NetZero Claims Dial-Up VoIP
By David Sims

Saying consumers should not have to have broadband Internet access in order to enjoy the price savings and feature content of Internet phone calling, Mark R. Goldston, chairman, CEO and president of United Online has announced NetZero Voice, a Voice-over Internet Protocol phone service that provides local and long distance calling over dial-up and broadband Internet connections. In time for the heavy Thanksgiving and Christmas calling season, the NetZero Voice Internet phone service works with virtually any ISP service, dial-up or broadband, and allows global dial-up users, including the estimated 45 million U.S. users, Internet phone calling. Usually such services require broadband connections. The full-featured NetZero Voice does not require an adaptor, a router, or any other high tech hardware and there are no start-up fees, Goldston says: All you do is download and install the free software in a matter of minutes, plug in a microphone and speakers or a headset, and start making Internet phone calls. NetZero is offering five calling plans, ranging from free to $14.95 per month. To sign up for a pay service a U.S. billing address is required. The calling plans available range from NetZero FreeVoice, offering unlimited worldwide computer-to-computer calling between NetZero Voice users, to NetZero Voice Unlimited, where in addition to free unlimited worldwide computer-to-computer calling and a personal phone number, purchasers get unlimited computer-to-phone (landline or cell phone) and phone-to-computer calling to the continental United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and unlimited inbound calls from any landline or mobile phone for $14.95 per month. International call rates vary. Unlike most VoIP services, company officials claim, NetZero Voice is designed to work well over both broadband and dial-up Internet connections. Using proprietary technology, NetZero Voice claims to reduce echo, latency and other problems with VoIP connections.
www.netzero.com

TMC and VoX Communications Team Up to offer VoIP Services

VoX Communications, Inc., eLEC Communications Corp.s wholesale and retail provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC(R)), one of the worlds foremost publishers of magazines and Websites covering communications technology, have teamed up to offer VoIP services to consumers and businesses worldwide. Under terms of the agreement, TMC has chosen VoXs advanced wholesale VoIP services in order to immediately begin offering private-labeled VoIP services to residential and small-business customers. TMCs President Rich Tehrani stated, Were excited about offering VoXs VoIP services under our TMC VoIP brand to give consumers and businesses around the world the highest voice quality service at incredible cost savings. Tehrani has been at the forefront of VoIP technology since its inception, and is regarded as a leading authority on VoIP. He is also a member of eLECs advisory board for VoX Communications. Tehrani added, We selected VoX because of its strong management team and leading-edge VoIP server-cluster technology. Mark Richards and Michael Khalilian are two of the greatest engineering minds in this business and the reason why VoXs services are leading this industry in terms of quality and cost savings. By working with VoX, we can give our customers access to VoXs nationwide VoIP network and flat-rate calling with the latest telephone features - at a fraction of the cost of traditional, landline telephone services. VoIP is the wave of the future, and were pleased to be working with VoIP experts like VoX Communications to bring this exciting next-generation phone service to our customers. VoXs President Mark Richards said, TMC and Rich Tehrani are authorities on the business and technology of VoIP, and were thrilled to have been selected to enable TMC to become a provider of VoIP services. With TMCs knowledge of the industry and the incredible branding power of TMCs marketing vehicles we are sure TMC VoIP will be a great success. TMCs flagship print magazine INTERNET TELEPHONY reaches more than 200,000 readers worldwide each month, and their website TMCnet receives between 500,000 and a million unique visitors per month. These readers and visitors are looking to learn more about communications and technology and having access to this vast audience TMC is uniquely positioned to sell VoIP services to residential customers and small companies who are anxiously awaiting the right VoIP solution. This relationship exemplifies the value of partnerships that bring together the best possible combination of technology and marketing, he added.
www.tmcnet.com/voip-service

VoIP 411: INFONXX Offers Call Completion Services
By Johanne Torres

INFONXX will now connect VoIP callers using its directory assistance services to their requested listings completely over the Internet. The announcement was made at the Internet Telephony Conference & EXPO at the Los Angeles Convention Center. VoIP call completion eliminates the need for the caller to remember, write down, hang up, and then dial the requested number. Instead, the caller remains on the line as the directory assistance operator connects the call to the requested party automatically. The call passes from the carriers VoIP network to INFONXXs IP architecture, where an operator locates the listing, before passing the call back into the carriers network. It is now possible to connect VoIP callers to their desired listing from end-to-end, off route, without ever passing through the legacy telephone networkand that provides our carrier customers with a huge technological advantage and cost savings, said Michael Bates, INFONXX Vice President of Global Technology. VoIP call completion provides these forward-thinking carriers with a customer-focused solution that further enhances the caller experience. INFONXXs 411 Plus offering comprises very cool tools such as Text Direct & SMS Directory Assistance and Speech Recognition 411. With Text Direct & SMS Directory Assistance, a requested name, phone number, and address can be sent directly to a mobile callers handheld device. Additionally, the company is working on making maps, driving directions, and other graphical information available for forwarding directly to the handset, giving even more freedom and control to the wireless user.
www.infonxx.com

