IP Media Monitor: VOIP - whitepapers

Voice over IP (VoIP) Technical Tutorial

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Voice over IP (VoIP) uses Internet Protocol (IP) to carry voice as packets over the IP network. It has become an alternative to traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTN). This webinar introduces the VoIP components: CPE Equipment such as ATA and Residential Gateways, network components including Media Gateways, and Softswitches, key protocols such as SIP and RTP. It introduces and compares different voice encoding and compression methods and voice quality measurement methods. It briefly describes related topics such as Fax over IP (T.38, G.711 Passthrough), firewall network traversal, security and encryption. Example implementations are shown using PMC-Sierra processor chips.

The Always-on Network: Strategies for Achieving High Availability of IT Systems

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Managing the availability of mission critical systems requires an understanding of the risks and costs of losing access to business critical information or services balanced against the cost of achieving a certain level of availability. That balance is shifting toward higher levels of availability as network services becomes essential to business continuity and the cost of downtime escalates.

As a result, IT managers face growing pressure to drive network availability to unprecedented levels. At the same time, Voice over Internet Protocol, radio frequency identification, just-in-time inventory, lean manufacturing and point-of-sale integration are placing new demands on networks - and the systems that support them.

How Your Business Can Take Full Advantage of VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Voice over IP, or VoIP, is hot. As the advantages of VoIP become a business requirement, organizations face strategic decisions. Through the careful review of alternative strategies, IT managers can more closely match the pace, style, and objectives of any investments with the needs and tolerance of the business.

This webcast will examine how your business can take full advantage of productivity-enhancing IP telephony, messaging, conferencing, mobility and contact center services.

The Future Success of VoIP - It's All about Timing

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Synchronization is usually not the top priority when establishing a VoIP network. However, as soon as problems occur the true value of the synchronization system becomes very clear. QoS monitoring systems and network diagnostic programs will ultimately drive the requirement for synchronization across the network routers, servers and related devices. These systems rely on log file accuracy and integrity for their metrics. Without timestamp accuracy an unacceptable amount of time will be spent trying to resolve problems that could have been resolved more efficiently. Good practices deem synchronization important enough to incorporate it up front in system design rather than later when trouble occurs. And the bottom line is that if the promise of high quality VoIP is to be realized, it's future success will be reliant on the quality and accuracy of its synchronized timing.

Security Considerations for Voice over IP Systems

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP is one of the most important emerging trends in telecommunications. As with many new technologies, VoIP introduces both security risks and opportunities. It has a very different architecture than traditional circuit-based telephony, and these differences result in significant security issues. Lower cost and greater flexibility are among the promises of VoIP for the enterprise, but it should not be installed without careful consideration of the security problems introduced.

Read this white paper to explore:

the challenges of VoIP security for agency and commercial users of VoIP
the steps needed to help secure an organization's VoIP network
VOIP security considerations for the public switched telephone network (PSTN)

Unbounded Mobility: Always Connected, Anywhere

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Most users want to be able to communicate on any device, anytime, anywhere without any configuration hurdles. These users want session continuity between various access networks, giving them continuous and seamless connection to the best available network. For voice, most of these users will want to use the same phone with a single directory, a single voice mailbox, and a common set of services. A single phone using, for example, Voice over IP (VoIP) through a broadband connection when at home or in the office, but switching automatically to a mobile network when on the move.

This paper will describe the various solutions that enable seamless mobility between access networks for voice and data connections. These solutions will make the end-user's experience more enjoyable and will open new opportunities for operators and enterprises.

Voice over IP (VoIP) Basics for IT Technicians

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The IP phone is coming - or has arrived - on desk near you. The IP phone is not a PC, but does have a number of hardware and software elements also resident in PCs. Voice over IP (VoIP) brings a new environment to the network technician that requires expanded knowledge and tools to deploy and troubleshoot IP phones. The LAN diagnostic tools have to analyze Ethernet, but must now support VoIP signaling protocols and voice transmission. Understanding VoIP will become mandatory for the network technician. This paper provides an introduction to VoIP technology and operation.

Download Voice over IP (VoIP) Basics for IT Technicians now.

Making Strides with VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

New York City Real Estate Firm Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy spends 85% of its advertising budget on print ads. But 75% of home buyers begin their searches online. CEO David Michonski suspected for years that his firm was wasting ad dollars.

Last year, Michonski confirmed his hunch. Through a phone system, of all things.

