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March 31, 2006

Comcast gets into the VoIP business

Comcast, the largest cable provider in the United States has finally thrown its very big hat in the VoIP ring.

Called, "Digital Voice", Comcast's VoIP offering is on the high side. The company will charge $40 a month for Digital Voice if the customer also buys cable and high-speed Internet. That means the VOIP offering will out of reach of the average consumer if one opts for Digital Voice alone. On the other hand, VoIP providers like Vonage charge as little as $15 a month. Even Telecom giants like AT&T and Qwest charge only $30 a month.

Comcast has around 200,000 customers more than 20 markets for its Digital Voice service. It appears that it is aiming for the top end of the market.

Via Columbia Tribune

The future of IP Audio Conferencing

According to Frost & Sullivan, the World Audio Conferencing bridge systems market clocked revenues of $182.8 million in 2005. Estimates say the market will reach $320.3 million in 2011.

However, Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst  say that as IP telephony gets into more businesses, and as conferencing and collaboration tools converge, the independent market for audio conferencing bridge systems will rise simultaneously. Analysts point out that it will be 2-way process. Audio conferencing bridge systems companies must be aware about the reach and potential of IP Telephony.  Thus, they will be able to customize their offerings.

Via Yahoo Finance

March 30, 2006

Dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi phones will give serious challenge to VoIP

According to Forrester Research's latest report, "Fixed- Mobile Services Will Lead Technology Convergence," more than 50 percent of 615 companies surveyed by the analysts showed a keen interest in dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi phone sets. It must be borne in mind that these handsets have not yet been introduced in the market.

The major telecom operators have their plans ready. For example, you have Verizon with its EVDO 3G service. Then there is the behemoth, AT&T's branded mobile services on Cingular Wireless' network Forrester Research predicts that by 2008, big system integrators like EDS to join the fixed-mobile business, aiming straight for the business end of the market.

Moreover, mobile operators will soon start laying out IP Multimedia Subsystem-based (IMS-based) services. Think about it for a second: if business users can access IP telephony on their Verizon handsets, why will they invest in a telephony server?

via Networking Pipeline

Vonage(R) and Motorola introduce co-branded Internet Telephone Adaptor cum Router

Vonage(R) and Motorola have introduced the Motorola VT2442 Internet Phone Adaptor with Router. The new product is a four-port router and two line Internet telephone adaptor that has been configured Vonage's VoIP service.

Packed with more features than the previously introduced Motorola VT1005, the VT2442 provides access to up to two lines of telephone service. It supports all the popular features such as call waiting, call forwarding and caller ID. The VT2442 Internet Phone Adapter is now available at Vonage direct, for $19.99 after a $60 instant rebate.

Via Yahoo Finance

March 29, 2006

Interoute will introduce secure VoIP service

European Telecom operator Interoute has ambitions to take on Skype on its home continent. Interoute is going to introduce a VoIP service ala Skype to Businesses. Incidentally, Skype has also introduced a special service for businesses. We had covered that in an earlier post.

Interoute claims that its iSiP service will effectively deal companies' security concerns. The Interoute have termed a special name for security issues related with Skype. They call it the 'Skypemare' phenomenon. Interoute will offer iSiP for around $2,620 per month to companies, with unlimited number of users.

Via VoIPCentral

Reviewing Lycos Phone

Ad-supported VoIP is not new. However, when Lycos introduced its VoIP service, it got tons of media mileage. Lycos Phone also combines IM, video chat, real-time video on demand streaming content (including IPTV channels), and an MP3 player to boot.

Tom Keating over at TMCnet says that Lycos Phone may be the first VoIP client that offers free PSTN calls to U.S. numbers. However, Dialpad did offer this during its early days.

What else? Well, all users of Lycos Phone get 100 free minutes of PC to landline and PC to mobile phone calls. They can earn additional free minutes through various promotional offers. Lycos Phone users also get a free U.S. phone number that is not the case with Skype and Yahoo.  Moreover, unlike Skype and Yahoo, Lycos Phone offers free FAX and free voicemail to email.

Via TMCnet

VoIP over 3G cellular networks tested

Nortel Networks and Sierra Wireless have successfully tested VoIP over 3 G network. They made a VoIP call using a Sierra cellular broadband card to Nortel's EV-DO Revision A wireless technology.

The folks over at Nortel claim that the successful tests are a part of the company's ambitious EV-DO strategy in the wireless market.  A successful testing means that Nortel and Sierra Nortel are in position to offer a fast yet affordable VoIP over wireless service.

Via betadot

SMC introduces two new VOIP products

SMC has introduced a VoIP Gateway and Broadband Router for the traveling man who also wants to utilize the cost-effectiveness of VoIP on the road. All you need to do is to connect the WTVG (Wireless Travel Gateway) to an analogue telephone and telephone line.

The second offering is for all those who have valid Skype accounts. SMC's new Wi-Fi Skype phone, the SMCWSKP100, is designed like the usual mobile phone.  The WSKP100 contains embedded Skype software.  The SMCWSKP100 Skype phone will sell for $299 and will be available in shops by June/July.

Via  IDM.net

March 28, 2006

Where are the VOIP profits?

You hear about new entrants into the 'probably' profitable every other day. Lycos is the latest example. However, where are the profits? Who will earn most?

The number of subscribers is increasing in all markets around the world. Ad-supported services like Lycos get users in droves. The number of paying subscribers is also on the rise. But you have to stop and think: is the market really that big and generous to support so many players? One fears that this time across, the likes of Cisco and other equipment providers will be the biggest gainers, just like the dotcom boom/bust around 2000.

Providers must look at other sources of income to survive the imminent shakeout.

Via Australian IT

What is holding back VOIP?

According to a survey of the participants at the 'VoIP for Business' show in London, Quality of service (QOS) is the most common obstacle for enterprises regarding the switch to voice over IP (VoIP). Researchers, including guys from Ovum, say that is more so the case with consumer VoIP applications that are run over the public internet – more than enterprise services.

Enterprises are able to deal with the QOS issue, as they are able to invest in additional hardware and better connectivity capabilities.

Interestingly, less than one per cent of businesses surveyed cited security as an obstacle to adopting VoIP.

