Microwave Solution
By Stefania Viscusi

In a bid to stay in the competition among cable operators, Time Warner Cable’s Southwest Division has chosen Alcatel to help it deploy premium triple play services in Southwestern Texas. Alcatel will provide Time Warner Cable’s Southwest Division with their microwave radios, which, combined with TWC’s current fiber deployments, will help the cable operator to further its reach with an alternate transport route. As competition to reach more customers increases in the MSO market, Time Warner will be able to use Alcatel’s wireless technology, turnkey approach to deployment, and microwave platform to provide more customers with the services they demand. Alcatel’s portfolio of point-to-point wireless transmission solutions includes low, medium, and high capacity microwave radios for voice, video, and data (IP, ATM, Fast Ethernet) communications. Supporting a full range of frequency bands and network configurations, Alcatel’s wireless transmission systems are managed by a unified and fully integrated network management platform, as well as through the simplified network management protocol (SNMP). Tom Eggemeier, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Alcatel’s wireless transmission activities in North America commented, “This contract with Time Warner Cable is an example of Alcatel’s ability and commitment to leverage our technology and thought leadership to address the specific needs of MSO customers.”
www.alcatel.com
www.timewarnercable.com

Minacom Adds MTA Loopback VoIP Testing to DirectQuality R7 Platform
By Mae Kowalke

VoIP solutions provider Minacom announced the addition of a new feature to its DirectQuality R7 service level test automation platform. The platform now allows operators to perform direct VoIP service quality testing of subscriber-installed multimedia terminal adapters (MTAs). Minacom has a patent pending for this new functionality, which allows operators to use PowerProbes installed in hubs and/or the network operation center to perform both analog/audio and IP/RPT-based VoIP quality tests. The company explained that IP/RTP loopback testing “measures VoIP media streaming performance and quality at the packet level” and that analog/audio loopback testing “provides true user-perceived speech quality analysis, including the impairments audio codecs introduce when performing digital/analog and analog/digital speech conversion and compression.” The latter is compatible with DOCSIS 2.0 (and later)-enabled devices from Arris, Motorola, and other manufacturers.   The DirectQuality R7 platform now also offers operators the following features: • Loopback testing from the PSTN-side of media gateways and softswitches • Measuring of MOS, R-factor, packet losss, jitter, latency, echo, noise, call volume, DTMF, and common network times • Validation of Internet/video and data transmission performance • Measuring of dial-tone, delay, post-dial delay, billing-duration, call completion ratio, and other connectivity functions Minacom’s CEO Michel Nadeau commented that, “No other test technique can measure VoIP service quality directly to subscriber’s homes without requiring field-based test equipment; loopback testing to MTAs can greatly reduce the need to dispatch technicians to assess and resolve customer-reported service issues.”
www.minacom.com

Tektronix Monitors BellSouth’s VoIP Service
By Johanne Torres

Communications monitor Tektronix has announced that BellSouth Corporation will deploy the company’s GeoProbe VoIP monitoring system from the company’s Unified Assurance suite throughout its IP network. GeoProbe will provide BellSouth with performance monitoring, which enables troubleshooting, as well as identification of service degradations and network problems that may impact VoIP service quality. “Real-time, end-to-end monitoring of VoIP calls throughout our network is an essential element of BellSouth’s VoIP service assurance strategy,” said BellSouth’s chief technology officer Bill Smith in a statement. “The Tektronix Unified Assurance suite will help us to deliver the quality and reliability that our customers have come to expect from BellSouth, leading to increased satisfaction and customer loyalty.” Tektronix’ GeoProbe monitoring system will collect all signaling info related to VoIP traffic and will provide the ability to trace a call across multiple protocols and networks. The system proactively detects network problems and will enable BellSouth to quickly isolate and correct problems for greater levels of service quality. “While VoIP offers a solid case for reducing service provider operating costs and increasing service revenues, these advantages could be offset by the higher degree of complexity in monitoring service quality if not managed properly,” stated Doug Dickerson, vice president, Performance Monitoring at Tektronix.
www.tektronix.com
www.bellsouth.com

Convedia Enables Enhancement of West’s VoIP Conferencing Service
By Erik Linask

Convedia Corporation announced that West Corporation, a provider of outsourced communication solutions, will deploy Convedia’s CMS-6000 and CMS-1000 Media Servers at InterCall, a West subsidiary. Leveraging Convedia’s expertise in media processing infrastructure, InterCall will look to further enhance its VoIP audio conferencing and collaboration services, while providing a versatile, reusable platform for West Corporation’s next-generation IP services. InterCall’s Senior Director of product strategy, product management, and product development, Herb Pyles, explained that InterCall is investing in a proprietary IP platform to deliver reservationless conferencing — which, he says, is really what has helped the conferencing industry take off — and a key component of that platform are the Convedia Media Servers that that deliver the conferencing applications. The Convedia Media Servers will provide a scalable, IMS-compliant media processing infrastructure to enable reservationless conferencing and collaboration services developed usingSIP) and Media Server Markup Language (MSML) protocols to integrate and control the Convedia media servers. “InterCall customers use conferencing solutions for numerous applications beyond everyday meetings, so it is critical that we deliver the best available technology,” elaborated Craig Webster, senior vice president of systems development for West Interactive Corporation. “West and InterCall evaluated a number of IP media server vendors, but Convedia’s reliability, track record, broad range of multi-service processing features and superior economics proved decisive in our organization moving forward with Convedia.” InterCall also favored Convedia because its media servers are IMS-compliant and, with the heavy industry focus on SIP standards and IMS readiness, InterCall, too, ensured it had a product capable of handling an IMS environment when it becomes necessary.  “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,” said Marc Beattie, Partner & CSP Practice Manager, Wainhouse Research.
www.convedia.com
www.intercall.com
www.west.com

Fusion Seeking Patent to protect its New Peer-to-Peer VoIP Service
By Patrick Barnard