The busy Coldwell Banker franchise, which sells about $1 billion worth of pricey real estate a year, installed a voice over IP (VoIP) phone system. Its IT director, Eric Bassa, with help from vendor M5 Networks Inc., developed an application that tracks inquiries from every ad. The firm use a different phone number on each ad, and because calls come in as converted IP data packets, software can tap into them.

Enterprise VoIP Deployment Survey: February 2005

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper outlines the results of a February 2005 survey of Enterprise IT organizations regarding Enterprise VoIP deployment plans and concerns.

This survey of 177 Enterprises shows the following results:

VoIP deployment is very active amongst the Enterprises represented; 52 percent are already deploying VoIP at some level, 46 percent have plans for deployment, and only two percent have no plans
Voice quality and clarity is a strong concern (47 percent of respondents listed this as the biggest challenge)
32 percent of respondents who planned to deploy VoIP planned no quality assurance steps in their project; yet only three percent of those who had already deployed VoIP used no quality assurance steps - indicating that as pilot rollouts begin, the need for more thorough QA is recognized
Of those performing pre-deployment quality assurance, the majority reported using only basic network assessments (45 percent) and/or manual testing (41 percent); automated testing was planned by 31 percent of respondents
When asked, "Are you concerned about putting a VoIP phone on your CEO's desk?" nearly two out of three (63 percent) answered, "Yes"
Applications (e.g., messaging, call routing and remote/teleworkers) were a more common driver for their VoIP deployments than Infrastructure
Only four percent of respondents used a full range of all available measures to ensure quality VoIP deployments; most used or planned to use one or two techniques
VoIP Security was a key concern, with 24 percent of respondents citing this as their top issue
Upgrade procedures and Interoperability remain problematic for those who are deploying VoIP

The Business Case for Network-based Layer 3 IP VPNs

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Layer 3 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) developed in the late 1990s are now delivering secure, reliable office connectivity solutions for various applications of many Fortune 1000 companies. The reason for the popularity of these network-based VPNs are clear: they are now a mature and stable way to interconnect enterprises at a lower cost than Frame Relay or ATM; they enable VoIP, IP video and other advanced services that legacy technologies do not; and they provide a safe and secure upgrade path for the future. These Layer 3 IP VPNs also improve performance and resiliency, and enable enterprises to extend core business applications to remote offices with security that is every bit as robust as the Frame Relay and ATM networks they typically replace.

Download The Business Case for Network-based Layer 3 IP VPNs now.

The Big Communications Picture: The True Business Benefits of VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

IP-centric communications has the proven ability to lower costs, increase profitability, and deliver superior services to customers and prospects. But the really big business benefits are realized through real-time communications applications.

Read this white paper to learn about a groundbreaking development that combines the power of presence and managed availability with SIP?s ability to traverse different IP networks. Moreover, this new communications paradigm not only saves time and boosts productivity; it also helps minimize stress for an enhanced lifestyle, both in and out of the office.

Fuel Cells: A Look at the Future for Outside Plant (OSP) Backup Power

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper examines challenges currently faced by the telecom industry, including circuit-to-packet network migration, Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony and reliance on the Internet for worldwide commerce, which have led to an increased reliance on high-quality extended backup power. It assesses traditional backup solutions in the context of the history of the telecom industry and compares them to a new solution that holds significant promise for the industry: the hydrogen fuel cell. The paper weighs fuel cell systems against battery backup in terms of reliability, durability, cost and environmental impact. It also explores differences in lifecycle maintenance requirements and associated costs for the products.

A Leading eLearning Solutions Provider Adopts Best Practices for Online Seminars

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In an effort to produce and deliver great collaborative web experiences, ULiveandLearn sought to find a web conference platform that was easy-to-use, affordable, and flexible enough to handle multiple live and prerecorded video and audio feeds, slides, desktop sharing, chat and Voice over IP ? and allowed for searchable, reusable content.

Breeze Live was chosen as the best solution for producing and delivering distance education. The benefits of this web conferencing solution are:

The ability to deliver more and better web seminars with greater flexibility and at a fraction of the cost
Plan and preproduce content for easy integration into web conferencing rooms
Attendees can actively participate in online content, increasing interest level and retention
Attendees can prepare for meetings easily without cumbersome plug-ins that need to be downloaded

Download A Leading eLearning Solutions Provider Adopts Best Practices for Online Seminars Now.