Via Silicon.com

March 27, 2006

Active VoIP Recorders from Nice

The new Active VoIP Recorder Software works with IP-systems manufactured by big companies such as Cisco, Nortel and Avaya.  Nice claims that the new Active VoIP Recorder software eliminates set-up, administration and management at branches or remote sites.

Nice claims that active recording reduces the overhead and complexity, usually the case with older-generation VoIP recording systems, to a great degree.

via CallCenter

Ad-financed VOIP

The idea of supporting free internet-based services by advertisements is not new. Increasingly, more VoIP companies have resorted to providing free VoIP with ads. For example, Lycos' new VoIP service will display ads to PC users calling others. Users who ignore the advertisers' offers will pay 1 cent a minute for domestic calls when their initial 100 free minutes are gone.

Many European VoIP providers who allow calls to the United States use the same route. However, unlike Lycos which provides free U.S. phone numbers for incoming calls, they don't provide such facility at this time.

Via thestar

VOIP a 'heated' concern for data center managers

Temperatures are rising in some wiring closets and computer rooms where VOIP and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) equipment is being installed.

Data Centre managers are concerned about the hike in Equipment density. A wide variety of power-hungry and heat-spouting devices is fighting it out over the same cramped space. Moreover, technicians also have to install redundancy systems that are standard IP-deployment issue. 

Everything is Size XL now. Large UPSes and Large POE switches are common. Thus, planning to place all IP equipment is critical. Experts suggest placing all network devices in locations with adequate heat dissipation, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Via TechWorld

Is eBay's Skype Buy doomed?

Not exactly, but this news is sure to ruffle some feathers at eBay. Om Malik writes about a scoop by Andy Abramson who has found that Streamcast is suing its rival Skype for alleged RICO violations. RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Why and how? It is still not clear. 

StreamCast is credited with the development of the Peer to Peer Technology called Morpheus. Streamcast alleges that Skype is involved in corrupt business practices. We gad heard about tech companies suing each other over IP issues but this is a new one. Stay tuned for further developments in this matter. We will keep you posted.

By the way, the folks over at eBay would be worrying. Just when they had started to monetize their $4 billion (and change) …

Via GigaOm

March 25, 2006

The Firebox Skype phone

Priced at £29.95, the Firebox VoIP handset is a basic USB microphone and speaker.

The Firebox Skype phone is easily set up on Windows XP systems. On the hand, setting it up on a Mac system requires a bit more time.

Sound quality: This VoIP phone sounds like an average mobile connection. Enough said.

Techdigest smartly points out that manufacturers of phones like this Firebox model should sell two in one pack. This helps to increase the number of VoIP users. Now, why didn't I think of that before!

Via TechDigest

Vonage is serious about 911, Vonage isn't Serious about 911

The folks at FCC must wonder what to make of this latest story.

As already reported heavily in the news media, VOICE OVER IP outfit Vonage apparently put on hold a 911 customer, Loren Velthamp of Chanhassen, Minnesota, who had dialed 911 on his VoIP phone for help when his house was engulfed in fire, long enough for his house to burn down.

The FCC has long given the stick to VoIP provides for getting serious about emergency service cover. However, it seems they have not listened enough.

Via the ENQUIRER

Answering Services & VoIP

Answering Service Providers are getting over their initial ignorance, willful or otherwise, of VoIP. Some Answering Service providers will also be attending VoIP events to get the hang of things.

Take for example, Philadelphia-based Specialty Answering Service. It has decided to attend VoIP Developer Conference to be held in California this August.  The company is preparing to customize its answering service & call center services to customers utilizing VoIP.

While many Answering Service Providers see VoIP as a threat, Specialty Answering Service is convinced that VoIP brings opportunities with it too.

Via XTVWorld

Virtual phone numbers from Vonage

VoIP pioneer has launched European virtual phone numbers for those calling Europe.

The European virtual phone number service is priced at £5.99 per month. Users of Vonage's European VoIP services can now get a virtual phone number in addition to their current Vonage number in an area of their choice. Thus, you can get a virtual number for any city where your near and dear ones live.

Pretty neat, huh? This service is great for home-sick folks, too.

Via TechDigest

VOIP gets PGP privacy

PGP privacy, made famous by Phil Zimmermann , will now be available for VoIP users via Zfone. It is undergoing tests at this time and will be initially available for Mac and Linux users. Windows users will come later.

Zfone differs from most other secure encryption systems that use certificates issued by a server system. Zfone's encryption protocol uses no keys - the keys are created by the hardware and destroyed after the end of the call.

Under development since 1996, one of the main problems with Zfone's system is that the encryption protocol must be integrated into the hardware or software of a VoIP device.

What is the other problem? There are more Windows-based users of VoIP than other platforms.

Via VoIP News

University of Queensland uses Open Source VOIP

University of Queensland will use an Asterisk-based VoIP system over its multi-campus fibre network. Next on the University's agenda is use VOIP on its brand new Wireless Network.

As of now, the University has successfully integrated the Asterisk server with its traditional DM PCS. It is now looking into the presence capabilities of the system.

If things go well, the university plans to use this new VOIP system for its 5500 staff and 35,000 students. It is going about this a phase-wise fashion.  At present, only about 10 people are using the Asterisk system. Next, the University will begin a pilot project in one of the residential colleges, bringing VoIP to students' dorms – involving around 200 users.

Via VoIP News

March 24, 2006

Sonus leads the Japanese VOIP solutions market

Analysts say that Japan is setting the pace for Telecom Operators regarding the migration to all-IP networks. That means supplying equipment and stuff to Japanese Operators is a profitable business. And Sonus does exactly that. According to a report issued by Synergy Research Group, for the full year 2005, Sonus led the Japanese VoIP solutions market with a 36.1% market share position, more than twice of what any other equipment provider. Sonus has also cornered around 76% of the high-density gateway market and accounts for more than 61% of the total gateway market in 2005.

Sonus has formed lucrative deals with all the big operators in the country.  It recently announced a multi-million dollar contract with KDDI, the 13th largest service provider in the world, according to Total Telecom's 2005.

Via Yahoo Finance

D-Link DPH-540: new Wi-Fi VoIP Phone

D-Link's new Wi-fi VoIP phone, DPH-540, is a must for all those who like the Clamshell (Flip-open) style phones. Interestingly, clamshells seem to be more famous in the United States than other countries.