Fusion Telecommunications announced it has applied for a patent for its worldwide Internet Area Code, eNumber, and an automated eNumber ownership verification process — components that make the proprietary service unique in the marketplace. The company only recently announced the launch of the new service — sold under its efonica brand — which lets subscribers keep their existing phone numbers and call each other for free using the Internet Area Code and either a PC or other compatible device. Fusion has selected “10” as the Area Code, meaning all a user has to do is dial “10,” plus the area code and phone number they wish to reach, in order to place a free call. Users can call each other for free anywhere in the world, regardless of their physical location. “We believe that the introduction of the worldwide Internet Area Code marks a significant development in the VoIP industry,” said Roger Karam, president of Fusion’s VoIP division. “We’ve simplified the way subscribers call each other. Because efonica supports the current dialing habits of consumers worldwide, customers should adapt to efonica seamlessly.” “We believe our approach to delivering VoIP services is a revolutionary advance in the industry and deserves patent protection,” Matthew Rosen, president and CEO of Fusion Rosen said. He added that the main selling point for the new service is that it “avoids many of the flaws found in competitors’ offerings, where consumers have had to compromise on many of the capabilities that landline subscribers have taken for granted for years.”
www.fusiontel.com

VoIP Inc. Selects Envox CT ADE
By Cindy Waxer

Fast on the heels of having released the latest version of its communications development platform, Envox 6.3, Envox Worldwide has announced that VoIP Inc. has selected its Envox CT ADE interactive voice response development tools package to power its VoiceOne Enhanced 911 Verification Service. The VoiceOne Enhanced 911 service offered by VoIP Inc. is an FCC-compliant solution for VoIP-based 911 calls. The VoiceOne Enhanced 911 Verification Service is a self-service IVR solution that empowers subscribers to ensure information accuracy. By calling 555-9191, VoiceOne Enhanced 911 subscribers can hear the address information that is on file and then either confirm that it is accurate, update the information, or instruct the system that they will be traveling to a particular area during a specific period of time. “VoIP Inc. has created an innovative service that fills a huge gap for many VoIP-based service providers,” said Mark D. Flanagan, president and CEO of Envox Worldwide. “We are proud that Envox CT ADE enabled VoIP Inc.’s programmers to develop such a cutting edge service — one that will surely accelerate the adoption of VoIP-based services and increase subscriber confidence.” The VoiceOne Enhanced 911 service provides five redundant entry points for IP 911 calls to enter the VoiceOne Network through the Internet or private peering, which are strategically placed geographically to provide the shortest path for a phone call originating anywhere in the U.S. These first levels of redundancy, and the strategic geographic locations, provide the best practical implementation to achieving the best possible QoS connection to the VoiceOne Network from Internet voice subscribers.
www.envox.com
www.voipinc.com

ClearMesh: The SMB Fiber Alternative
By Erik Linask

Optical wireless mesh technology can offer the quality and the cost-effectiveness that both providers and SMBs seek. It is more resilient than WiFi or WiMAX technology, which were designed for reach and mobility rather than the massive requirements of a primary converged network. Mesh technology also has the feature of becoming stronger as it grows — the more nodes are added, the greater the network’s capacity becomes. To take advantage of this opportunity, ClearMesh Networks has announced the launch of its next generation wireless optical mesh solution, the ClearMesh Metro Grid. The solution enables service providers to roll out business class services at 5-100 Mbps to the SMB market while leapfrogging legacy copper and economically rolling out a fiber-grade wireless infrastructure without trenching new fiber. ClearMesh Metro Grid technology extends the reach of carriers’ metro Ethernet networks, where lateral expansion of fiber would require significant up-front investment and months for deployment. Metro Grid can also complement existing WiFi and WiMAX service deployments by infusing additional bandwidth in high density metro areas, expanding the customer base for wireless networks. The ClearMesh 300 nodes can be mounted on telephone poles or rooftops provides the interconnectivity that creates the mesh network. This integrated networking platform combines high-capacity Ethernet switching and low-cost wireless optical transport with business-grade Ethernet service delivery interfaces. Using secure optical transmission, each node can distribute up to 300 Mbps of wire-speed, ultra-low latency, and full-duplex service capacity via three optical transceivers that can connect to three other nodes or other optical devices. This allows service providers to deliver enough capacity to concurrently serve thousands of VoIP calls, video streams and Internet sessions. Each CM300 node has a range of 800 feet, or about two city blocks, and is designed not to be affected by weather, as long as they are deployed within the suggested range. Because the optical signal is a line of sight technology, the solution has an inherent security feature in that it cannot be intercepted or disrupted by radio frequency devices. To that, ClearMesh has also added a scrambling feature that secures the transmission, even if it were captured by an intruder in the line of sight. This technology also provides access to a community that ClearMesh feels has been traditionally underserved and cannot afford the high costs and long rollout periods associated with laying new fiber. In fact, ClearMesh estimates the cost of running six new fiber laterals at approximately $180,000. Those same six buildings can be connected for about $3,500 with the ClearMesh solution — and would take only two day to install.
www.clearmesh.com

Kineto, Simcom to Build GSM/WiFi Dual Mode Handset Using UMA
By Mae Kowalke

Kineto Wireless and Shanghai Simcom, a subsidiary of SIM Technology Group, announced a collaboration to develop a dual mode (GSM/EDGE and WiFi) mobile handset using Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. Simcom, a China-based company that designs mobile handsets, will work with Kineto and its UMA client software to build the handsets. Kineto, an innovator in the UMA technology field, is providing Simcom with development, testing and integration tools as part of its Device Developer Program. Working together, the two companies will produce a series of mobile phones that conform to global UMA standards set by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The phones will allow users to access service wherever they are by seamlessly roaming between WiFi and cellular networks. The two companies announced their goal is to make high-performance, low-cost UMA-enabled devices available to operators worldwide. Simcom’s platform supports advanced technologies, such as EDGE, TDS-CDMA, and WCDMA. When combined with WiFi and UMA, these technologies “deliver a very attractive product portfolio for service providers globally,” according to the firm. Mark Powell, vice president of Kineto’s client business unit, said that “working with Simcom will help meet the increasing market demand for dual-mode mobile/WiFi devices.” He added: “Kineto’s UMA technology, together with Simcom’s excellent mobile handset design capabilities, will result in effective and desirable UMA products coming to market.”
www.kineto.com
www.sim.com