Protecting Revenues, Establishing Trust, Empowering Consumers: Digital Asset Protection ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Content owners want to take advantage of the lower costs, viral marketing opportunities, and consumer satisfaction that comes with digital content distribution. Piracy fears have become a harsh reality for the entertainment industry with the advent of unrestricted peer-to-peer file sharing technology, high-quality, open digital content formats like MP3 and duplication technology that creates near-perfect copies of offline media. Consumers have taken well to these new technologies as they allow them flexibility with their purchased media. However, consumers are generally not well-versed in the complexities of copyright law and their desire for more digital content functionality has far outpaced their understanding of the consequences of their actions. The entertainment industry desires to give consumers the digital experience they want, but, they have their own business and the rights and compensation of their artists to protect. Consumers are also increasingly worried about identity theft and digital content services need to establish trust with consumers that their personal information will not be misused. RSA Security understands these issues and works with the leading standards bodies across industries to champion open, broadly-compatible solutions that tackle the challenges of effective digital asset protection with proven, stable security technologies. Our solutions give consumers the seamless, flexible, and trusted digital content experience they desire while promoting the protection of the rights and revenue of copyright owners.

Alcatel Powers Orange 3G Video Services

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

PacketVideo Network Solutions, an Alcatel company, has been working with Orange on video and audio MobileMedia for around five years. Towards the end of 2003, Orange awarded PacketVideo Network Solutions a global contract to deliver video streaming software for mobile video and audio services across the Orange footprint. Following this contract, the two companies continued working with content providers, handset manufacturers and application developers to deliver the best MobileMedia experience to users. A key factor was that the contract ensured a seamless transition for Orange video users migrating from GPRS to 3G. Orange successfully launched its 3G services in the UK in 2004, first with the 3G data card then, with Alcatel's assistance, its 3G video services. The Orange and Alcatel engineering teams are continuing to work together to improve the 3G video user's experience.

A Complete Messaging Solution - Email, Calendaring, Instant Messaging, VoIP and Video-conferencing

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The award-winning CommuniGate Pro is the technology leader in data and voice messaging systems, providing true 99.999% uptime in a highly-scalable, standards-based software solution. Known for its robust, cross platform, real-time messaging and collaboration software solution for email, calendaring, VoIP, instant messaging and video conferencing, CommuniGate Pro is designed for carrier class ISP, wireless, and cable providers, as well as large-scale universities and small to medium size businesses. Incorporating high performance, speed, reliability, security and an extensive feature set, CoomuniGate Pro is the solution of choice for over 9000 customers and 75 million users world wide. This white paper will help you select a messaging solution for your organization's communication needs by describing the technical features and benefits of CommuniGate Pro.

Do You Need New Tools to Manage VOIP?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Helping enterprise customers meet the challenge is the aim of more than 20 vendors of VOIP monitoring and diagnostic tools. The products vary widely in form factor and price, ranging from inexpensive, portable packet analyzers to costly, but comprehensive software suites with probes, consoles and report generators. Some have been developed specifically for IP telephony or converged networks by start-ups and entrepreneurs, while others come from the current vendors of test equipment and performance monitoring systems for enterprise LANs, WANs, networked applications and carrier networks.

The Unified Services Network

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The next generation network in WLANs is all about service mobility and access to business productivity applications anytime, anywhere. Unified wired and wireless networks promise to deliver multiservice applications and services for unprecedented mobility, operational savings, price/performance and security. Wireless LANs are popping up everywhere. WLAN hot spots in airports, hotel lobbies and coffee shops make public Internet access quick and easy. But today's WLANs don't always measure up to wired LANs. The QoS features needed for real-time services like VoIP are not widely available in wireless implementations. Inconsistently applied security policies expose corporate networks to hackers and other threats. Roaming is limited, not only by QoS and security issues, but also by slow handoff times between access points (APs). Colubris Networks, a leading provider of intelligent WLAN solutions for service providers and enterprises, envisions a future in which wireless and wired LANs come together to form a Unified Services Network.

Download The Unified Services Network Now.

IP Telephony (VoIP) Security: Deploying Secure IP Telephony in the Enterprise Network

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As voice over IP (VoIP) installations increasingly evolve from PBX trunking over private data networks to IP telephony (IPT)-based solutions ? and, in some cases, incorporating public networks ? it becomes increasingly important to recognize and address associated security issues. The risk and threat to enterprises deploying IP telephony are very real, and although few incidents have been reported in public, these are expected to increase in number as IP telephony deployments increase in number and size. Unless protective security measures are taken, the enterprise will be left open to privacy violation, fraud, and malicious attacks.