VoIP Connecting Hurricane Stricken Gulf Area
By Johanne Torres

Internet phone service providers Net2Phone and CMA Cablevision announced a partnership in order to provide free broadband telephony service to displaced families in the city of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, stricken by both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Gulf Coast and Plaquemines Parishs residents are currently unable to communicate due to the heavy damages sustained by the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). After post-hurricane cable plant inspections revealed an area of CMAs cable system was intact and operating, CMA representatives contacted Plaquemines Parish officials, noted the companies news communiqu. This is why CMA and Net2Phone decided to install VoiceLine VoIP telephone lines in the Belle Chasse Community Center. Cable television has always been about the communities it serves, John Helmers, CMA General Manager said. Being able to help contribute in a small way to people resuming their lives is helping all of us look toward the future and our continued recovery from this disaster. The whole world has seen the devastation that Katrina has caused, said Liore Alroy, CEO of Net2Phone. As individuals, we look for ways we can have an impact in helping the recovery. As a corporation, Net2Phone is grateful to have a partner and the resources that allowed us to contribute this valuable service. VoIP-based telecommunications have been very helpful during natural disaster relief efforts. Indeed, VoIP industry leaders made news when they provided their services to connect families with their relatives during and after Hurricane Emily and Katrina this hurricane season. 3Com Corp. donated VoIP equipment to emergency and government organizations to support their communications needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Each kit included a VoIP phone system with voicemail and auto attendant, which enabled DHH providing all callers with recorded info on recovery efforts and to the ability to route calls to the appropriate emergency personnel. VoIP telephone service provider Proactive Communications Inc. of Texas announced last month it would provide PingTone, a VoIP over ground-based satellite system, to first responders working in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Proactive is a government contractor with experience deploying portable satellite-based data and telephone networks to most remote, rural regions of the world. High quality communications are a must have in a disaster relief effort, noted Hector Salazar, CEO of Proactive Communications. And just when those affected need telephone and data lines most, theyre down or destroyed.
www.net2phone.com
www.cmaaccess.com

VoIP Providers Win Major Victory
By Rich Tehrani

The FCC may have been a bit too hasty in requiring VoIP providers a short window to provide nationwide E-911 compliance. The original deadline was in August of this year. Not only did the FCC have to subsequently push back the deadline for compliance, but the Senate Commerce Committeepushed back the deadline for full 911 compliance for up to four years. The deadline will be moved in one year increments based on waivers granted by the FCC. These waivers will be granted if compliance is not technically or operationally feasible at the time. The legislation, S. 1063, waives the current November deadline and requires revised FCC rules within 120 days from the date the bill is enacted. Providers still have to warn subscribers that 911 and E-911 service is unavailable and receive confirmation from subscribers that this message is understood. The bill goes on to waive E-911 rules for up to four years if the service provider meets a specific set of tests. One of the more important parts of this bill is the requirement that our public safety 911 system be modernized. The bill also treats VoIP providers like wireless and wireline carriers in another vital area: public safety officials are now immune from lawsuits when they accept VoIP calls. The bill also does wonders for providers who were afraid they would have to cut off customers. As long as these customers subscribe before the end of 2005 and acknowledge certain 911 limitations, they cannot be disconnected.
www.fcc.gov/911/enhanced

EarthLink, Ambient, Level3 Deploy trueVoice VoIP
By Johanne Torres

Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) provider Ambient Corp. announced that it will deploy EarthLinks new VoIP-based calling service, trueVoice, to its Manhattan, NY pilot. As a third partner, Level3 Communications announced it joined the duo to deliver the voice communications service over Ambients BPL network. EarthLinks NYC pilot, activated earlier this year, is currently providing broadband Internet services to condominium owners of a 16 floor, 213-unit building. Making phone calls over the Internet is revolutionizing the way consumers use their communication tools and changing the way our customers view EarthLink, said Steve Howe, vice president of voice services at EarthLink. By incorporating trueVoice into this BPL pilot, we are further demonstrating our commitment to advancing new technologies that can serve as competitive broadband alternatives into the home. Even though EarthLink is still a few months away from officially launching this VoIP offering, the bulk of the Internet service providers telephony portfolio has already become apparent. EarthLinks trueVoice is powered by Ensims telephone provisioning software built on top of Sonus Networks Voice over Broadband platform, Acme Packets Net-Net session border controllers, and Level3 for connectivity and E911 services. The service would complement EarthLinks line-powered voice service, which the ISP plans to trial in San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas through a partnership with Covad Communications, and its Vling softphone, which is powered by Pingtel and is currently in the beta-testing phase.
www.ambientcorp.com
www.earthlink.com/voice/truevoice
www.level3.com

Spano Proposes Law to Counter Risks of Wireless Networks

Wireless Internet connections are becoming more popular as hot spots are popping up at Starbucks and countless cafes, businesses, and even parks, but many users dont realize the risks they take every time they sign on. Even shopping at a retail store that uses a wireless network can put your personal information at risk. Thats why Westchester County Executive Andy Spano is proposing a new lawthe first of its kind in the U.S.to protect the public from crimes such as identity theft and other consumer fraud. The law, which was recently submitted to the Board of Legislators, would require Internet cafes as well as commercial businesses that use wireless networks to take basic security precautions to protect private customer information from potential data thieves and hackers. People dont realize how easily their personal information can be stolen. All it takes is one unsecured wireless network, Spano said. Your credit card number, social security number, bank account informationits all vulnerable if a business that collects that information hasnt taken the proper steps to protect it. Somebody parked in the street or sitting in a neighboring building could hack into the network and steal your most confidential data. To illustrate how easy it is to get into an unprotected network, Spano and Norman Jacknis, the countys chief information officer, took a laptop computer equipped with easily available software and drove around downtown White Plains today in search of vulnerable networks. Last week, a team from the Department of Information Technology performed the same survey and came across 248 wireless hot spots in less than a half an hour of driving. Out of those, 120 lacked any visible security at all. Many users marked themselves as easy targets by failing to change the networks default name from default to something unique. Various studies have estimated that about one-third of businesses using this hot new technology commonly known as Wi-Fi in the U.S. remain unprotected from any type of attack. Identity and data theft is clearly a local threat here in Westchester, Spano said. We need to take steps to address this problem. Because of the very nature of wireless communicationsthat they occur in the open air and can be easily interceptedWi-Fi networks have always been more vulnerable to security problems than more traditional wired forms of networking. Still, Wi-Fis low cost and flexibility continue to drive its growth throughout the country. Wi-Fi is a wonderful technology if used wisely, said Jacknis. Protecting your computer involves little to no cost. Setting up a Wi-Fi network with basic security takes just a few minutes and there are available free or low-cost personal firewalls to stop intruders from gaining access to your personal computer. The proposed law would address many of these risks. The way the law reads, all commercial businesses that use wireless networks and maintain personal information would be required to have secure networks that protect the public from potential identity theft and other potential threats such as computer viruses and data corruption. They would also have to file a note of compliance with the county. Businesses that offer public Internet access would be required to post a sign stating that the network has been secured with firewall protection and stressing the need to use discretion. As part of the proposed legislation, the County will provide ongoing public education outlining steps that residents should take to help protect themselves from the threat of identity theft through the use of computers and other electronic devices. This effort will track the latest technological advances in order to provide up-to-date and meaningful assistance to all county residents.
www.westchestergov.com/