BTC Using Nortel to Triple the Capacity of its Wireless Network, Deliver IMS
By Patrick Barnard

Are you planning a business trip or vacation to the Bahamas this fall? If so, you’ll probably want to bring along your PDA or cell phone, because the wireless service there is likely to be greatly improved. That’s because Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), the primary telecom operator in the Bahamas, is expanding its network using Nortel’s wireless technology. The GSM/GPRS network enhancements will triple BTC’s capacity, thus facilitating delivery of next generation services including high-speed wireless broadband, m-commerce, multimedia messaging, and the ability to download large email attachments, videos, music and games. As a result of the improvements, the Bahamas will become an even more desirable destination for vacationers and business travelers. BTC also plans to roll out enhanced roaming capabilities in order to better accommodate international visitors. “Our aggressive schedule to complete this expansion by the end of September is a direct response to the great investments being made by the Bahamian government in an effort to attract high-end hotels and resorts, as well as housing sub-divisions for affluent vacationers,” said Leon Williams, acting CEO of BTC. BTC is gearing up to offer other new services as well, including an advanced SIP-based prepaid voice service and a phone number service geared for expatriates, targeting the large community of Bahamians in the United States. BTC will be providing its GSM customers with SIP access, thus enabling it to target roaming wireless users or enterprises with WiFi infrastructure. BTC will also consolidate its prepaid services for wireless, wireline and VoIP.
www.btcbahamas.com
www.nortel.com

Mindspeed Announces Wireless Software Suite for Comcerto VoIP Processor Family
By Laura Stotler

Mindspeed Technologies has announced a wireless software suite for its Comcerto VoIP processor family. The new wireless solution with integrated Comcerto processors offers an optimized platform for implementing GSM/W-CDMA and CDMA media gateways with support for IMS and fixed/mobile convergence applications. The Comcerto software suite also offers full support for VoIP over wireless access networks, high-speed wireless data access and multi-purpose 3G and WiFi/WiMAX services. The processor platform was designed to support wireless services and integrates packet and signal processing into a flexible architecture. It features advanced voice signal processing and high-quality echo cancellation and offers all necessary media stream processing and transport layer building blocks. The Comcerto platform enables telecommunications equipment to seamlessly transmit secure, carrier-class-quality voice, video and data over wireless and wireline networks, which frees equipment manufacturers to focus on product differentiation at the application layer. The new software suite builds on earlier offerings and the company’s wireless codec portfolio, and also adds necessary protocol stacks and other packet-processing software. This ensures interworking with 3G, 2G+ and WiFi networks. The software also features voice quality improvements and offers support for ATM and IP networks while offering a roadmap for future wireless codecs. Interworking with 3G networks is accomplished through the lu/NbUP protocol stacks and 2G+ inteworking is supported through TFO and circuit-switched data. WiFi interworking is supported through software for UMA, and Mindspeed’s patented intelligent transcoding technology eliminates transmission delays for improved wireless voice quality.
www.mindspeed.com

Verizon Wireless Taps Lucent for VoIP Rollout
By Johanne Torres

Verizon Wireless announced it has tapped Lucent Technologies to deploy the company’s CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A technology into its nationwide network. Lucent’s Rev. A system, consisting of incremental hardware and software upgrades to Verizon Wireless’ existing Lucent-supplied base stations, will enable Verizon Wireless to introduce a set of new services such as enhanced push-to-talk, messaging, and VoIP. CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Revision A is an enhanced version of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO used to increase efficiency, data speeds and capacity of existing EV-DO networks. EV-DO Rev. A allows users to receive data (forward link) at speeds up to 3.1 Megabits per second (Mbps) and send data (reverse link) at speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps. These increased forward and reverse link data speeds reduce data latency and enable operators to deliver VoIP and other multimedia services. “Lucent has long been a key partner and has helped us provide our customers the most satisfying wireless experience possible. Going forward, we’re going to count on Lucent as we roll out services, like Voice Over IP, that will help advance the way people communicate,” said Ed Salas executive director of network strategy. According to the companies, the first set of live, over-the-air calls using EV-DO Rev. A technology was completed in August, last year. The companies have, since then, conducted live VoIP and video telephony calls using the EV-DO Rev. A QoS feature.
www.verizonwireless.com
www.lucent.com

NetMotion Wireless Mobile VPN Now Microsoft Certified
By Erik Linask

NetMotion Wireless offers a solution to ensure mobile workers are able to stay connected to their businesses and colleagues while away from their desks. Importantly, its flagship mobile VPN solution, Mobility XE, has now achieved certification through Microsoft’s Mobile2Market program. Mobility XE — which enables hundreds of thousands of mobile workers in more than 900 organizations worldwide to get connected and stay connected to critical business applications over wireless networks — is the first VPN to be certified by Microsoft as a “Designed for Windows Mobile” solution for Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone. The Mobility XE Mobile VPN keeps enterprise workers securely connected to critical data and applications, even as they roam in and out of coverage gaps or from network to network. Mobility XE turns a multi-network environment into a single unified network, maintaining application sessions so mobile workers can work without disruption. To enable continuous connectivity, Mobility XE establishes a virtual IP address for each user, so that, even as clients move and are assigned new IP addresses by various networks, the enterprise application servers always see the same, unchanging virtual IP address. Mobility XE also incorporates security features to protect both the user and the network from intrusion. “Thanks to advancements such as Windows Mobile 5.0, mobile computing is becoming a common part of mainstream enterprise IT practices,” said Bob Hunsberger, president and CEO of NetMotion Wireless. “But true enterprise mobile computing is about more than e-mail and the Internet — it’s about reliable access to enterprise applications, protected by rock-solid security and supported by centralized management that incorporates every device type an organization uses. That’s our mission and it’s what we provide through Mobility XE.”
www.netmotionwireless.com