To mitigate these threats appropriately, the actual risks must be identified and mapped to a security framework. This framework can then be used to establish security requirements for the products used to obtain an appropriate level of security for the IPT solution. However, since IP telephony is a service that enables direct communication between end-user IP phones throughout an enterprise, it is critical that security measures allow this type of peer-to-peer traffic flow while protecting the telephony service. The telephony service is a convergence of the enterprise voice and data infrastructure, so it is critical that a security strategy be implemented on an enterprise-wide level within the enterprise-wide security framework. These measures must be taken as VoIP projects are planned and executed, and if properly implemented, most risks can be adequately mitigated.

Exploring Alternative Convergence-ready Solutions

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In order to align IT with business initiatives, it is necessary to deploy business and communications systems that improve the delivery of customer service, increase the productivity of workers, and support efficient communication and information exchange. To reap the full benefits of converged communications, a company must link its business and operational objectives with both the IT infrastructure and the services that the infrastructure supports.

Migrating to converged systems must be accomplished while balancing the demands of:

Changing regulatory requirements
Increased operational control
Minimizing associated risks

To respond successfully to this changing network environment, IT organizations must implement communication and information systems that are both secure and reliable (i.e. Trusted Communications) as well as create a convergence-ready architecture that makes Trusted Communication possible.

Learn more about a solution that delivers a convergence-ready architecture for trusted communications and also brings the richness of traditional telephony, enterprise class PBX features, and advanced IP data networking into the emerging Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and VoIP-based world.

Download Exploring Alternative Convergence-Ready Solutions now.

SIP: The Next Step in Converged IP Communications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

IP communications technology -- the convergence of data, voice, and video onto a single network -- can help organizations to reduce the costs and complexities associated with communications and enable progressive business gains. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) builds on the IP communications foundation by providing a standards-based approach to enabling IP communications with numerous devices and applications. This paper describes the benefits of SIP to enterprises and explains Cisco's comprehensive roadmap for delivering SIP-based solutions -- an evolving strategy that helps deliver stronger IP communications benefits to enterprises today and in the future.

Download SIP: The Next Step in Converged IP Communications Now.

VoIP Strategy: How to Ensure Foundation is Right for Future Voice Applications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As VoIP teams seek to increase organizational efficiencies and enable advanced communications applications, they need to evaluate the underlying architecture of the unified messaging solution they implement with their new IPBXs. Learn how the underlying architecture of unified messaging solutions determines system performance, IT overhead, and future VoIP application readiness. The architecture used by many unified messaging systems limits future IP telephony applications and drives high costs. Find out more about evaluating the underlying architecture to future-proof your VoIP investments.

Download VoIP Strategy: How to Ensure Foundation is Right for Future Voice Applications now.

Exploring Alternative Convergence-ready Solutions

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Migrating to converged systems must be accomplished while balancing the demands of:

Changing regulatory requirements
Increased operational control
Minimizing associated risks

Download Exploring Alternative Convergence-Ready Solutions now.

Voice over IP (VoIP) Technical Tutorial

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The Future Success of VoIP - It's All about Timing

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Do You Need New Tools to Manage VOIP?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The Business Case for Network-based Layer 3 IP VPNs

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Download The Business Case for Network-based Layer 3 IP VPNs now.

How Your Business Can Take Full Advantage of VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This webcast will examine how your business can take full advantage of productivity-enhancing IP telephony, messaging, conferencing, mobility and contact center services.

Enterprise VoIP Deployment Survey: February 2005

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper outlines the results of a February 2005 survey of Enterprise IT organizations regarding Enterprise VoIP deployment plans and concerns.