MIT Wireless Network Tracks Info on Users

In another time and place, college students wondering whether the campus cafe has any free seats or if their favorite corner of the library is occupied would have to risk hoofing it over there. But for todays student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that kind of information is all just a click away. MITs newly upgraded wireless networkextended in October to cover the entire schooldoesnt merely get you online in study halls, stairwells, or any other spot on the 9.4 million square foot campus. It also provides information on exactly how many people are logged on at any given location at any given time. It even reveals a users identity if the individual has opted to make that data public. MIT researchers did this by developing electronic maps that track across campus, day and night, the devices people use to connect to the network, whether theyre laptops, wireless PDAs, or even WiFi equipped cell phones. Red splotches on one map show the highest concentration of wireless users on campus. On another map, yellow dots with names written above them identify individual users, who pop up in different places depending where theyre logged in. With these maps, you can see down to the room on campus how many people are logged on, said Carlo Ratti, director of the schools SENSEable City Laboratory, which created the maps. You can even watch someone go from room to room if they have a handheld device thats connected. Researchers use log files from the universitys Internet service provider to construct the maps. The files indicate the number of users connected to each of MITs more than 2,800 access points. The map that can pinpoint locations in rooms is 3-D, so researchers can even distinguish connectivity in multistoried buildings. Laptops and WiFi are creating a revolutionary change in the way people work, Ratti said. The maps aim to visualize these changes by monitoring the traffic on the wireless network and showing how people move around campus. Researchers say this data can be used to better understand how wireless technology is changing campus life, and what that means for planning spaces and administering services. Many cities, including Philadelphia, are planning to go wireless. Something like our study will help them understand usage patterns and where best to invest, said researcher Andres Sevtsuk. Sevtsuk likened the mapping project to a real-time census. Instead of waiting every year or every 10 years for data, you have new information every 15 minutes or so about the population of the campus, he said.
www.mit.edu

Merriam-Webster Adds Wi-Fi to Newest Edition of Prestigious Collegiate Dictionary

Wi-Fi is everywhere these days, and now, you can even find it in Merriam-Webster. The dictionary is one more location to add to the millionsairports, coffee shops, schools, offices, and homeswhere Wi-Fi can already be found. The definition of Wi-Fi is included in the new 2005 Copyright of Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. You know youve truly made it when youre in Websters dictionary, said Frank Hanzlik, Managing Director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi is not only a way of life for thousands and thousands but also is now a bona fide part of the English language. Websters defines Wi-Fi as follows: Wi-Fi (certification mark)used to certify the interoperability of wireless computer networking devices. We couldnt have hoped for a better way to highlight the importance of interoperability, and this also reinforces our message that its not Wi-Fi unless its Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM, Hanzlik said. Websters is a highly respected source for word definitions, so appearing in the dictionary lends real credibility to everything the Wi-Fi Alliance has been working toward. When you look at how long it took some of the new entries to make it into the dictionary, we feel honored to have been included so soon after Wi-Fi first came on the scene, Hanzlik said. Websters dates the newly included chick flick back to 1985, but it only took Wi-Fi a few years of use to make it, which is a testament to the fast-growing popularity of this technology.
www.webster.com

Wi-Fi TV Virtual Living RoomTM Allows Video Phone Calls With File Sharing and Text Messaging

The Wi-Fi TV Virtual Living RoomTM is a new kind of interactive chat being introduced in a Beta version for members of the Wi-Fi TV Inc. Web site. Live video, voice, and text chat and sharing of documents with invited guests from anywhere in the world can occur when a Wi-Fi TV member opens the doors to their own private Wi-Fi TV Virtual Living RoomTM. Every Wi-Fi TV member will have a unique address for their own Virtual Living RoomTM. When a Wi-Fi TV member opens their Virtual Living Room there is a live interactive box which is webcast. Other Wi-Fi TV members can enter the room by invitation only. Once in the room, participants can see and hear each other, can send text messages, and can share and review documents in a similar manner to two people meeting in person. The participants can share and discuss information as if they had a desk, computer, and video presentation screen all at their fingertips. Wi-Fi TV Inc. is making the world smaller by bringing the world to the desktop. We provide our members with links to over 200 live TV channels from 50 countries included in the 99 cent a month subscription fee. We provide our members with local and long-distance phone calls all included in the 99 cent a month fee. Now, for a reasonable premium charge, we will offer our members the chance to see and interact with each other live from anywhere in the world, said Rachelle Kuzma, a spokesperson for Wi-Fi TV Inc. We are building the Wi-Fi TV community one piece at a time, bringing more value to our members who wish to take the world with them on their laptop computer and keep in live interactive content through phone, chat and Virtual Living RoomTM meetings, Kuzma added. The Beta version will be free to members. The full launch version, when introduced in several weeks, will add additional functionality and will be offered at a premium charge to be determined. Wi-Fi TV has already made PC-to-phone, PC-to-cellular, and PC-to-PC phone calls available to members at no additional charge. It is adding messaging and chat boards to all the country and category pages on its Web site with suggested topics of conversation. The Wi-Fi TV Virtual Living Room combines elements of the Voice over IP phone service with the video and interactivity which are hallmarks of the web site.
www.wi-fitv.com