Carnival Cruise “Fun Ships” Offer Cellular Calling
By Stefania Viscusi

If you thought going on a cruise meant sailing out into the sea to get away and rid yourself of communications like cell phones, think again. As the importance of being connected increases for business users and families, vacationers sailing on cruise ships are now offered the convenience of making calls from their personal cell phones while out in the middle of the ocean or at the port — without the need for additional dialing or software. A provider of wireless maritime cellular services and a joint venture between Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) is now bringing this convenience to travelers aboard all Carnival Cruise “Fun Ships” via an exclusive agreement between Carnival Cruise Lines and WMS. For this offering, WMS, which provides roaming in GSM and CDMA to the cruise industry, will use their state-of-the-art high-bandwidth technology to provide all Carnival Cruise “Fun Ships” with a cellular service compatible with any cellular phone and enables guests sailing on Carnival to make and receive calls anywhere in the world from any cruising region. “Whether making a voice call, responding to email, sending a picture message, or accessing the Internet to check on local happenings back home, what a great convenience for Carnival guests to enjoy the same features of their wireless service at sea as they would roaming on land,” said Leighton Carroll, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wireless Maritime Services.
www.cellularatsea.com
www.cingular.com
www.mtnsat.com

NETGEAR Provides High-Speed VoIP and Video Networking Across Home Powerlines
By Erik Linask

NETGEAR has announced the availability of its 200 Mbps Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter (HDX101) and Kit (HDXB101). The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter is what enables users to seamlessly connect their Ethernet-ready devices to the home network. It distributes high-speed, high-performance — and, perhaps most importantly, affordable — broadband throughout the home, without any new wiring. NETGEAR’s Powerline HD Ethernet Adapters turn any AC electrical outlet into an HD-streaming, high-speed Ethernet broadband connection for real-time high-quality video, gaming, and VoIP. The adapter offers built-in Video Quality of Service (VQoS) for consistent performance with encrypted security, at unprecedented data rates, to seamlessly stream HD video throughout the entire home. “We’ve seen great demand for this technology, as its simplicity is unbeatable,” stated Kartik Gada, NETGEAR’s product line manager for connectivity devices. “Consumers are requiring faster, more reliable, convenient, and uncomplicated broadband connections throughout their homes, in order to support a growing number of applications, like online gaming, audio distribution, and HD video streaming, all of which require copious bandwidth. By working with DS2, we’ve developed the ideal solution for successfully bridging the gap in areas of the home network that aren’t conducive to wireless, without requiring a clutter of cords.” DS2 200 Mbps technology also supports advanced features, like QoS management, multicasting, and network isolation, making it the ideal application not just for in-home consumer electronics, but also metropolitan wide area networking.
www.netgear.com

Eurotech Brings Star Trek Technology to Earth
By Erik Linask

Eurotech has unveiled its space age Zypad wrist-worn computer. With an eye on revolutionizing the way millions of people work, the Zypad’s high-tech design is the compilation of circuit miniaturization, a wide range of computer hardware functions, optimized power consumption, and ergonomic considerations. Indeed, weighing only about 10 ounces, the device could conceivably function as a common everyday tool, not unlike a mobile phone. “The idea behind the wrist-worn computer project,” explains Eurotech President Roberto Siagri, “is to leave the user’s hands free. The Zypad enables users to work with a network connection without being tied to a fixed position.  These wearable computers will give us a new freedom of movement, radically changing the way we work, and for the better.” While the primary target market for the wrist-PC will be demanding — perhaps hostile — environments where computers have become essential, yet the use of traditional PCs or other handheld devices is still impractical.  In these instances, wearable computers will provide a means of access to integrated network resources without unnecessarily inconveniencing users. The flexibility of the miniature device is noteworthy, as it adds to the range of possible uses.  Largely, the controls are dependent on users’ requirements and the intended application of the device.  Both touch screens and navigation keys can be used, and voice recognition software is in the process of being developed for the Zypad. Really, the uses are nearly limitless, once the functionality of a full-size PC is places in a small, wireless, wrist-sized device, in environments where hands-free and always-on connectivity are particularly important.
www.eurotech.com

BroadLight, AudioCodes and Legerity Enable VoIP Over PON
By Johanne Torres

BroadLight, a supplier of ITU Passive Optical Network (PON) semiconductor and software, announced it is partnering with VoIP technology companies AudioCodes and Legerity to deliver an integrated reference platform that will allow customers to add VoIP services on GPON. The GPON VoIP reference platform is comprised of the BroadLight BL2000 Integrated BPON/GPON System-on-chip (SoC), AudioCodes’ AC48x Voice over Packet Processor family and the Legerity’s VE880 VoicePort Series telephone line interface systems. The combined system has already been adopted by XAVi Technologies, a Taiwanese broadband products supplier. JL Lin, chief technology officer of XAVi, said: “We chose to use the BroadLight and AudioCodes reference design because we needed to easily incorporate VoIP services in order to compete in major GPON contracts in review. Following our evaluation of the VoIP reference design, we believe it is a powerful and cost effective platform that will assist us in achieving design wins within the marketplace.” The joint reference design will offer PON OEMs and ODMs a hardware and software implementation of two or four VoIP channels, including full media processing (vocoders, echo cancellation, jitter buffer, etc.) and SIP signaling, supporting 3-way conferencing, call forward, call hold, call waiting and more. “We are pleased to empower BroadLight’s end-to-end GPON solution with our leading voice over packet technology,” stated AudioCodes’ Shaul Weissman, vice president of VoIP processors. “GPON is one of the most promising next generation access technologies and as a pioneer in voice technology we recognize the importance of VoIP in this space.”
www.broadlight.com
www.audiocodes.com
www.legerity.com