This survey of 177 Enterprises shows the following results:

VoIP deployment is very active amongst the Enterprises represented; 52 percent are already deploying VoIP at some level, 46 percent have plans for deployment, and only two percent have no plans
Voice quality and clarity is a strong concern (47 percent of respondents listed this as the biggest challenge)
32 percent of respondents who planned to deploy VoIP planned no quality assurance steps in their project; yet only three percent of those who had already deployed VoIP used no quality assurance steps - indicating that as pilot rollouts begin, the need for more thorough QA is recognized
Of those performing pre-deployment quality assurance, the majority reported using only basic network assessments (45 percent) and/or manual testing (41 percent); automated testing was planned by 31 percent of respondents
When asked, "Are you concerned about putting a VoIP phone on your CEO's desk?" nearly two out of three (63 percent) answered, "Yes"
Applications (e.g., messaging, call routing and remote/teleworkers) were a more common driver for their VoIP deployments than Infrastructure
Only four percent of respondents used a full range of all available measures to ensure quality VoIP deployments; most used or planned to use one or two techniques
VoIP Security was a key concern, with 24 percent of respondents citing this as their top issue
Upgrade procedures and Interoperability remain problematic for those who are deploying VoIP

Voice over IP (VoIP) Basics for IT Technicians

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Download Voice over IP (VoIP) Basics for IT Technicians now.

Fuel Cells: A Look at the Future for Outside Plant (OSP) Backup Power

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP as the First Steps in IP Services

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper illustrates on the key areas that communication service providers should address to leverage their investments in Voice over IP (VoIP), a foundation technology that will allow industry leaders to offer additional services and dramatically improve their competitive position in the converging marketplace.

Private Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Extensions for Media Authorization

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper describes the need for Quality of Service (QoS) and media authorization and defines a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) extension that can be used to integrate QoS admission control with call signaling and help guard against denial of service attacks. The use of this extension is only applicable in administrative domains, or among federations of administrative domains with previously agreed-upon policies, where both the SIP proxy authorizing the QoS, and the policy control of the underlying network providing the QoS, belong to that administrative domain or federation of domains.

The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper defines a new header for use with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) multi-party applications and call control. The Replaces header is used to logically replace an existing SIP dialog with a new SIP dialog. This primitive can be used to enable a variety of features, for example: "Attended Transfer" and "Call Pickup".

Overview of the Session Initiation Protocol

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is the Internet Engineering Task Force's (IETF's) standard for multimedia conferencing over IP. SIP is an ASCII-based, application-layer control protocol that can be used to establish, maintain, and terminate calls between two or more end points. Like other VoIP protocols, SIP is designed to address the functions of signaling and session management within a packet telephony network. Signaling allows call information to be carried across network boundaries. Session management provides the ability to control the attributes of an end-to-end call.

Reliable IP Telephony Applications With SIP Using RSerPool

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper shows how requirements for high-availability services in IP telephony environments can be met by running the call-control protocol SIP with the RSerPool architecture. The RSerPool protocol runs at the session layer to support the HA service. The paper shows how SIP entities map to the RSerPool architecture and show in detail how a SIP proxy operates in this architecture.

WiMax - The New New Hope for the Wireless Internet

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

WiMax is wireless data connectivity of a similar type to the 802.11 standards that are commonly known as WiFi. Unlike WiFi, WiMax has a range of up to 30 miles with data speeds of 75 Mbps. At the technical level, WiMax technology correctly interprets the information even though reflections distort the radio frequency signal. Connectivity from the base station to the internet is then provided via wireless 802.16 point-to point links or by traditional wired connections. WiMax offers privacy and encryption, and provides for Quality of Service (QOS) guarantees through controlled latency and packet prioritization, critical for Voice over IP (VOIP) and similar solutions.

IP Convergence: Beyond VoIP, Beyond Cost Savings

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CIOs recognize that convergence is critical. It is critical as both a competitive differentiator and as a key driver for profitability. However, CIOs also understand the complexities inherent in implementing a fully converged environment. Specifically, the technology, security, support and control capabilities required within the enterprise domain. This white paper illustrates how to meet these CIO objectives and remove the complexities associated with evaluating and implementing converged solutions.

Specifically, this IP Convergence whitepaper focuses on three main areas:

The business drivers and implementation challenges associated with migrating to a converged network and services environment. Today the benefits and challenges of convergence go far beyond those associate with VoIP and cost savings
Various options by which the enterprise can migrate to a converged network and services environment to meet their business objectives in a simple, straight forward and cost effective manner
An in depth look at a Converged Services Model - an end-to-end service environment that enables the consolidation of voice, video, data and rich media network applications on a single, secure IP-based network

Download IP Convergence: Beyond VoIP, Beyond Cost Savings now.