Performance Technologies Enhances WAN Protocol Support in its NexusWareTM Linux-based Software Suite

Performance Technologies, a leading developer of systems, platforms, components and software, announced NexusWareTM WAN, an enhanced offering of its WAN communications protocol environment. NexusWare WAN offers installable protocol support coupled with a flexible development environment for the companys popular packet-based network access products. By offering added WAN protocol development flexibility and leveraging the companys Linux-based NexusWare Core development, integration and management environment, developers can add a wide range of protocol packages to NexusWare Core. This allows for the creation of powerful and flexible sub-systems that address multiple communications applications. Traditionally our WAN protocols have been sold as individual software packages. While we will continue to offer this format, we will also have NexusWare WAN, which furthers our commitment to provide tightly integrated, installable software packages for NexusWare Core, said Steve Wigent, product manager for Performance Technologies. This approach to software allows developers to easily add and remove software packages to NexusWare Core as their requirements change, and represents a significant reduction in development efforts, system integration costs and time-to-market. NexusWare WAN provides WAN connectivity, multi-protocol processing, and a well-defined, easy-to-use application programming interface (API) that allows interoperability with WAN stacks such as HDLC, X.25 and Frame Relay. Performance Technologies WAN protocols, powerful integrated development environment and high performance CompactPCI controllers provide a complete WAN development solution for OEMs. NexusWare WAN marks the latest addition to the growing NexusWare Linux-based software suite. The base product, NexusWare Core, enables users of Performance Technologies Advanced Managed PlatformsTM and stand-alone embedded hardware to rapidly develop and deploy value-added capabilities with their solutions. Other products in this software line include NexusWare C7, an MTP-2 starting point for SS7 development, NexusWare ISM, programming and control tools for intelligent shelf management, and NexusWare MG, protocols and tools for media gateway control, IP call control and PSTN signaling.
www.pt.com

Broadcoms Software Now Featured in WiFi Routers, Notebooks and Printers
By Johanne Torres

Semiconductor provider Broadcom Corporation announced that its SecureEasySetup software will now be featured in Brother, Gateway, HP, and Linksys WiFi products, enabling consumers to install and secure a wireless network with the push of a button and the click of a mouse. SecureEasySetup software is the first WiFi ease-of-use initiative to garner support from leading vendors across multiple segments, including notebooks, printers and networking equipment, noted David Cohen, senior product line manager for Broadcoms Home & Wireless Networking Business Unit. By delivering wireless solutions that are truly easy-to-use, Broadcom is enabling equipment manufacturers to improve customer satisfaction and to facilitate the integration of WiFi technology in many different types of high volume consumer products. Broadcoms SecureEasySetup software automates the configuration of new wireless networks and adds devices to existing networks. A user can simply push the SecureEasySetup button on their wireless router and then on each client device they want to attach on the network. The software establishes a private connection between the devices and automatically configures the networks Service Set Identifier (SSID) and WPA pass phrases (also known as keys). Simplifying wireless networking setup in the home with SecureEasySetup software and extending it beyond PCs enables consumers to easily and quickly connect and share a variety of WiFi peripherals and consumer electronics, said Gregg Patterson, vice president of solutions and technology for the consumer imaging and printing organization at HP.
www.broadcom.com

Intervoices Omvia Media Server Passes VoiceXML 2.0 Tests
By Robert Liu

Intervoice announced its Omvia Media Server, a component of its Omvia Solutions Framework, has passed all the scrutiny needed to achieve VoiceXML 2.0 Certification. To get there, Intervoice said Omvia Media Server passed more than 580 independently tested assertions as part of VoiceXML Forums VoiceXML 2.0 test suite. With its certification program diploma in hand, Intervoice can now work with its own systems integrators and resellers to get Omvia Media Server to SMBs and enterprises interested in creating, deploying and hosting standards-based speech-enabled services. The Omvia Media Server is a modular and scalable platform that integrates Web- and enterprise-based data systems into speech-enabled automated solutions and allows enterprises to develop and deploy voice applications efficiently. The Omvia Media Server provides a standard Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP) interface for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) integration. In a press release, Intervoice said it believes the Omvia Media Server is the first VoiceXML browser to achieve VoiceXML 2.0 certification using MRCP for ASR and TTS integration. The Omvia Media Server is available in both TDM and VoIP configurations and also supports the less popular Microsoft SALT specification. Intervoice maintains a strong commitment to compliance with open standards like VoiceXML 2.0 because we recognize that customers and partners need to protect their communications development investments as their IT infrastructures grow and evolve, said Mike Polcyn, CTO and Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Intervoice. VoiceXML 2.0 Certification means Omvia Media Server is compatible with the VoiceXML standard as defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The certification program is managed and developed by VoiceXML Forum members and utilizes independent third-party test laboratories to ensure impartiality.
www.intervoice.com