TelTel provides the VoIP software for this model. The DPH-540 comes with a color screen and has 12 MB RAM and 16 MB flash memory. It is is recharged via an USB interface. Because of the added Wi-fi capability, this model is just a bit larger than regular flip-top phones.

The DPH-540 will retail in the market this summer for around $249.99.

Via Aloda info

VoIP wholesaler iVox will provide Wireless VOIP services

The action is hotting up in the promising Australian VoIP market. Apart from the two biggest ISPs, all others are already into the market with their VoIP offerings.

Now, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) wholesaler iVox today has signed a deal with wireless broadband carrier Personal Broadband Australia (PBA) to offer Internet service providers a wireless VoIP solution.

iVox's new service will be offered wherever there is no last-mile copper connection to the customers' location.

Via Zdnet

Shaw Communications sued for $1.2 million by ZingoTel

Canada based communications giant Shaw Communications is being for U.S. based $1.2 million by ZingoTel.

According to ZingoTel (Via the Calgary Herald), it had paid $36,000 to Corus Entertainment, Shaw's media buyer, to broadcast ZingoTel's advertisement on one of their cable channels. ZingoTel claims that the Chief Executive of Shaw Communication Jim Shaw was personally responsible for denying airtime for its ad.

Both ZongiTel and Shaw Communications run competing VoIP services. This is the second suit against Shaw Communications in recent times. Earlier, Vonage also had a bitter run-in with Shaw regarding 'Quality of Service' charges.

Via betadot

Lowertel.com releases VOIP comparison tool

Jad, Inc., has just released a new and free telecom search tool at its website www.lowertel.com. This sis also a comparison tool that is free for all long distance and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) Telecommunication agents having their own telecommunications websites.

Lowertel.com's search tool works with any online telecom sign-up form, irrespective of which master agent or affiliate program the link is from. Moreover, users can customize Lowertel's search tool to any site, depending on their customers' needs.

Lowertel says that, with its new search tool, agents can easily remove non-converting or low paying VoIP and long distance plans quickly. This was not possible with the search tool supplied by any master agent.

Via eMediaWire

March 23, 2006

4D Talk's new Business VoIP Service

4D Talk's new Business VoIP Service can provide a viable replacement for existing small PBX or FeatureLine installations for managing and routing calls without any loss in quality.

4D Talk has a special promotion scheme for companies signing up for the service by June 30, 2006. To these early birds, 4D Talk will provide unlimited 2Mbps business broadband and business VoIP for just £49.99 per month instead of the usual price of £69.99 per month.

4D Talk includes all the standard business VoIP features such as voicemail, caller display, caller return, address books, caller ID blocking, number blocking and caller waiting. It also offers non-geographic numbers and fax2email services to business customers.

Calls to other 4D Talk users are free. The company says that its new service is ideal for companies that use up to eight analogue lines now.

Via pressdispensary

The Smallest" VoIP analog telephone adapter ( ATA)

Patton Electronics's new SmartLink micro analog telephone adapter (M-ATA) is claimed to be the Smallest" VoIP analog telephone adapter in the market now.

The SmartLink micro analog telephone adapter's small footprint and light weight help minimize shipping costs. The new device's remote-management features help reduce VoIP operating expenses.

The SmartLink micro analog telephone adapter connects any standard analog phone or fax machine to an enterprise or service-provider VoIP network.

Via NE Asia Online

Yahoo VOIP Messenger Finally Launched

What took Yahoo so long? Yahoo has launched its VOIP IM service on March 22. It will be available for download on Windows-running systems. The new Yahoo IM client has full inbound and outbound VOIP capabilities.

Yahoo has priced its VoIP offerings keeping Skype full in the crosshairs. Both its Phone Out and Phone In rates are lower than Skype but unlike Skype, Yahoo does not offer Video capabilities yet. Users, ala Skype, get free voicemail for inbound calls. Moreover, voicemail messages are linked from Yahoo Mail.

Via TechCrunch

Australian SMB VoIP market will touch 6 million by 2011

According to a report titled "The Australian VoIP Services Market" from research and consulting firm Market Clarity, the combined consumer and SMB VoIP market in the country will touch the 6 million mark by 2011. There is a catch. Market Clarity says that free services will make up the bulk of VoIP connections. Only 2.8 million connections out of the projected 6 million will be paid-for VoIP offerings. 

Moreover, in dollar terms, by 2011, VoIP market in Australia will amount to $680 million out of a telecommunications market already worth more than $30 billion.

So, where do you see the money coming from? Market Clarity says that the IP Centrex market holds promise. It will grow from its current numbers of just $59.49 million to about 520,000 business handsets and revenues of more than $993 million a year by 2011.

Via VoIP News Australia

Skype CEO not happy with European Startups

We all know about the risk-averse Business Environment in Europe that is totally opposite of risk-happy business ethics prevalent in the United States. It is a wonder how an innovative company like Skype could bloom in a European business environment. The main quality about the European Business Environment is that the system in general is risk-averse.

In the United States, entrepreneurs are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and failures, a taboo in Europe, both of them. Niklas Zennstroem, co-founder of Skype is right in saying that European Governments must foster a culture of risk-okay Entrepreneurship. The present state of things are not good. Innovation must be given all the chances it needs to make a mark.

Via BizReport

March 22, 2006

No VoIP in China for two more years

That is what Tom Online, the Chinese internet portal that has a joint venture with Skype, says. Reportedly, the Chinese government will not issue VoIP licences until 2008.

Chine is one of the biggest markets for VoIP. Skype is enthusiastic about the potential and it is in talks with various operators in that region. Buy this piece of news may be a dampener for Skype's ambitions in China.

One of the reasons behind the Chinese government's strategic decision may be be the obvious fear of Chinese Telecom fixed-line telecom operators that Skype and its kind may strangle their revenue.

Via myadsl

Detect and control Unauthorized Skype with help of SurfControl

First, what appears to be the problem with Skype? One, Skype uses indiscernible encryption and can work through virtually any network address translation (NAT)-based firewall. Two, Skype is highly difficult to detect at the exit point.

Users can set up calls on dynamically changing, random port numbers using randomized communication protocols - either UDP or TCP - in varying packet sizes ranging anywhere from 115 to 190 bytes per packet. Third and the worst thing, users that install Skype can agree to become Supernodes –

(Supernode) is a communication node that other call nodes can route through. The nodes involved in call setup are obscured by a blast of traffic that occurs in the second or so that a Skype call is established.