Including VoIP over WLAN in a Seamless Next-Generation Wireless Environment

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This white paper offers an overview of VoIP over WLAN applications and explains several critical deployment issues. Crucial to the success of VoIP over WLAN applications will be the ability of WLAN technology to support and provision QoS capabilities. Further, voice services inherently involve call control signaling that requires a high level of priority in order to meet the timing constraints of interfaces to external networks, such as the wireless cellular network or the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Wireless Primer - Helping IT and Telephony Professionals Understand the Wireless World

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VOIP becomes wVOIP, and LANs become WLANs. How do technology professionals keep up with the industry standards? From the A,B,D's of 802.11 to GPRS and CDMA or WWAN, it's a veritable alphabet soup out there.

Making the Case for VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For AT&T, deploying VoIP across a global landscape has resulted in employee productivity improvements and compelling cost savings in capital investment and operations. See how AT&T put the technology to work and learned from inside how to help customers use VoIP to deliver maximum business value. This paper will take you through AT&T's experience and teach you key lessons in managing call quality end-to-end, using initial savings to fund further deployment, and avoiding equipment investment with a network-based solution.

VoIP Environments: Strategies for Integrating Fax

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The multiple benefits of the converged network including increased ROI, lowered total cost of ownership, and the elimination of unnecessary equipment has driven many enterprises to embrace VoIP technology. VoIP is the first step in a sweeping transformation of the communications industry. The world is already moving toward the future of ubiquitous multimedia communications in which voice, data, video, and fax are deeply integrated.

IP Convergence beyond VoIP, beyond Cost Savings

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This webcast will provide you with a successful formula to build your Convergence Strategy driven by your company's profile and business needs.

Extending Real-time Business Communications with VoIP over Wireless Networks

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Now is the time to explore your options for delivering voice services across your wired and wireless networks. Wired VoIP solutions offer substantial savings and a new level of application and voice integration across the enterprise. wVoIP can be used to extend these advantages for selected users and business processes, and to lay the foundation for increasing mobility and productivity as wireless standards and technologies evolve.

Network-Based IP Communications: The Time Is Now

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As enterprises consider VoIP deployment and new IP applications continually emerge, more focus is put on network-based IP solutions and their business viability. Explore the key issues associated with IP communications, such as integration, interoperability, management and costs.

Network World Special Report on VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

IP telephony allows you to marry your voice and data networks, eliminating duplicate costs, headaches and hassle, not to mention traditional PBX leases, per-minute toll charges and more. This year more than 50% of all PBX systems sold are IP PBXs. This special report lays the groundwork for identifying the savings potential for your network as well as the ROI a new IP telephony system would yield. Armed with our information, you can begin to examine your infrastructure and make the move toward one converged network.

Maximizing Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) Networks: A TechRepublic Real World Guide

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For a company to successfully implement a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, an understanding of how VoIP can work with your existing infrastructure is a must-have. Therefore, important questions need to be asked, such as:

VoIP: How to Plan for the Bandwidth and Calculate the Cost Savings

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The economic drivers for VoIP are catching the attention of CFOs, CIOs, and others involved in costs. Learn how to justify the costs of implementing VoIP and how to plan for its bandwidth.

Opportunities and Challenges of IP Convergence

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Hear IBM's story on how it has undertaken one of the largest IP telephony implementations in the world, driving operational efficiencies and reducing costs through voice/data convergence, audio/video conferencing and new applications such as unified messaging and click-to-call. IBM has transformed its general telephony environment supporting 400,000 telephones to a highly centralized SIP-based telephony environment and has become recognized as a leader in managing IP communications. Learn firsthand about IBM's expected return on investment (ROI), its current deployment status and strategy for ongoing exploitation of this network convergence technology.

Better Enterprise Applications on Any Network: A New Era of Intelligent Communications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Avaya Business Communications Applications, including telephony, contact center, unified communication, conferencing/collaboration, can be embedded within daily business processes. Business Communication Applications that are SIP compliant make this possible. SIP provides an industry-standard, interoperable protocol that can be leveraged to provide presence information across any form of communication. Individuals and presence-enabled applications can now know the real-time availability of the target person, how they are currently connected to the network, and the address of the endpoint through which they can be reached.

Understanding VoIP: Leveraging Technology for a Competitive Edge

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This white paper shows how converging your traditional voice and data networks can save money and increase efficiency and productivity throughout your organization - just what it takes to remain competitive in today's marketplace.