Brooktrout Expands Leadership in Voice Platforms with New Media Processing Board and Software

Brooktrout Technology, Inc., a leading supplier of media processing and call control products, announced new products that can enable OEM and ISV developers to enhance their voice solutions without costly development. Brooktrouts TR1000TM family now includes new quad-density T1/E1 versions, along with existing analog, ISDN basic rate interface (BRI), and single/dual T1/E1 versions that allow application vendors to streamline development, deploy broadly, and support their products more cost-effectively than with competing platforms. Software for the TR1000 has been enhanced with new features for call control and voice recording that provide broader integration with call centers and hosted services. The new quad span TR1000 board is the industrys first telephony platform to meet the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. With the addition of this new product, Brooktrout delivers a comprehensive voice processing product line that scales from 2 to 120 channels per board, and up to 480 channels per system for use with Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems. The TR1000 family is designed around a unified API and Windows certified drivers that allow developers to expand their systems with the new quad span board without needing to make any software changes. Competing products require driver changes when upgrading or multiple boards to achieve the same port density that Brooktrout offers with the TR1000. In addition, Brooktrout has enhanced its Software Development Kit (SDK) for all TR1000 products with version 4.1 that adds new features for PBX integration with Q.SIG, voice recording with channel summation, and voice compression/decompression with GSM and linear CODECs. Application developers want to reduce downtime and ensure their systems meet regulatory requirements. Brooktrout recognizes the challenges that companies face as they deploy new systems. By extending our enterprise family products, upgrading our software and leading the effort to quickly meet the RoHS directives we are offering our customers a complete range of full-featured TDM platforms, said Peter Vescuso, vice president of market development for Brooktrout Technology.
www.brooktrout.com

FrontRange Solutions Acquired by Private Equity Fund Francisco Partners

FrontRange Solutions Inc. issued a rather surprising announcement that Francisco Partners, self-described as one of the worlds largest technology-focused private equity funds, has entered an agreement to acquire all of FrontRanges outstanding shares in a transaction valued at approximately $200M. FrontRange CEO Michael McCloskey initiated the announcement by stating that FrontRange Solutions has out-performed the industry for the last two years, growing at a rate that far exceeds our competition. During this period, we have invested heavily in both R&D and sales expansion, while continuing to increase our profitability. With several new products coming to market, we are well-positioned for continued growth, and plan to increase our market share. CEO Michael McCloskey is noted in the industry for taking several high tech firms into their IPOs (Kana Communications, Genesys Telecom and Network Appliance), which makes this privatization move somewhat (though not altogether) mysterious. Neil Garfinkel, a Managing Director of Francisco Partners, added, We are pleased to become an investor in FrontRange and look forward to working with Michael and the rest of the management team in the coming years.FrontRange has a strong market position, great product franchises that are being improved by advanced technology, over 140,000 customers, and a global partner channel that provides broad market coverage.We believe the company is poised to deliver significant growth over the next several years. McCloskey also stated, This investment by Francisco Partners will enable FrontRange Solutions to continue to pursue our aggressive growth strategy. We are committed to providing our customers and partners with market leading products and superior service and support. This investment further strengthens that commitment. Ease of integration is another key to success in CRM for mid-tier companies. Any CRM solutions provider that can provide a full-featured and customizable product that is easily integrated and administered is likely to score a big hit. Clearly, FrontRange is planning on being that company. Additionally, they have thus far demonstrated that they understand the value of being a b-to-b solutions provider that understands the vertical markets it serves, to the point of planning vertical-market-specific versions of some of its products. Obviously, though, CRM is not the only enterprise business category FrontRange operates in. The companys product families, designed specifically for small-to-medium-sized enterprises and distributed enterprise organizations, include its GoldMine solution for business relationship management, contact management and sales force automation; its IT Service Management with HEAT and ITIL standards-based modules for service management; Communication Management including IP Contact Center for reduced telephony costs and integrated contact center operations; and Infrastructure Management, which provides the ability to optimize the full lifecycle of a companys assets.
www.frontrange.com

Salesforce.com Charges into Call Center Space
By Robert Liu

Salesforce.com has charged into the call center marketplace with the release of its newest version of its Supportforce product, which has been re-branded Salesforce Services & Support, as well as a handful of new strategic alliances with industry heavyweights, like Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories and Sitel. At a marketing event in Midtown Manhattan, the on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) innovator announced that its customer service and support offerings, Salesforce Service & Support 2.0 and AppExchange Service & Support 1.0, represent two components of its four-pronged strategy. Service & Support represents the successor to Supportforce, which was launched with an equal amount of fanfare a year ago. Since then, Salesforce.com has pushed the call center technology into the hands of 1,700 customers. Benioff said its solution has managed approximately 12 million customer interaction cases. But while the solution has been on the market for some time, there are signs Supportforce has failed to gain traction in the all-important large-scale segment of the market, even though the company has been making inroads with enterprise-wide deployments of its sales force automation and opportunity management platforms. In order to help secure some footing in the call center market, Salesforce.com has not only enlisted Genesys to help deploy voice-enabled inbound call center solutions, but also has hired Bonnie Crater from the Alcatel company in February 2005 to assume the newly created position of vice president and general manager, Salesforce Service & Support. According to the eight-month-old Salesforce.com executive, the companys strategy to approach the contact center market remains the same. Were leveraging partners, Crater said.
www.salesforce.com