WildPackets Launches Free, Web-based Network Analyzer
By Patrick Barnard

WildPackets has launched a Web-based network analyzer, OmniPeek Personal, which is the first commercially developed expert network analyzer available free for personal use. Based on OmniPeek Analyzer, a component of WildPacket’s OmniAnalysis Platform, OmniPeek Personal “gives individual users the chance to experience the power and extensibility of WildPackets’ network analysis technology at no cost.” With OmniPeek, users can troubleshoot network performance and security problems; view “top talkers” on the network and drill down to see which nodes are communicating, which protocols and sub-protocols are being transmitted, and which traffic characteristics are affecting network performance; change filters on the fly without having to stop and restart packet captures; and view packet-stream based analytics by conversation pair, instantly locating network events, such as SQL queries and DoS attacks. OmniPeek Personal, which runs on Windows, is available for download at the firm’s Web site. Users also can extend the functionality of the analyzer by using a number of available plug-ins. OmniPeek Personal offers “best-in-class” wired and wireless analysis in one application, as well as an intuitive real-time graphics and display; Visual Expert and Packet Visualizer toolsets; and application analysis and Apdex scoring that reflects end user satisfaction with applications.
www.wildpackets.com

Narad Unveils New Ethernet Switch Set Delivering up to 100 Mbps over Cable
By Patrick Barnard

With the likes of AT&T and Verizon aggressively rolling out new, high speed FTTH networks for the delivery of digital video, cable operators are now faced with the challenge of affordably upgrading their networks so that they can deliver next generation services with the same level of quality — or better. Narad Networks announced it has developed a new modular switch product line capable of delivering 100 Mbps simultaneously to every home on a cable operator’s network. Cable operators can use the new switch in a variety of network architectures serving both residential and business customers. For example, the switch can be deployed in a fiber to the curb architecture for high capacity residential broadband. Narad says the new Ethernet switch set will allow cable operators to upgrade their networks to deliver the same speeds or better as a FTTH network, but with less expensive electronic components and far less fiber construction, thus significantly lowering the overall cost. In fact, the company claims operators can achieve network speeds that are faster than those delivered by Verizon’s FiOS or AT&T’s Lightspeed. “In contested markets, cable operators now have a new HFC cable solution with superior performance and economics than their competitors,” said Michael Collette, chief executive officer of Narad Networks. “With this new platform, cable operators can future-proof their network to support more advanced services by delivering higher capacity at lower costs and in less time than anything offered by Verizon or AT&T.”
www.naradnetworks.com

Sunrise Telecom Introduces New Network Analyzer
By Patrick Barnard

Test solutions provider Sunrise Telecom introduced its new network analyzer, the AT1800RQS. This portable device — which was rated a near-perfect 4.5 in Broadband Gear Report’s annual Diamond Technology Review — is said to deliver “the power and flexibility to perform all required RF and DOCSIS field testing.” It is also reportedly one of the only RF testers to use a Windows CE operating system. This makes the AT1800RQS unique in its ability to run third party software applications with Windows or Web-based WFM/NMS systems. The AT1800RQS includes a true spectrum analyzer function, a QAM analyzer (the integrated dual band 6-8MHz IF filters and Annex A, B, C compliance make it well suited for global applications), as well as a built-in filtering system and a non-interfering bidirectional sweep platform. Sunrise says it is the only true field spectrum/QAM/sweep analyzer that integrates a DOCSIS 2.0 modem w/BPI+ manufacturer digital certificates. In addition, the built-in upstream QAM 16/64 generator option, when used in conjunction with the AT2500RQ QAM receiver, characterizes the return band, by quickly finding existing RF linear and non-linear network impairments. “MSO’s finally get the most powerful and flexible test instrument they have been seeking,” said Bernard Cadieux, vice president of marketing and business development for Sunrise Telecom’s Broadband Products Group, in the press release. “Only the AT1800RQS can deliver the complete functionality required to correctly and quickly diagnose, locate and help resolve problems — a true spectrum analyzer, QAM analyzer, cable modem and sweep transmitter/receiver.”
www.sunrisetelecom.com

Microsoft CRM For Palm Treo 700w Smartphone
By David Sims

X10DATA Corporation, developer of the x10DATA Mobile Platform, has announced that it has mobilized Microsoft’s Dynamics ERP and CRM applications on Palm’s Treo 700w smartphone. When powered by the x10DATA Smart Client, Treo users can navigate financial, sales, service, and project management applications in real time over Verizon’s EV-DO broadband network using 10 intuitive, single-handed commands. “The Palm Treo powered by x10DATA enables sales managers, service reps, and CEOs to do what they do best — from servicing customers and taking orders to managing projects and cash flow,” says Doug Migliori, President of x10DATA Corporation. “It means being 100 percent effective, 100 percent of the time, wherever you are.” After Palm introduced the Treo smartphone, it quickly became one of the most popular devices on the market, integrating a mobile phone with e-mail, organizer, Web access, camera, and more. Now, the Palm Treo 700w combines the functionality and ease of use Treo smartphones are known for with the power of Windows Mobile. And with the x10DATA Smart Client installed, it’s the perfect balance of ease and power, delivering everything needed to be fully productive while away from the office, with one-handed operation.
www.x10data.com
www.microsoft.com
www.palm.com