So, how do you control Skype software installation or use? You can run daily
scans on all your PCs – which consumer precious time and resource.

SurfControl new Enterprise Threat Shield (ETS) can target and remove the Skype application when found on the company network as well as prevent its installation and use within a restricted company environment.

Enterprise Threat Shield (ETS) contains the unique signature for the Skype application which enables organizations to customize network policies to limit its use to authorized employees and only during authorized times of day.

Using ETS, you can also control the use and duration of a Skype-based call, and/or prevent Skype use altogether.

Moreover, if a user attempts to access Skype for media file sharing, you can customize ETS to deny the file transfers, providing an additional safeguard against intentional and unintentional user- created threats.

Via PRNewswire

VOIP operators must focus on home consumers for growth

Marguerite Reardon at Cnet News has written her observations n the current state of VoIP after having covered the Voice On the Net (VON) conference in San Jose, Calif. where more than 300 companies paraded their VoIP and related wares.

Her take on VoIP as it today: companies must focus on selling aggressively to the home-based consumers. It is the big daddy of all markets but it suffers from an acute case of indifference and confusion when it comes to VoIP.

-           There is a perception problem with VoIP.  Many still do not believe/agree they    can transfer their voice on the internet.

-           Many residential consumers are confused about the technology. Where is the value? And if there indeed is, do they really need those value additions?

-           Apart from Sprint, other big Telcos are reluctant to sell VoIP offerings to residential consumers.

Via Zdnet

YVoIP trails Skype by a big margin

Surprise, surprise! Yahoo's own VoIP offering does not fare well on Yahoo's own Search! On Yahoo Buzz, you will a section called the Buzz Game where you can "buy and sell" "shares" in a verity of things including search terms – all based on how much buzz you think these items will create.

YVoIP, short for Yahoo VoIP, trails behind Skype and Vonage respectively. Russell Shaw at Zdnet throws up an obvious guess that Yahoo still, do much work on building a brand for its VoIP offering – a brand that can challenge the equity of Skype and Vonage.

Via Zdnet

March 21, 2006

New Version of VoIP Supply site launched

Called VoIPSupply.com Version 3, the latest update to the popular online store features easier navigation, additional education options and increased functionality.

Moreover, VoIPSupply.com Version 3 has a unique 'Bandwidth and VoIP service quote submission' service. Buyers can also view real time pre-owned inventory. The Vendor Spotlights section focuses on a specific vendor's products, and increased informational content for better customer education.

Via PR Web

Promoting a movie using VOIP

You might think Sony is getting serious about VoIP. Firstly we heard about VoIP-enabled PSP#. Now, Sony Pictures is promoting its latest Teen-horror flick "When a Stranger Calls" using VoIP technology.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has allied with GlobalTouch Telecom Inc. for the movie promotion. The film is about, what else, a young girl in an isolated house. The girl is terrorized by menacing phone calls. GlobalTouch set up two toll-free numbers that use its SIPTalk VoIP technology.  Fans of "When a Stranger Calls" can call on these numbers and they can hear the same "scary" phone calls that the girl in the film receives. Around 250,000 calls were made during the film's opening weekend.

Via New Telephony

Survey: VOIP takes twice the estimated time to roll out

According to a recent research survey of companies implementing VoIP, by Nemertes Research Inc, the average time a company spent to plan, install, troubleshoot and train in 2004 was 52 minutes per user, which has increased to 133 minutes in 2005. That is more than twice the time it took earlier.

Implementation of VoIP is one of the main time-consuming activities, the survey shows. We do not need to loose heart though, as experts think that IP telephony is more than a plain cost-reduction exercise. What matters more, the experts say, is how VoIP is going to change the business itself.

However, one might admit that cost-savings with VoIP are impressive. Nemertes' study reveals that the average cost for one "move/add/change" (MAC) of a traditional circuit-switched phone system is US$124, which is more than 10 times what VoIP costs. It costs around $10 per move with a newer VOIP system

Via ComputerPartner

Residential subscribers of VOIP on the rise

Telephia, which provides performance measurement information to the communications and mobile industries, says that an increasing number of households across the United States are switching to VoIP services.

Overall penetration for voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) increased to 3.5% or nearly 3.9 million households in January 2006, up from 2.9% in June 2005. Vonage led the VoIP market, which includes all pure-play VoIP companies and providers that actively promote their VoIP service as Internet telephony. Vonage secured a 47.5% market share or nearly 1.9 million households in January 2006, up from a 40% share in June 2005

It also emerges from Telephia's survey that Skype has an 11.8% market share. It means that more than 463,000 households have subscribed to the service in the US during January 2006.

Via NEAsia

Vodaphone may get into VOIP

The VoIP business world is agog with rumors after the publication of an interview of Vodaphone Head Honcho Arun Sarin in an U.K. based business newspaper, The Business.

It appears that Vodaphone is planning to give serious competition to Fixed-line players. Vodaphone will possibly move beyond mobile phones, and launch broadband internet and VoIP telephone services.

It is too early to say what Vodaphone's action plan will be as no further details from the giant itself are forthcoming. But if Vodaphone chooses to move ahead with VoIP, it will show the way forward to other mobile operators as well, as mobile phones are going to see big competition from Wi-Fi/Wimax and VoIP in near future.

Via TeleClick

VOIP will be an $18 billion business by 2010

A new study by Juniper Research predicts that, driven by strong demand from the business sector combined with the inevitable Chinese demand surge, revenues from Voice over IP (VoIP) services in the business sector will reach $18 billion by 2010.

Highlights from Juniper Research's study:

       --  The total business VoIP services market will reach $18bn per annum by 2010

--  Small business broadband connections will reach 40 million lines by
    2010
--  Hosted VoIP business revenues will climb to $7.6bn by 2010
--  The lost telecoms service provider revenues resulting from businesses

    moving to VoIP will amount to $36bn per annum by 2010
--  Losses incurred by traditional telecoms providers will be exacerbated
    by the rise of Internet Telephony Service Providers and VoIP Peering Houses

Via Market Wire

March 20, 2006

Dittberner reports Carrier Grade VOIP Equipment Market is hot

Dittberner has just released it Worldwide YE 2005 NGN and Digital Switching Markets Analysis. This study throws up interesting pieces of information.