FTD Florists Get Avaya IP Telephony Contact Center
By Johanne Torres

Business communications applications provider Avaya Inc. it was chosen by FTD florists to integrate Internet telephony into its contact center operations. We needed a communications solution that delivered on two important business requirements, said Larry Johnson, FTD technology executive vice president. Since a significant segment of our consumer business is based on phone and Internet sales, reliability was a must. We were also seeking new efficiencies to improve our bottom line, including greater flexibility in meeting the seasonal demands of this business. Avaya delivered on both those fronts with a new converged voice and data network and IP contact center applications. The new agreement calls for Avaya to provide its Customer Interaction Suite of contact center applications powered by the companys Communication Manager IP telephony software. These two components will enable FTDs contact center support up to 500 agents who serve as customer service reps answering the phone and receiving orders from customers across the U.S. The new system will also allow Avaya media servers and gateways host the apps at the new contact center and support FTDs business continuity plans for its operations. Avayas Global Services will monitor FTDs Arkansas operation around the clock using Avaya Remote Managed Services for IP telephony. This automated service operates behind the scenes to monitor and manage the Avaya system and the Extreme Networks data infrastructure.
www.avaya.com

Mercom Systems Introduces Audiolog 3.3, its Most Versatile, Feature-Rich Recording Solution

Mercom Systems announced its Audiolog Call Recording Server Release 3.3. Version 3.3 emphasizes security and reporting enhancements that lead the industry. With this release, Mercom continues to secure customer investments in call recording and quality monitoring solutions by sustaining upward compatibility and seamless scalability since its platform was first offered in 1996. Mercoms stable-platform development philosophy guarantees customers a versatile, fully featured audio recording system with low total cost of ownership.

New Operating System Support
Audiolog 3.3, which has been enhanced to run on Windows XP Professional SP2 and 2003 Server operating systems, leverages inherent Windows security and Windows Groups in login. Mercom is committed to a straightforward upgrade path for its customers. With version 3.3, Audiolog continues to be cross-compatible regardless of application and customers benefit from a seamless upgrade on an established platform.

Agent Free-Seating Functionality for Any Size Enterprise
Even in non-CTI environments, true searches by agent ID can be performed, and free-seating for any size enterprise is simplified and manageable. Selective archiving and deletion can be based upon agent name. For added security, recordings can be automatically deleted via Department of Defense-compliant standards.

Playback Audit Reporting Documents Chain of Custody
In todays world of HIPAA and related security and privacy concerns, we believe one of the strongest features of Audiolog 3.3 is the ability to positively guard access to sensitive data and to document a chain of custody for every call recording, said Bob Jagendorf, Audiolog Sales & Marketing Director, Americas & Europe. This access tracking applies to everyone who touches the call, not simply the last person in the line, creating a valuable and reliable record that can then be printed or otherwise used to document the history of the call recording.
www.mercom.com

T-Systems Selects Sonus Networks for Worldwide Expansion of Business Voip Network

T-Systems, the business customer division of the Deutsche Telekom Group and one of Europes leading providers of information and communications technology (ICT), and Sonus Networks, a leading supplier of service provider Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, announced that T-Systems has awarded Sonus Networks a multi-million dollar contract for the worldwide expansion of its business VoIP network. The agreement marks the development of one of the worlds largest and most sophisticated business VoIP services networks designed for large to medium enterprise customers globally. The Sonus solution is also enabling T-Systems to deliver a new global peering service. We launched our business VoIP service targeting multi-national corporations with Sonus three years ago and, due to the good performance of the network, we have been able to grow our business with enterprise customers, said Bjoern Claassen, Member of the T-Systems Executive Committee. This new network expansion gives T-Systems the flexibility to extend our service around the globe and continue to expand our portfolio of next-generation services. T-Systems plans initially to expand the network throughout Europe and North America, with other regions to follow. With its extended reach, T-Systems will deliver enhanced services, such as their global voice virtual private network service (VPN), iST (International Service Telephony), VIP (Voice Interactive Portal), and VNS (IP Voicenet Services). With the new global peering service, T-Systems will allow service providers to securely connect via IP to the T-Systems IP-based network. Sonus is committed to helping our customers stay at the forefront of new technology and services, said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. By initiating a significant expansion of their Sonus-based VoIP network, T-Systems will be able to deliver unified next-generation services to enterprise customers around the globe that meet the requirements for scalability and reliability that business customers demand. We are pleased to be working with T-Systems to support their strategic vision for business services. The contract includes Sonus latest technology introduction, the GSX4000 Open Services Switch, which will enable T-Systems to cost-effectively expand their VoIP network to less densely populated regions around the world. T-Systems has also selected Sonus to supply and deploy a fully integrated VoIP solution, including applications from partners in its Open Services Partner Alliance (OSPA). OSPA is the industrys largest interoperability program and is deployed in customer networks around the globe. Sonus OSPA includes over 150 leading independent vendors that enable the seamless deployment of feature rich services. As a foundation for the network, T-Systems is utilizing key components in the Sonus architecture, including the GSX9000TM Open Services Switch, the NBS Network Border Switch, the PSXTM Call Routing Server and the Sonus InsightTM Management System.
www.sonusnetworks.com
www.t-systems.com