NICE Completes Acquisition of IEX Corporation

NICE Systems, a global provider of advanced solutions that enable organizations to extract Insight from Interactions announced the completion of its acquisition of IEX Corporation, a provider of workforce management, strategic planning, and performance management solutions for the contact center. The acquisition of IEX Corporation, originally announced on April 28th, 2006, was an all-cash transaction for $200 million. The IEX and Performix acquisitions, the latter of which was completed on May 22nd, 2006, are part of NICE’s strategic vision to provide a comprehensive range of solutions for all aspects of contact center business performance and analytics. The combination of solutions from NICE, IEX, and Performix enables contact centers to gain the first holistic view of contact center performance, addressing stakeholders at all levels, and providing enterprise users with critical insights on strategic business issues.
www.nice.com

Interactive Intelligence Releases Enhanced Multi-Site Call Routing Software

Interactive Intelligence, the global developer of business communications software, has made available a new version of its multi-site call routing software, Interaction Director, which adds generic object routing to enable distributed contact centers and enterprises to more effectively route and process virtually any type of work task — from customer service trouble tickets and loan applications to catalog orders and address updates. “The latest version of Interaction Director marks a breakthrough by extending network-based, multi-site call routing to nearly any type of work request imaginable,” said Ken Landoline, senior analyst for Yankee Group. “This unique generic object routing across sites is yet another step in the trend we’re seeing toward the increasing interest in remote agent support, the blending of internal and external workforces, and overall multi-site performance optimization.” Interaction Director was first released in 1999 as a network-based pre- and post-call routing product designed to work with the company’s contact center automation software, Customer Interaction Center(CIC). Interaction Director helps organizations improve operational efficiencies by more evenly distributing calls across sites based on real-time information, such as agent availability, skill-sets, and other pre-configured rules. This includes the ability to route faxes, e-mails, and other multimedia interactions from ACD queues across multiple sites and groups.
www.inin.com

ING Comercial America Uses Avaya Technology

When ING Mexico, a provider of insurance, pension benefits and financial services, needed a way to enhance customer service by connecting customers to the right agent and at the right time, the company selected an Intelligent Communications solution from Avaya. The company established a contact center in Mexico City with 305 employees and 229 agent positions that attend to an average of 220,000 calls each month. Car accident reports, health and life insurance inquiries, pension information, and tele-sales are just some of the services provided via the contact center, in addition to services for ING employees country-wide, such as IT and HR support. To manage call routing, Avaya Customer Interaction Suite contact center software allows incoming calls to be automatically distributed based on preset parameters. As a result, callers are more quickly and efficiently connected to the agent who can best attend to their needs. For example, 80% of calls related to accidents are quickly identified and attended to in less than 10 seconds and, in the case of customer service, in less than 20 seconds. The new system provides routing and reporting tools to help better balance calls among the staff, which, in turn, can be scheduled more efficiently to match higher-volume calling times. From the Avaya MultiVantage Communications Applications portfolio, Avaya Communication Manager IP telephony software serves as the core of the new communications network at each site. Avaya Call Management System software provides reports and management tools needed to monitor and analyze contact center performance, showing where improvements are needed and where to take fast effective action.
www.avaya.com
www.ing.com

Cistera Extends VoIP App for Call Centers
By Johanne Torres

IP phone application provider Cistera Networks introduced two new products, the Cistera ConvergenceServer 7500 and Cistera CallCenterEnterprise v1.7. The CisteraConvergenceServer (CCS) 7500 is designed for enterprise VoIP installations with large numbers of users and monitoring requirements. It can support up to 100,000 directory users or 600 simultaneous recorders. The CCS 7500 also supports four Intel Xeon Processors and up to 36GB of memory. The server runs the Cistera v1.6 platform and will support the CallCenterEnterprise v1.7 (CCEV1.7). The Cistera CallCenterEnterprise v1.7 will offer Call Center admins and supervisors additional features, including remote monitoring, screen capture, integrated instant messenger (IM) client with better presence support, coaching, and desktop remote control. CCEv1.7 also offers reporting, remote Web-based monitoring and QA sampling. The CCS integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s IP Contact Center Express and Enterprise.
www.cistera.com

CosmoCom Completes Interoperability Testing with BroadSoft

Contact center on demand specialist CosmoCom announced it has successfully completed interoperability testing between its CosmoCall Universe all-IP contact center software platform and BroadSofts BroadWorks VoIP application server. The interoperable solution empowers service providers to offer a complete hosted communication service to their enterprise customers with a unified PBX and Contact Center. CosmoCall Universe (CCU) enables service providers to offer a unified hosted contact center suite that includes ACD, IVR, IVVR, CTI, multimedia recording, and administrative tools, all within a single, high-capacity, high-availability, multi-tenant platform. BroadWorks enables service providers to offer hosted IP PBX services that have all the features of traditional PBX systems. Both services allow customers to benefit without incurring the capital investment and operational overhead of premise-based systems. Service providers hosting the two platforms can now deliver all of the telecommunications needs of an organization as a unified whole. A single end user device, typically a SIP-enabled IP telephone, serves as the terminal for both PBX extensions and call center agents. Calls flow seamlessly between call center agents and other staff members. The systems share status and presence information, facilitating customer service when call center agents need to seek out subject matter experts in the larger organization. And CosmoComs advanced IVR capabilities are available to provide automated attendant services and other applications not related to the contact center.
www.cosmocom.com
www.broadsoft.com

Envox Accelerates Transition to Next-Gen IVR

Envox Worldwide announced that it has launched the Envox IVR Upgrade Program that will enable organizations to replace their legacy IVR systems with next-generation solutions. These new Envox-based VoIP and speech-enabled solutions can increase automation rates by 100% or more, reduce total cost of ownership by 50% or more and ensure outstanding customer interactions. “The world is filled with dead-end IVR systems that are undermining customer satisfaction and retention objectives,” said Mark D. Flanagan, president and CEO of Envox Worldwide. “These legacy IVR systems carry exorbitant maintenance fees and add unnecessary cost to an organization’s overhead. It has become apparent that these legacy IVR systems, which are based on proprietary hardware, software and interfaces, have failed both the organizations and customers that they were designed to serve.” Envox created the IVR Upgrade Program to fill a significant void in the marketplace. Competitive disruptions in the market, as well as the ongoing evolution of technology, have left many enterprises and service providers with IVR systems that have become a “dead end” rather than a pathway to the future. The Envox IVR Upgrade Program will enable any enterprise or service provider to upgrade its legacy IVR system to a next-generation voice solution customized to address their specific needs, regardless of the application, the industry, the network type, or the user interface.
www.envox.com