For example, did you know that, for the first time in history, NGN VoIP port shipments have outnumbered that of digital switching in 2005?

The, the NGN VoIP market grew by over 151% but the digital switching market dropped by almost 30% in terms of ports shipped in 2005.

The Dittberner study also tells us that phone companies across the world prefer to replace and/or upgrade their PSTN infrastructure with a softswitch solution that provides a single platform to deliver next-gen IP-based multimedia services as well as all the basic telephony services from the circuit-switched world.

Via XTVWorld

JaJah aims to challenge Skype

JaJah is an Austrian-VoIP start-up that wants to challenge Skype. By the way, Om Malik informs that Skype's client sucks up 95% of the CPU power on a MacBook and a PC.

Now, Om Malik says that Sequoia Capital has invested in JaJah and wonders what will be so special with JaJah. It is a tough market for a new entrant to make a mark. Even if you have superior VoIP product, how can you challenge Skype's first-mover brand image? Interestingly, JaJAh's U.S. headquarters are situated at Sequoia offices.

Via GigaOm

The new way to sell VOIP services

Like Amway, Herbalife and Mary Kay cosmetics, Lightyear is selling VOIP services using the age-old device of multi-level marketing.

In the United States, if a company focuses on recruitment, it may be a pyramid scheme, which is illegal. On the other hand, a legal multilevel marketing company delivers on its product or service. Lightyear actually provides a service and thus may be in the clear as long as the Better Business Bureau does not receive any complain.

Lightyear sells $24.99 unlimited local and long distance monthly phone service to its customers, who also buy a $49 blue box that that does the Net calling. The Holy Grail market for companies like Lightyear as well as Vonage and others is the fact that as many as 28 million customers may switch to VoIP in the next two years,

Via DenverPost

March 19, 2006

New partnership between pbxnsip and ISI Communications

The new partnership aims to provide plug n' play VoIP to distributors, VAR channels, and end user customers.

One of main problems in the VoIP business is that the distribution chain cannot explain fully the benefits of all that plethora of VoIP goodness. Just saying 'It's the salesperson's job' will not cut it. We need more partnerships between providers, resellers, marketers and all else in the value chain to create easily understandable benefit-messages about VoIP.

One hopes that the offering bundle from this new partnership helps VoIP grow further.

Via BusinessWire

Sony also gets serious about VOIP in PSP

It would appear that Sony and Microsoft do not want to be behind when it comes to integrating VoIP in as many things as possible.

Sony as already announced a 3-stage update programme for its phenomenally popular Playstations, thus adding features like GPS. In the final, third software update, due in the winter of 2006, Sony will add VoIP telephony. After that, gamers can use the PSP's camera module and VoIP capabilities to indulge in video-conferencing with fellow gamers.

Adding VoIP to the PSP brand also makes them a very potent social networking tool.

Via Network World

Microsoft gets serious about VOIP

As of now, Microsoft offers VoIP capabilities in its popular MSN Messenger service. Microsoft also provides one-way PC-to-phone calling capabilities in select markets via Windows Live Messenger.

Now, the giant is going one notch up. As part of its new Live Services Strategy, Microsoft will integrate Internet telephony to its new Windows Live range. It will introduce new VoIP phones and a click-to-call feature for address book names. 'Click –to-call' will also be available in other Microsft services, especially search. These features will also be accessible across the new Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Search and Windows Live Messenger.

Via Zdnet

VoIP2Go sets you free from devices

One of the main problems of VoIP users today is getting access to a VoIP device. It would be really cool if you could make an IP call from your regular mobile phone, or your home phone! Now, VoIP2Go from RNKVoIP makes it possible.

VoIP2Go is an equipment-free service that lets callers make VoIP Calls around the World from Any Phone. You don't even need broadband for VoIP2Go.

RNKVoIPclaims that the VoIP2Go service will work with all popular cell phone services as well as all wireline telephone services and will require no additional equipment.

VoIP2Go customers can even change, "on the fly," to any phone using a proprietary, easy-to-use online application developed by RNK.

Via PRNewswire

Mitel scores over Avaya in IP telephony for SMBs

'InfoTrack for Converged Communications: SMB Market Analysis and Forecast', the latest report by telco services outfit InfoTech says that Mitel has scored over Avaya for the top spot in the fast growing IP Telephony for SMBs market segment.

Not surprisingly, most participants in the study

Survey participants were positive about implementation of IP telephony and converged applications in 2006.

Some more highlights from the report:

-2005 revenue from IP telephony systems and converged applications for SMBs was US$1.4 billion.

-By 2010, that market is projected to increase to US$3.3 billion, which represented an average annual growth rate of 19 percent.

-Last year, converged applications accounted for only 20 percent of that total.

-By 2010, the applications share is expected to jump to 46 percent of the total revenue.

Via CRN

March 18, 2006

Ingate & snom successfully demonstrate SRTP encrypted VoIP calling

First, what is SRTP? Well, SRTP stands for Secure Real Time Transfer Protocol. This technology encrypts real-time data as well as providing message authentication, and replay protection. IP Telephony experts consider SRTP great to protect VoIP audio traffic. You can use SRTP together with header compression and it has no effect on the all-important IP quality of service.

Ingate Systems and snom have successfully demonstrated an encrypted VoIP call using SRTP and their products. Ingate Systems and snom already have integrated SRTP support in their products– Ingate Systems' firewall/NAT traversal devices and snom's IP phones, respectively.

Via [Von Magazine]

March 17, 2006

Earthlink and Covad together extend VoIP to 8 more Cities

Earthlink, an ISP, will Covad's technology to extend its VoIP services to 8 more cities in America.

Earthlink will give Covad $50 million in debt and equity financing which will fund the extension of Covad's line-powered voice access service to 8 more cities - Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego and Washington, D.C.

As of now, Earthlink provides DSL and Home Phone Service in Dallas, Texas, San Francisco and San Jose, California, as Seattle, Washington.

Read More

Pilot Project on VoWLAN in Germany

TerraSip, an international VoIP Provider, has launched a pilot project to test Voice over IP in Germany and Austria. It has allied with two WiFi network providers, M3-Concept GmbH in Aachen and the Tirolean firm goingsoft GmbH.