CTC Communications Continues Northeast Expansion
By Erik Linask

Waltham, MA-based CTC Communications is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing providers of converged voice, data, and Internet services in the U.S. Following on the heels of its merger with Lightship Telecom in May, CTC today completed its acquisition of North Haven, CT-based Connecticut Broadband as it continues to grow its already expansive network. Its newest acquisition firmly underscores CTCs strategy of making investments in local markets to deliver new services and features to local businesses, while allowing those businesses to take advantage of CTCs broad network across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, says Ray Allieri, president and CEO of CTC Communications. Not only does CTCs purchase of Connecticut Broadband bring to the state a financially viable, customer-centric telecom provider, it also allows Connecticut businesses to receive first-rate service from local officesthey will reap the benefits of CTCs success in VoIP services in conjunction with the data networking experience of Connecticut Broadband CTC is a proven leader among VoIP providers. Indeed, while many companies are just now invading the IP telephony space, the first call from CTCs IP network to the public network was logged back in December of 2000. Since then, CTC has continued to innovate and expand its service capabilities. Its PowerPath network was created in 1998 and the firm completed construction of its 8,200-mile fiber optic network in 2002. With branch offices in nine states on the East Coast, CTC has positioned itself as a premier provider of converged telecommunications services in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. It currently provides mid- to large-sized businesses from Maine to Maryland with an integrated package of communications services, including local and long distance voice service, high-speed data service, Internet service, and a variety of hosting services.
www.ctcnet.com

FCC Clears Telecom Mega-mergers
By Robert Liu

After a few delays, the Federal Communications Commission has conditionally approved the mega-mergers of SBC Communications with AT&T and Verizons bid to acquire MCI Communications, clearing the final federal regulatory hurdle that would allow the two regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) to complete their respective deals. However, in order to clear the FCC, the RBOCs made major concessions including opening up their networks to offer so-called naked DSL that is, DSL broadband service without forcing customers to use incumbent phone service. In addition, regulators want to prevent Verizon and SBC from blocking consumers to access competing VoIP services. Let me say that I do not believe that all of the conditions imposed today are necessary. I believe that the affected markets would remain vibrantly competitive absent these conditions. Nevertheless, the parties involved have chosen to make these commitments now in order to obtain the certainty of immediate Commission approval for their mergers. I understand their desire to move forward, and agree that the public interest will be well served by providing certainty sooner rather than later, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said in his statement. The concessions are a stark contrast to last weeks decision by the Justice Department to approve the deals without any significant conditions, such as the divestiture of key assets. On Thursday, Justice Department officials filed a consent decree with a federal court that stipulates Verizon and SBC must lease dark (unused) fiber connections to certain buildings within their respective footprints. The Commission found, however, that the Consent Decrees entered into on Oct. 27 between the U.S. Department of Justice and the applicants adequately address this potential harm, the FCC said in its statement. Without going into details in its own press statement, SBC characterized the conditions as limited conditions that will still allow the combined company to realize the benefits of the merger. But in a more detailed release, Verizon explained, as part of the FCC approval, Verizon and MCI committed to continue the rollout of Verizons stand-alone DSL service, continue to adhere to network neutrality principles adopted by the FCC earlier this year, cap temporarily certain special access and UNE rates, and maintain for a period of time the current number of settlement-free Internet peering arrangements. Ironically, while Verizon had, without a doubt, many more bumps in the proverbial road, todays FCC actions pose a greater challenge to SBC than to Verizon. SBC currently does not allow naked DSL service within its network while Verizon has already opened its doors. In fact, the vote was originally scheduled for last week but contentious, behind-the-scenes wrangling were interfering with the approval process. That [delay] doesnt usually happen unless there is some maneuvering going on behind the scenes. Theyre certainly not going to stop either of the mergers but someone must be talking about concessions, a source close to the FCC told TMCnet. In a sense, VoIP may becoming a victim of its own success. In the midst of its examination, the commission found that facilitiesbased intermodal competition, including cable VoIP and wireless services, is growing rapidly and will play an increasingly important role with respect to future mass market competition. The developments also help to explain the comments by SBC CEO Edward Whitacre that have sparked widespread controversy within the telecom and blogging communities. In an interview with BusinessWeek., Whitacre reasoned that any Internet start-up should be paying fees for the use of the pipes it has invested to install. Since SBC and AT&T announced plans to merge in January, approvals have been received from 33 of 36 states with clearance processes and from theDistrict of Columbia. Reviews are pending in Arizona, California and Ohio. SBC said it will adopt the AT&T name following completion of the merger. For its part, Verizon first had to fend off Qwest Communications in a bidding war for the assets of MCI. And since Qwest has backed off, competitors such as telecom carrier services company XO Communications and others have been hoping to force Verizon into key concessions in order for them to complete the deal. Shareholders and European regulators have already cleared the Verizon/MCI deal. After two federal reviews and strong approvals by shareholders and the international community, it is clear that this combination is undeniably in the public interest, said Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications. The Department of Justice and FCC approvals put us on firm footing as we seek the remaining few state approvals.
www.fcc.gov

SIP-Serv from FEC Provides Plug & Play Solution for IP Telephony with Outlook Integration