VoIP Peering: TransNexus and Emergent Partner
By Johanne Torres

TransNexus and Emergent Network Solutions certified the Entice Session Border Controller and NexSRS certificate authority and settlement server, which, the companies said, are now fully interoperable for secure VoIP peering. The system combo uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) services for a more secure peer to peer access control and settlement accounting among interconnect peers. This security feature allows VoIP wholesalers, VoIP clearinghouses, IP transport providers, and network co-location providers to “increase customer loyalty and generate new revenues from peer to peer VoIP traffic.” Secure VoIP peering for Entice now includes two new features used to reduce interconnect fraud risk and settlement disputes. “First, digitally signed tokens included with each call setup ensure secure peer to peer access control. Then, real time collection of encrypted call detail records from both source and destination peers eliminate interconnect settlement billing disputes,” explained the companies. In order to enable secure VoIP peering, the Entice Session Border Controller communicates with the NexSRS settlement server using the OSP peering protocol, an operations and billing support (OSS/BSS) protocol standard. The OSP peering protocol is supported by VoIP platforms such as Cisco, Veraz, Asterisk, SIP Express Router and OpenSER.
www.transnexus.com
www.emergent-netsolutions.com

Vodavi and Speakeasy Join Forces
By Cindy Waxer

Vodavi, a provider of traditional and next-generation business telecommunications solutions and Speakeasy, a broadband provider, announced their new marketing partnership targeting the SMB space. As part of the agreement, Speakeasy will market Vodavi’s 6800 Series IP Terminals in conjunction with its flagship business VoIP solution aimed at small business customers seeking a single provider for hosted voice and data connectivity. Speakeasy business VoIP offers SMBs the benefits and functionality of a sophisticated PBX phone system without having to invest in complex and expensive on-site hardware. The partnership gives Speakeasy’s direct sales and certified indirect solutions providers a hosted business VoIP solution that delivers Speakeasy’s broadband connectivity, local and long distance phone service, along with Vodavi’s 6812 and 6830 carrier-grade desktop terminals. The 6800 Series Hosted IP Terminals include a library of features and functionality business customers are accustomed to in a traditional desktop telephone. Unique features that make Vodavi’s IP Endpoints attractive for Hosted solutions include Enhanced Shared Line Appearance, Line Status Monitoring, and the first true hosted IP attendant console that can manage and monitor 24 line appearances with its unique single button direct station select (DSS) and busy lamp field (BLF). DSS and BLF are ideal for attendant console or secretarial call coverage positions that need extensive single button feature access.
www.vodavi.com
www.speakeasy.net

VoIP Provider IPcelerate Chooses Nexus IS as First Platinum Partner
By Mae Kowalke

Dallas-based VoIP provider IPcelerate announced the launch of its new Platinum Partner program. The first company to earn that designation is Nexus IS, a growing provider of converged communications solutions. IPcelerate explained that its Platinum Partner program is reserved for only the most valued and best performing companies. Members gain access to training, marketing services, and new sales channels. Now that Nexus IS is one of IPcelerate’s Platinum partners, the two companies are working together to provide customers with compelling and impactful VoIP solutions. Nexus IS’ CEO Deron Pearson said that the Platinum designation is very beneficial to the company. “We will now be able to separate ourselves further from the competition by developing custom solutions to solve our customers’ problems,” Pearson said in a statement.
www.ipcelerate.com
www.nexusis.com

Fujitsu and Airspan Team to Deliver Carrier Class WiMAX Solution
By Patrick Barnard

Is WiMAX the “best” solution for the last mile dilemma facing U.S. service providers seeking to deliver high quality VoIP and IPTV to their customers? The answer to that question, increasingly, is “yes,” but to say WiMAX is the only logical solution — for the now and in the future — would be stretching things a bit. It appears that widespread adoption of the WiMAX standard 802.16e is more than a year off, but in the meantime, U.S. service providers are gravitating to the current, 802.16-2004 standard in droves as they frantically upgrade their networks for the delivery of next generation video and voice services to their customers. Adoption of the technology has reportedly been more pronounced in recent months – particularly among operators working in either dense urban or extremely rural regions (in an urban setting, a single WiMAX node can be used to deliver next generation services to dozens, if not hundreds of customers simultaneously – while in rural setting, it can be used to provide access to homes which are too costly to reach via a fixed line). Networking solutions provider Fujitsu is playing a big role in driving WiMAX adoption rates. The company announced it is partnering with WiMAX equipment maker Airspan Networks to deliver a new, end-to-end, turnkey WiMAX solution for U.S. service providers. Fujitsu will become a reseller for the full line of Airpan’s AS.MAX products, and will provide support for the new carrier-class solution through its Network Life Cycle Services. Airspan’s AS.MAX products support a range of end-user devices that integrate both WiMAX and WiFi technologies. Fujitsu plans to enrich these products with advanced network features that will make it possible for carriers to deliver quality VoIP services, including integrated SIP gateway messaging to enable call control and capacity reservation for voice traffic. With the combined solution, voice capacity is not reserved until requested, and can be dynamically adjusted while maintaining QoS, thus enabling the optimal use of radio link capacity while offering an ideal consumer experience.
www.airspan.com
www.fujitsu.com