TerraSip has undertaken this Pilot project initiative to prove the interoperability of the billing systems and also different mobile IP cellular telephones and APs (Access Points) installed by different manufacturers. TerraSip wants to test its billing system for WiFis to ensure in-the-field reliability and accuracy.

If the pilot project is successful, TerraSip will have more than 100,000 WiFi hotspots by the end of 2006. Many times more than around 2000 at present.

Via VoIPCentral

Packet8 and Uniden Launch New VoIP Phone for Home Depot Shoppers

Packet8 and Uniden have jointly launched a 5.8GHz Expandable Cordless Phone which is almost 'Free' to Home Depot Shoppers after Mail-In Rebate.

The UIP160P, a feature-laden VoIP phone can be FREE for buyers as it carries a suggested retail price of $99 but it offers a mail-in rebate of $100 when buyers activate their Packet8 service plan, thus making the device free to Home Depot shoppers.

Users can expand the UIP160P to up to 10 handsets. The system consists of a Base Station and caller ID handset with speakerphone and features such as 20 different ringer options, caller ID, call waiting and handset paging. It sports a new Message-waiting indicator with an alert tone option.

Via PRNewswire

New Direct IP Telephony Service in the U.K. from Gamma Telecom

Gamma Telecom has launched its new IPDirectConnect service in the United Kingdom. Claiming to be the only carrier in the UK working exclusively with resellers, Gamma's new IP telephony service enables resellers to provide a direct connection from the customer's premises to Gamma's core IP network,

Gamma's system is one of the first pure IP services in the UK and will be available over LLU and SDSL in selected areas.

Gamma's service is fully scaleable and Gamma will charge a monthly 'per voice channel' rental fee. This allows channel partners to select the exact number of voice channels they require, rather than purchasing access in carrier pre-defined blocks. This does away with charges for unused channels.

Read More

March 16, 2006

New VoIP Processing Engine for Mobile Terminals from SyChip

SyChip's new SyVoice™ 1000 (SV1000) is a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) integrated circuit which has been optimized for wireless VoIP applications. The SyVoice™ 1000 (SV1000) circuit is the latest in SyVoice's range of products meant for mobile devices like cell phones, single-mode wireless VoIP phones, PDAs, personal media players and portable gaming consoles.

The SV1000 will also be used in SyChip's VWLAN71xx range of chip scale modules.

Via VoIPCentral

EQO's new Mobile Instant Messaging for Skype

EQO's new Mobile Instant Messaging for Skype software is available for free as a Beta product to users. This software supports more than 40 Models of J2ME-capable
Mobile from Nokia, Motorola, Sony-Ericsson and others.

The beta version of the mobile IM software can be downloaded from EQO's site at http://www.eqo.com.

Via PRNewswire

Open Source VoIP Collaboration between Zimbra and Asterisk

Zimbra and Asterisk have formed a partnership to enable text- and voice-based applications work together seamlessly

Zimbra's open source suite uses AJAX and Web Services for calendar, contact and e-mail collaboration, while Asterisk runs its famous open source IP-PBX.

After this new agreement, Zimbra users now enjoy VoIP-enabled Zimbra-based calendars, e-mails and contacts. Now, they can just click-to-call individual numbers, initiate conference calls by selecting groups of contacts or a meeting entry on a calendar and can also directly access voicemail.

Via EnterpriseITPlanet

Web 2.0 needs more VoIP

Om Malik and Niall Kennedy get together to discuss the future of Voice on the Net, mobile platforms and how the web 2.0 during the VoN show.

The main issue under consideration was the need for more VoIP in Web 2.0:

IP-based voice applications have already changed the way we think about communicating online. Mobile phones are now common tools of daily communication with relatively fast data connections with always-on access to the Web and focused data. Why are we not seeing more integration of voice and mobile into new web applications?

Via GigaOm

Broadcom gets serious about the Consumer VoIP Market

Broadcom has launched two new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) devices for consumer applications at the Spring 2006 VON Conference and Expo.

The first of these is a terminal adapter (TA) router chip and a low cost IP phone chip, which can be used as standalone VoIP processors to enable OEMs and ODMs to create feature-rich and cost-effective TA routers or desktop IP phones for the home or small office. Moreover, they can also be used in conjunction with Broadcom(R) 54g(TM) Wi-Fi(R) technology to create wireless versions of the same products.

Read More

Mobile VoIP only by 2007 end

VoIP on mobile phones may be hot but telecom firms say that mobile operators will only be able to upgrade their networks with HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) technology. HSUPA gives operators the bidirectional capability they need to run real VoIP. Existing networks have slow uplink speeds.

A point here: why not integrate wi-fi (namely Wimax)?

Read More

The new internet wars

They are being fought by the fibre-owners like telcos and service providers like Vonage. The pipeowners' grouse: they don't see any money coming from the new-fangled services like VoIP. They want a piece of action.

Then, you have telcos who want a two-tier internet. Telcos don't like the success enjoyed by the likes of Google. Expect to se more of the so-called 'network neutrality' fights between big business and big internet brands.

Read More

Eten's PDA phone also does VOIP

Eten's M600 has a basic PDA feature-list - Windows Mobile 5 OS,  400MHz processor, 128MB flash ROM and 64MB SDRAM. M600 has built-in Bluetooth, WiFi, quad-band GSM and GPRS. Did we forget the 1.3-megapixel camera?

Finally, this all-in-one also does VoIP. It has integrated Skype and supports VoIP. Handy to use if you are near any wi-fi hotspot.

Read More

March 13, 2006

Free PC-to-Phone VoIP Service from FreeCalls365

FreeCalls365's free PC-to-Phone VoIP Service is supported by advertising. This service was launched recently and it claims to have crystal-clear sound quality and has an easy-to-use telephone dialer.
The dialer screen has advertising, provided by AdCalls, and these ads pay for running the VoIP service.

Read More

BlackBerry gets serious about VoIP

Research In Motion Ltd. Has bought a privately held software firm based in San Jose, California. Ascendent, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIM, makes software that will now allow BlackBerry devices to take on the features of a business phone, or so-called private branch exchange (PBX).
RIM has not disclosed financial details of its purchase of Ascendent Systems.