SIP-Serv is the new software-only telephone system from Funkwerk Enterprise Communications that can be installed on a standard PC. Using TCP/IP and ISDN connections, SIP-Serv offers seamless integration of VoIP technology, providing an ideal plug and play telephone system for small to medium sized businesses. SIP-Serv provides users with the same functions available on conventional telephone systems including a busy display, forwarding, and an easy-to-use voice mail system. Conference calls are integrated and can be used in combination with FECs SIP-ServClient, which is included in the package. With seamless integration into Microsoft Outlook each call is automatically displayed on the screen with the callers entry and customer data. The software comes with five client licenses, one of which can act as a switchboard, and additional licenses can be purchased to support up to 500 users. SIP-Serv can connect to the phone network via VoIP providers, such as Call UK and Sipgate, but can also connect users directly to the telephone network using one or more installed ISDN cards, with up to 60 channels. In the local network, communication is based entirely on the SIP standard, allowing every SIP-compatible end-device to be connected to the FEC SIP-Serv. Users can choose between pure IP phones, such as the elmeg IP290 other SIP-enabled end-devices, or the PC-based SIP-ServClient. With Outlook as the central GUI, the system is easy to grasp and, as Outlook contact details are maintained, there is no need for additional phone books. The ability for SIP-ServClient to transform Outlooks integrated voice mail system to combine messages, emails and telephony into a single user environment is an added benefit. For large-scale installations, SIP-Serv can be clustered with other SIP-Serv or ICT systems with multilingual user interfaces and detailed help facilities for simple, quick configuration. SIP-Serv systems in branch offices can be interconnected allowing phone calls between these locations to be routed automatically and free of charge across the existing IP infrastructure. Using encryption technology, the IP phone systems are protected against eavesdropping, and virtual private networks (VPN) are switched for data transmission between the various locations. A suitably configured PC with Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional is needed to install the FEC SIP-Serv software-based telephone system. SIP-Serv is an exciting new addition to the elmeg range of VoIP products that already includes hardware VoIP PBXs and feature-rich SIP phones, says Richard Jones, managing director of FEC distributor nXgear. VoIP offers more flexible and lower cost working for businesses new opportunities for the channel. But this also puts pressure on traditional PBX dealers to improve their IT skills to support the rise in IP based telecom products.
www.funkwerk-ec.com/

Voxeo Launches VoipCenter 6.0 SIP Application, SIP Media and SIP Fusion Products for Voice Over IP Application Delivery

Voxeo Corporation announced its VoipCenter 6.0 SIP platform, delivering standards-based Voice over IP (VoIP) application creation, integration, and deployment capabilities to any enterprise or service provider. Unlike VoIP application platforms that combine open SIP telephony with proprietary application development interfaces, the VoipCenter SIP platform enables rapid, open SIP application delivery via the Call Control XML (CCXML) and VoiceXML standards. VoiceXML and CCXML come from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the same standards body that delivered HTTP and HTML, perhaps the two most successful application development standards ever created, said Jonathan Taylor, President and CEO of Voxeo. To date, Voxeos CCXML and VoiceXML engines have been used by more than 14,000 companies to deliver over 25,000 feature-rich, highly-reliable, future-proof SIP-based telephony applications. The VoipCenter SIP Application Server software is built on Voxeos proven Call Control XML (CCXML) engine and has routed over one billion calls since its first production deployment in early 2002. CCXML lets any company create intelligent, dynamic SIP applications that can screen, route, transfer, and initiate SIP VOIP calls including SIP redirect, proxy, and Back-to-Back User Agent (B2BUA) applications. The VoipCenter SIP Application Server also supports least-cost and multi-network call routing with the ENUM route directory standard. The VoipCenter SIP Media Server software delivers a resume even more impressive than that of its SIP call control sibling. Built on Voxeos carrier-grade Host Media Processing (HMP) engine, the VoipCenter SIP Media Server has played, recorded, and conferenced its way through over three trillion VOIP packets since 1999. The VoipCenter SIP Media Server is driven by Voxeos certified-compliant VoiceXML IVR and speech media application engine. VoiceXML delivers features to play prompts and speak synthesized text, record audio, and receive input via touch-tone entry or comfortable speech recognition. Voxeo extensions add everything developers need to record calls and to connect callers in high- quality multi-party audio conferences. The VoipCenter SIP Media Server also bundles highly intelligent English language speech recognition and speech synthesis engines at no additional charge, and supports a wide variety of additional speech engines via support for the IETF Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP) standard. In fact, the VoipCenter Media Server is itself a powerful MRCP compliant media server and media proxy. Voxeos SIP Fusion Server is the first turnkey telephony platform to offer VoiceXML IVR, CCXML call control, speech recognition, speech synthesis, call conferencing, call recording and an optional built-in PSTN-to-SIP VOIP gateway in one integrated, rack-mount device. The VoipCenter Fusion Server integrates with both existing and new PSTN, PBX, and VOIP deployments, and is available in both 120/240 volt AC or 48 volt DC telecom power models. VoipCenter SIP products are available immediately from Voxeo as either a hosted service, software install, or turnkey server. VoipCenter SIP is compatible with a wide variety of SIP vendors, devices and services, including Avaya, BroadVoice, Cisco/Linksys, Delta3, Digium/Asterisk, Global Crossing, Level(3), Lucent, Nortel, SIP Express Router (SER), Sipura, Sonus, Televolution and more.
www.voxeo.com

Global Crossing Now Avaya SIP-Compliant
By David Sims

Global Crossing announced that its enterprise Voice over Internet Protocol portfolio is fully compliant with Avayas Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephony products. SIP is an open signaling standard that allows carrier and enterprise voice equipment to interoperate over an IP network via SIP trunks. SIP trunk services are an enterprise networking category that uses new efficiencies in network design and capabilities via SIP-enabled applications. Were proud to be the first global service provider to receive SIP interoperability compliance certification from Avaya, said Anthony Christie, Global Crossings chief marketing officer. GlobalCrossing is a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection Program, whichs develops, markets and sells third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology. Eric Rossman, vice president, developer relations and technical alliances, Avaya called the announcement a big step towards establishing SIP as an open standard for call signaling across both enterprise and service provider networks. Global Crossing currently runs more than two billion minutes per month of VoIP traffic over its private, global backbone. Avayas Converged Communications Server 3.0 and its SIP Enablement Services module works with Communication Manager software, the companys flagship IP telephony software, supported by Avaya media servers, gateways and SIP telephones.
www.globalcrossing.com