DecisionOne Tapped as TalkSwitch’s Certified PBX Installer
By Johanne Torres

Voice systems designer TalkSwitch announced it tapped DecisionOne, a technology support services firm, as a certified installer of its TalkSwitch line of IP/PSTN hybrid PBXs. The deal calls for DecisionOne to work with authorized TalkSwitch resellers to provide installation and technical assistance to TalkSwitch customers in the U.S. and Canada. The partnership will provide TalkSwitch customers with on-site assistance for equipment installation and technical troubleshooting in cases where the TalkSwitch reseller is unable to do so. These features will be available through the company’s Desktop to Dialtone service. “DecisionOne’s North American coverage is a benefit to our rapidly growing reseller channel,” said TalkSwitch’s president and CEO Jan Scheeren, in a statement. “Resellers looking to roll out a large-scale deployment, or arrange an installation in an area where they may not have adequate coverage, can call on DecisionOne to provide expert installation and troubleshooting service at the customer’s location. The company shares our dedication to providing quality service to small businesses, and we look forward to a successful relationship with them.” DecisionOne’s Desktop to Dialtone offering is a set of nationwide technical support services for VoIP original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), service providers, and value-added resellers that provides immediate national support services infrastructure for those companies looking to up or enhance their service capabilities. Desktop to Dialtone service spans the VoIP lifecycle to include network assessment, logistics, deployment, technical service desk and maintenance.
www.talkswitch.com
www.decisionone.com

LatiNode Using SIP Peering Solutions from NexTone, Pactolus and Cantata
By Laura Stotler

LatiNode, a facilities-based VoIP service provider, is now using integrated solutions from Cantata Technology, NexTone Communications, and Pactolus Communications Software Corporation. The company is leveraging the solutions to achieve service improvements in speed, simplicity, security and economy through the use of SIP peering. The solutions enable LatiNode to expand trans-nationally and attract new distribution and retail customers through voice-over-broadband offerings, prepaid calling card and conferencing services built on an IP core network. The SIP peering strategy is helping the provider extend international voice services access economically. LatiNode is using the RapidFLEX Service Creation Environment and SIPware Services to launch new subscriber services. It is also using NexTone’s IntelliConnect System to make intelligent IP and IMS network interconnects to the Cantata IMG 1010 integrated media and signaling gateway. This will enable LatiNode to expand services throughout the Americas and Europe. The SIP peering scheme will enable LatiNode to implement IP customer and peer interconnects while also turning out new services and speeding up revenue recognition. The SIP Peering and SIP voice services architecture enabled by the new partners offers service differentiation and reduces carrier CAPEX and OPEX required to deliver voice services. The setup simplifies IP core network interfaces and the service architecture, reducing the costs of interconnecting with the PSTN for VOBB direct inward dial through LatiNode’s CrossFone services. “Cantata, Pactolus and NexTone form a uniquely comprehensive, simple and scalable service delivery solution,” said Jorge Granados, CEO and founder of LatiNode. “They are strategic partners in driving our triple-digit millions-of-minutes growth, and they share our mission of enabling LatiNode to expand telecom accessibility, usability and affordability among Hispanic and other communities around the world.”
www.latinode.com

Ubiquity Software Selected by Global Crossing as SIP Platform Preferred Supplier for Global IP Network Expansion

Ubiquity Software and Global Crossing announced the execution of a multi-year, multimillion dollar agreement whereby Ubiquity Software will become a preferred supplier for SIP Application Server technology in Global Crossing’s global IP network. Under the agreement, Global Crossing will use Ubiquity’s SIP Application Server (SIP A/S) and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) service creation environment to develop, deploy, and manage a new generation of IP-based services and to migrate existing legacy applications to Global Crossing’s global IP platform. Global Crossing currently plans to deploy several applications including VoIP Interactive Voice Response and VoIP Network Transfer. In connection with the agreement, INUK Networks, a partner of Ubiquity, entered into a separate agreement to purchase VoIP services from Global Crossing (UK) Telecommunications Limited (GCUK). The services will be part of a triple play offering to be launched by INUK Networks later this year, providing university students broadband Internet access, IPTV and VoIP. As a worldwide provider of IP voice, video and data services to more than 600 cities in 60 countries and six continents, Global Crossing is responding aggressively to the demand for new and innovative IP-based applications and services. Global Crossing selected Ubiquity’s SIP A/S for its rapid service-creation capabilities and advanced SOOF-based SOA, operational cost savings potential, and the ability to address new customers with new and innovative services that extend its market leadership as an IP carrier. “The Ubiquity SIP Application Server platform strengthens our IP architecture and supports our strategy to rapidly offer new and innovative IP services to enterprise and carrier customers worldwide,” said Dan Enright, EVP Operations, Global Crossing.
www.ubiquitysoftware.com
www.globalcrossing.com

CounterPath Delivers BT’s New VoIP Softphone
By Johanne Torres

VoIP and SIP phone provider CounterPath Solutions just inked a licensing agreement with BT Retail, a division of UK-based telecom provider BT, to deliver the company’s softphone. BT Softphone is a tool that allows retailers to offer consumer broadband customers enhanced VoIP service, including more secure Internet voice calling, and video messaging. “Our aim is to help consumers enjoy a wide range of multimedia information, services and applications, as we move towards a converged communications landscape,” stated Gavin Patterson, group managing director, consumer, at BT Retail. “The BT Softphone allows consumers to experience all the benefits of VoIP, such as cost-effectiveness and increased flexibility, and CounterPath enabled us to provide an intuitive, user-friendly solution.” “As more consumers experience the benefits of VoIP and Instant Messaging, service providers are looking to maximize the value of IP-based communication for their customers,” said Donovan Jones, president and COO at CounterPath. “BT is one of the world’s leading telecommunications brands, and a leader in the UK broadband market, so we are excited to be working with the company as part of its commitment to increasing widespread VoIP adoption and to ongoing innovation in this space. The BT Softphone is the first phase of this approach and we look forward to working with BT in the future on the development of new multimedia applications and services.”
www.counterpath.com
www.bt.com