Via CNN Money

VoIP has lots of potential for Security Software Companies

Take for example, Security software vendor Certicom. The company will ship a security software suite later this year specially targeted at desktop and mobile VoIP (voice-over-IP) handsets. The suite, called "Certicom Security for VoIP", will support Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE 5.0, and Windows Mobile 5.0, among other OSes. The software will protect signaling and media channels, plus including mobile phones with FMC (fixed-mobile convergence) capabilities.

Read More

KX-TG9000 cordless Skype phone from Panasonic

Announced at CeBIT, Panasonic's KX-TG9000 cordless Skype phone, uses
a DECT cordless phone base station. Like other phones in Panasonic's KX-TG9000 series phones, this model handles calls through your traditional landline or Skype's P2P network through your broadband internet connection. Like Panasonic's recent products, this phone also supports free calls between Skype accounts, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Voicemail. What's more, you cab also choose whether your outgoing call goes through Skype's network or your landline connection.

Via Engadget

Siemens's new C450 IP Dual Phone

The trend of the dual phone is certainly in. Siemens's new phone model, the C450 IP, is a fixed phone as well as as VoIP phone. For making VoIP calls, you just have to connect its base terminal to the DSL modem.
The phone has a color display. It will be available in retail outlets for less than €100.

Read More

New noise canceling 1.3 Mpix Skype camera from Creative

Creative has introduced a new noise canceling 1.3 Mpix Skype camera at this year's CeBIT.  The noise canceling camera has two microphones and it is able to cancel background noise.
The camera is priced on the expensive side. It will cost $/€99.

Read More

March 11, 2006

Skype is fumbling its Skype for Business launch

Russell Shaw at Zdnet is unhappy about the way Skype has gone about with its 'loudly announced' Skype for Business services.  Businesses account for around 30 % of Skype users.  Skype for Business is aimed at small businesses - less than 10 employees.

Mr. Shaw thinks Skype has made hash of things. For example, the Skype website is blurry on details about the service. Moreover, Mr. Shaw asks,

Where's the hardware? - No pointers on the site to these products

Why is there no separate Skype 2.0 for Business software?

Too much in a hurry, huh?

Read More

How eBay is finally using Skype

Gigaom reports that eBay is already using Skype some European countries like Switzerland. On the Swiss eBay, buyers can talk to sellers via Skype, and also with eBay customer service.
So, this is how EBay is going to recoup its $4.1 billion buy of Skype.

Via GigaOm

Easy VoIP means more users

That's the idea behind New Zealand Telecom's decision to work with Nortel, Cisco and Zeacom. It wants to make it easier for businesses to use VoIP. The messga eof cutting costs was just not enough.
Like, all other aspects of technology, the rules of usability apply to VoIP too.
Recognizing that Businesses are looking for simplicity, New Zealand Telecom's aim is give its customers affordable, complete IP voice services so that they don't have to develop customised systems.

Via UPI

New Wi-Fi Skype handset from Asus

This was first seen at CES and now at CEBit. It has 802.11g WLAN connectivity, and so you can use this phine wherever there are Wi-Fi hotspots.
This phone sports a simple 128x64 blue-lit display. You can charge it using a USB connection. With one charge, you get 2 hours of talk time and up to 25 hours of standby.

This phone can act as a wireless remote for your PC. You can control the Windows Media Player for example.

Via MobileMag

VoIP going up and up in Asia-Pacific

The latest study from IDG reports that sales of IP telephony equipment in the Asia Pacific (not including Japan) have sold more than traditional telephony gear in third quarter of 2005. In fact, one out of every four lines sold in the Asia-Pacific region was IP.
IDG says that in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, 58% of the enterprise telephony equipment sold in the third quarter was IP compared to 42% for TDM.

Read More

Analyst firm warns against Security dangers with Skype

An analyst from the Burton Group has warned businesses of the security dangers in using Skype in a report entitled 'Debunking the Hype about Skype'.
What's the danger? Well, Skype's proprietary software allows unrecordable conversations with people outside the company. Now, this is a big risk. Your employee may be giving details of the latest confidential meeting to your competition

Read More

Skype Phone from Corega

The Japaneses Company Corega has just released the CG-USBPH01 phone which works with USB 1.1.  The CG-USBPH01 phone also has echo cancellation for better noise reduction on your phone calls. It comes with a CD to help you with the hook-up. It has clean, all-white looks and is priced at $36.

Via Gizmodo

March 10, 2006

Essential 'Skype Tips' for Americans calling from outside the U.S.

It is no secret that making a call to the home country from foreign countries is a big bother. Everyone, including big carriers are out to fleece you.  If the prices aren't high enough, the plans can be confusing too. We have already heard about AT&T fleecing U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

For starters, Skype costs just around 2 cents a minute rate to the USA. Moreover, if you use SkypeIn, a service which is still being tested, you can call your own dedicated Skype phone number, using a country and available area code which you have chosen. SkypeIn will cost you $12 for a three-month subscription and $38 for a year. It includes voice mail.

Read More

VOIP will give competition to Mobile Operators

Nicholas Negroponte say that VOIP will give serious competition to Mobile telephone operators.
Negroponte thinks that the increasing usage of PC and now dual-mode phones may lessen the usage of mobile phones. Mr. Negroponte thinks that this trend will gather some serious steam as computers proliferate. The $ 100 Laptop is a fit case
Mr. Negroponte is especially sure this will be the case in the developing countries, where mobile phone connections outnumber fixediline connections. And, the $100 Laptop is around the corner.

Via VoipCentral

AVM's new Cordless VoIP phone

We are seeing a trend here. A single phone will do both fixed line and VOIP dialing.

Exhibited at Cebit 2006, AVM's new Cordless VoIP phone has an ADSL modem, a WLAN router, a DECT telephone, and Voice over IP. The AVM FT 7150 D Cordless VoIP phone allows the user to make phone calls both over the Internet and over a fixed line. The phone is easy to use and it has great sound quality as well.

The AVM FT 7150 D Cordless VoIP phone will be released later this year.

Read more

Fritz Mini: wireless phone + music + internet access

The Fritz Mini has a high resolution color display. It supports 802.11g WLAN, and USB 2.0 too.

You can make regular fixed-line phone calls as well as VOIP calls from this wonder machine. You can even hear Music on the Fritz Mini - Internet radio, podcasts, and some other formats. . You can receive notification of about new email or text messages. You can also look at news, weather and other content like stocks on the Frtz Mini.