VoIP as the First Steps in IP Services

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Making the Case for VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP in Action: An Intel Proof-of-Concept

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Intel implemented a leading-edge Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution at its Parsippany, New Jersey site. Key goals included increasing productivity, lowering costs, and learning more directly about the benefits and challenges enterprise customers face when implementing VoIP.

VoIP Security and Privacy: Making PC Platforms and Networks Highly Secure

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Potential benefits of VoIP include higher fidelity audio, video, presence information, lower cost and improved manageability, all of which are made possible because VoIP travels over a flexible data network rather than the more confined circuit-switched network. However, the flexibility of this data network and its potential shared usage with other applications also adds levels of vulnerability. This paper describes solutions for addressing security and privacy issues for VoIP networks and how to effectively address network vulnerabilities while maintaining platform integrity and performance.

Best Practices in Gigabit Capture

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Analysis is a necessary component of network management. Understanding the amounts and types of traffic traversing the network can profoundly affect a business' bottom line. Effective analysis begins with accurate packet captures, which is generally a function of hardware.This is especially true of gigabit traffic. This paper discusses the technical "best practices" that should be taken into consideration when purchasing gigabit network analysis equipment.

Ten Tips in 10 Minutes: Ethically Hacking VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In this webcast, information security experts and authors of the book Hacking Wireless Networks for Dummies, Kevin Beaver and Peter T. Davis, will discuss the latest ethical hacking techniques for testing the security of your voice over IP (VoIP) implementations. They will demonstrate the latest tools for testing VoIP security. If you have not used Vomit, this webcast is for you!

Lucent Technologies' VitalSuite Software: An Effective Tool for Optimizing Voice Over IP Services

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

See what Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) reports in this white paper about the market factors negatively impacting the widespread adoption of Voice over IP (VoIP) systems by enterprises, despite clear cut recognition of this technology's many benefits to businesses. The study focuses on how effective network management is at the base of this issue, including such issues as deployment cost, integration with existing systems and ROI. EMA also provides an in-depth focus on VitalSuite Performance Management Software, a portfolio consisting of VitalNet™, VitalEvent, VitalApps™ and VitalART products, and how it resolves this and other requirements, facilitating and accelerating the rapid, cost-effective and profitable deployment of VoIP networks.

Call Admission Control(CAC) for Quality of Service in VoIP Networks: Guaranteeing VoIP Quality ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is growing rapidly as the technology of choice for new voice network deployments as well as conversion of existing networks. Delivering and maintaining excellent voice communications quality, comparable to what is experienced by the subscribers in the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), is one of the top priorities of most service providers.VoIP introduces a number of potential impairments that can impact voice quality adversely, such as the use of lossy low-bit-rate codecs, the effects of tandem encoding/transcoding, longer delays, and packet loss.

VoIP and Beyond - Communications Enters a New Era

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This paper takes a bird's eye view of VoIP's multi-faceted impact on the market for real-time services and applications. A total makeover of the real-time services and applications environment is taking place and the boundaries that used to categorize our use of communications are dissolving. Migrating from legacy circuit-switched environments to next-generation IP network is a significant challenge for enterprises, large organizations and other businesses as well as carriers and service providers. Download this white paper to learn about strategies and solutions that leverage the value of legacy installations and at the same time facilitate the implementation of IP-centric services and applications.Download VoIP and Beyond - Communications Enters a New Era now.

Top 10 Myths about VoIP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Until recently, converting from a traditional telephone system to a network-based system required a huge upfront investment to switch out all of a company's hardware, an expense that only most large corporations could afford. Now there are new technological advancements that enable small and medium sized businesses to implement VoIP and IP PBX systems compatible with their existing hardware. Although a growing number of SMBs are now benefiting from the cost savings provided by VoIP, there are still many misconceptions about the quality and reliability of service. Learn the truth about the most commonly known VoIP myths and begin benefiting from VoIP today. Download Top 10 Myths about VoIP now.

Beyond VoIP: Voice as the Foundation for Integrated Applications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In this webcast, Irwin Lazar, senior analyst with the Burton Group discusses how stand-alone IP applications will converge into a unified, presence-based infrastructure.

Voice Over IP Security: What are the Risks and Solutions?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

To secure VoIP, both IP and VoIP-specific security procedures and best practices must be deployed at potential points of vulnerability, where the service or infrastructure may be susceptible to known or presumed attacks. Threats to VoIP can be grouped into three primary areas: Denial of Service Fraud and Abuse Data Confidentiality and Privacy Security must be an integral element of all VoIP deployments from the beginning of the process and throughout the lifecycle management. Security is an on-going process requiring constant vigilance, and VoIP deployments must be closely monitored for new threats that could impact the service.

