News Archive - May 2009
AT&T's faster 3G network could signal video chat coming with new iPhone
May 28, 2009
If the next iPhone model supports video chat, as some rumors say it will, AT&T's plan to expand to a faster wireless network called HSPA 7.2 later in the year would enrich the experience of iPhone users who take advantage of that feature.
Open Source Soft-Switch Now Supports Secure VoIP With ZRTP
May 28, 2009
The newest release of FreeSWITCH adds new features and improvements in stability, security, and performance. Support for ZRTP was recently added. ZRTP is an opportunistic encryption protocol that allows for automatic encryption of RTP streams when both endpoints are ZRTP-enabled.
Skype 4.1 beta: Share your Windows screen
May 27, 2009
Skype will be adding screen sharing functionality to its next major release of Skype. It is already available in beta software released.
May 21, 2009
BroadSoft and Acme Packet have announced a series of enhancements to their joint SIP trunking solution for large enterprise customers. The offering integrates BroadSoft's BroadWorks VoIP application platform with Acme Packet's Net-Net session border controller to deliver advanced IP communications services.
Second Life generates 15 billion minutes in web voice calls
May 19, 2009
When you think of phone companies, Linden Lab's Second Life virtual world doesn't come to mind. But the company is announcing today that its users have used its web-voice calling feature to talk to each other for a total of 15 billion minutes since it was introduced 18 months ago.
Open Source Softswitch Adds Skype
May 19, 2009
A new release of FreeSWITCH, the first open source softswitch, will enable carriers and enterprise to integrate Skype into their VoIP services and platform.
May 17, 2009
SIP is now a 13-year-old protocol that has been hyped beyond belief. After all of these years, it remains a protocol that is burdened with interoperability problems and one that really offers little new capabilities to end users. It did pave the way for cheaper phone calls, perhaps, though we would argue that we actually have Skype to thank for that. So, what did SIP give us?
FCC: Sudden SunRocket Shutdown Won't Repeat
May 13, 2009
The FCC has apparently created a new rule that says that failing VoIP service providers cannot abruptly close their doors. Rather, they must provide customers with reasonable notice. — I just cannot even begin to explain how stupid this is. If a company fails, unless they have loads of cash, they cannot tell customers 30 or 60 days in advance that service will be terminated. Suppose the small company has decided to in 60 days, what employee in his right mind would stay around to take care of things until the door closes?
Clearwire selects Cisco to help build 4G network
May 13, 2009
Clearwire named networking equipment maker Cisco Systems as a key supplier to help it build its nationwide 4G wireless network. As part of the new strategic partnership, Cisco will provide IP routers and other equipment to build Clearwire's WiMax network. Under the Linksys brand, Cisco will also provide some consumer devices that can be used on the network.
Polycom QDX 6000 Is Good Videoconferencing Choice for Small Businesses
May 13, 2009
Polycom's QDX 6000 video conferencing units are easy to set up and configure, and offer many options for adding content. At $3,999, the QDX 6000—which leverages H.323—is a compelling choice for smaller offices or businesses.
TANDBERG Delivers Industry-First Scalable Video Recording Solution
May 13, 2009
TANDBERG introduced the TANDBERG Compliance Appliance, the industry's first video recording appliance designed to help organizations manage risk and comply with anticipated video archiving regulations. The Compliance Appliance streamlines the video recording process, especially critical for the financial, legal, education and healthcare markets, which often deal with sensitive customer interactions.
Unified Communications Enabled by Sprint Now Available
May 11, 2009
Sprint announced that is now has a SIP trunking offering for businesses in order to allow them to cut the traditional PSTN cord. But, will it save money?
Why I worry that landlines are endangered
May 11, 2009
A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 20 percent of American homes have only cell phones and another 14.5 percent of homes received all or almost all calls via cell phones even though they had a landline. Many younger people do not even have a landline at all. What are the social and security issues with such a transition?
Microsoft Bans VoIP From its Mobile Future
May 9, 2009
When Microsoft will launch its new OS for mobiles, Windows Mobile 6.5, it will also launch the Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The company also announced 12 prohibited application types for the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, among which are VoIP and applications that could replace Microsoft products.
Vonage Profits on a Fluke Gain
May 7, 2009
Vonage reported a profit on Thursday, but it's important to note it was a fluke. The profit stemmed from a one-time gain. On the books, that meant Vonage made $5 million in the first quarter of 2009. Without that piece of luck, though, the company actually lost $7.7 million.
Acme Edges Into the Enterprise
May 1, 2009
Acme now has a session border controller product for smaller enterprise locations and branch offices. Last month, it had launched into the enterprise space with the Net-Net 3800, but Acme says that product was aimed at branch offices and companies with 1,000 or more employees.