No prices yet. The Fritz Mini will be released in later half of the year.

Via VoIP Central

Ascalade augments its VoIP product line

Ascalade will present its augmented product line at the 2006 VON Spring Expo to be held from March 15 to 17, 2006.

Ascalade has made two new additions to the Companion Series. First you have Ascalade's Companion Solo VoIP phone which connects directly to the
PC via USB and provides the features of a regular cordless telephone plus PC-based VoIP calling. The Companion Solo is also compatible with PC-based Internet calling (VOIP) applications.

Then you have Ascalade's Delta series of hybrid PSTN/VoIP cordless phone system. Unlike the Companion series of phones, the Delta N009 allows users to make traditional PSTN and VoIP telephone calls without using a PC.

Via NewsWire

COTRAN i-BCS from COTeL: Presence Collaboration meets VoIP

COTeL has introduced the COTRAN i-BCS, VoIP communications solution built for Small and Medium-sized businesses. It enables businesses to create their own Private Enterprise VoIP Network. Using COTRAN i-BCS, businesses can create private Skype™-like corporate VoIP networks complete with Meet-me-Conferencing and Corporate Instant Messenger (IM).

Via PRWeb

March 09, 2006

The Latest Voip System-On-Chip from Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated announced its latest Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system on a chip, the TNETV1061 which integrates the company's Telogy SoftwareTM for high-quality VoIP with TI Digital Signal Processors for real-time signal processing.
The TNETV1061's software features meet the demands of both service providers and consumers.

Read More

Avaya and Microsoft will jointly develop Business Communications Solutions

The two giants will work on developing open standards, SIP-based interoperability between Avaya MultiVantage(R) Communications applications and Microsoft Office Communicator, the unified communications client for Microsoft(R) Office Live Communications Server 2005.
The first solution form the Avaya-Microsoft combine will roll out by the end of this year.

Avaya and Microsoft enjoy a long, fruitful relationship.

Read More

Yahoo Voice IM on Siemens Gigaset Phones

Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices LLC has entered into an agreement with Yahoo! to provide VoIP calling capabilities to Siemens' Gigaset Cordless Telephones.
The Siemens Gigaset M34 USB adapter IP-enables Gigaset telephones with the PC-to-PC VoIP calling features of Yahoo! Messenger. Now, users of Gigaset handsets can access their Yahoo! Messenger friends' lists, view contacts and their presence status and change their personal presence status.

Via Voip Magazine

"Net Neutrality" gives way to "VoIP Tax"

Canadian cable giant, Shaw Communications is charging consumers $10/month if they want the provider's quality of service (QoS) feature. Naturally, this has ruffled the feathers of Vonage, the VOIP provide. Ironically, QoS issues don't exist for "Shaw Digital Phone"
Bryan Richard  at Voipmagazine thinks this dispute may go to the courts?

Via Voip Magazine

The next wave of intelligent communications according to Don Peterson

Avaya Chairman and CEO Don Peterson addressed nearly 2,000 people at the VoiceCon Spring 2006 conference. He painted a promising future for IT professionals in this field. Highlights from his talk:

1. Internet Protocol telephony is maturing fast: communications services are breaking apart and the user experience are coming together.

2. Put voice applications into a modular, service-oriented architecture. It enables enterprises to build applications such as conferencing on demand and speech-recognition. Users can also access business data directly and process applications.

3. Users will have ubiquitous, consistent and two-way access to customers, colleagues and information. Employee
Collaboration and effectiveness will be better while businesses will face lower costs.

Via NewsWire

TCS and Convergence will jointly offer VoIP E9-1-1 Service to the Enterprise Market

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. and Covergence have come together to provide the caller's current mobile location identification information to public safety call and dispatch centers via TCS' Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Enhanced 9-1-1 service. This service will be offered to enterprise customers.

Covergence's scalable Eclipse™ solution and TCS's location and presence capabilities for static, nomadic and mobile VoIP users have made this service possible. The critical routing and delivery of the VoIP caller's registered location information to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will also take place effortlessly.

Read More

March 08, 2006

Certicom launches Certicom Security for VoIP

Certicom has launched Certicom Security for VoIP in order to provide developers with means of easily and cost effectively secure devices as well as protect the signaling and media channels. It is a flexible, standard based solution for desktop VoIP handsets and mobile VoIP devices.

It consists of multiple, integrated modules that implement key security protocols such as SSL/TLS, DTLS and IPSec. It also offers trusted boot, cryptographic algorithms, secure provisioning and code signaling technology which is key to securing advanced applications such as IMS and UMA.

via [NewsWire]

Verizon adds VoIP capabilities to its Verizon Web Center service

Verizon Business has added VoIP capabilities to its Verizon Web Center service. This feature would be available from this month onwards. The plus point of this service is that it can be paid as one goes or be paid per month, per agent and call transport fees and associated IP phone equipment costs. It would be a great option for retail companies such as catalogues which require adjusting the number of customer service agents during the years busiest time in the holiday season.

Businesses would be able to save on inbound toll free costs as their customers can make local calls that are directed to an IP Web Center agent over Verizon Business’ IP network.

via [TMCNet]

Avaya releases new version of IP Telephony software

Avaya has introduced new versions of its industry leading IP telephony, messaging and contact center software. This software helps businesses benefit from a more reliable, open enterprise communications foundation supporting enhanced employee and customer communications. This software can help organizations increase business continuity and advanced call preservation, drive greater investment of multi vendor technologies with expanded SIP support and improve mobility with new virtual workspace features.

The new capabilities of the software released are:

Enhanced Survivability
Hot Desking Enterprise Mobility
Expanded SIP Support
Greater Security for Applications

via [CRMToday]

Mitel and Foundry Networks collaborate to simplify deployment of VoIP Networks

Mitel and Foundry Networks are collaborating to simplify the deployment of converged data and VoIP networks using gigabit Ethernet networks with network supplied power. They are working in tandem to simplify the deployment and configuration of VoIP in enterprises in order to minimize the opportunities for human error and maximize business continuity.

According to a claim by the companies, customers deploying Foundry Networks’ FastIron Super X Series and FastIron Edge X424-POE can cost efficiently add Mitel 5200 series phone in order to enable gigabit PoE VoIP capability to the desktop.

via  [ITWire]