VoWiFi Vanguards: Blazing The Trail

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Recent surveys show that voice over IP (VOIP) has gone mainstream, deployed by two out of three enterprises. A similar percentage are rolling out business-grade wireless LANs based on the 802.11 Wi-Fi technology. VoWiFi, the synergistic marriage of these technologies, seems sure to follow. Indeed, one in five companies cites VOIP as a primary driver for Wi-Fi deployment. But elsewhere, VoWiFi remains an unrealized vision. Why? Some companies lack budget or staff; others are stymied by quality or security. For most, VoWiFi is simply uncharted territory with unknown challenges. To better understand what it takes to tap VoWiFi's potential, we consulted six firms that have already ventured down this path. From health care to hospitality, walled office to warehouse, these vanguards have given VoWiFi a try, with varied goals and results. These are their stories....

Voice over IP Security: What are the Risks and Solutions?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Eliminating Boundaries: Extending VoIP Across Network Boundaries

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Voice over IP (VoIP) is here, it's proven, and deployments are expanding. That's where VoIP border control comes into play. These devices supervise the signaling and media streams entering or exiting a VoIP network-and satisfy critical requirements for security, service assurance, interoperability, and IP address translation in directly connecting VoIP networks -- whether carrier-to-carrier, carrier-to-enterprise, or carrier-to-residential users. Download this white paper to find out what direction to take for extending VoIP services beyond your own network.

MLA Antennas - Physically Small, Electrically Large

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Providing high quality of voice conversation using mobile communication device in noisy environment requires sophisticated digital signal processing of audio signals. Both transmit and receive audio paths must be processed to improve speech intelligibility and users satisfaction for both sides of the connection. If the same device is used for music reproduction in noisy environment, digital audio signal processing may also improve subjective sound quality by dynamically equalizing sound according to the environmental conditions.

Voice over DSL: Turning Copper into Gold for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

There is a new technology making the rounds of the telecommunications industry known as Voice over Digital Subscriber Line (VoDSL) that could save small and medium sized businesses from 30% to 40% of the combined phone and Internet access bills they currently pay. DSL is a frequency modulation technology that has been around for about a decade. Basically, it enables service providers and carriers to transport data and voice at high speeds over a longer distance in the service span than could earlier modulation techniques. There are several "flavors" of DSL, including HDSL and the much-hyped Asymmetric DSL (ADSL). What makes VoDSL different is that carriers can provide multiple channel voice and broadband data (such as always-on Internet connection) services simultaneously on a regular phone line.

Edge Intelligence: Unleashing the Full Potential of Virtual Contact Centers

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The success of IP and the Internet has taught the IT world some important lessons. SIP, the Session Initiation Protocol, has become the de facto signaling standard for IP communications, including voice, video, instant messaging and other real-time media. SIP, which is supported by equipment manufacturers, software houses and service providers worldwide, favors intelligent communications devices at the network edge - while the bulk of the complexity and large servers can be hosted anywhere in redundant data centers - near the experts that can manage them. This "edge-oriented" model yields more scalable, more robust, and more resilient business services. Now those lessons are transforming enterprise call centers. Economical voice over IP is replacing traditional TDM-based voice. Distributed "virtual" call centers are making single-site facilities obsolete. And IP-enabled voice-data convergence is enabling powerful new applications.This white paper introduces Edge Intelligence, an innovative approach to call center applications. By leveraging both the flexibility of IP communications and the power of distributed computing, Edge Intelligence brings valuable benefits to enterprise call centers.

Managing Enterprise Voice Over IP Networks

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

See what Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) reports in this white paper about the market drivers influencing the growing rates of enterprise Voice over IP (VoIP) adoption as an alternative to the PSTN. EMA describes the challenges of implementing this new technology and what companies need to do to prepare for it. They also provide an in-depth evaluation of a leading VoIP management system solution available today - VitalQIP DNS/DHCP & IP Management Software. Learn how VitalQIP software and its extensive, customizable set of add-on modules facilitate the critical management issues faced by enterprises when deploying VoIP, streamlining their operations and improving overall profitability. Discover how Lucent's IP management solution can bring substantial benefits to your company's bottom line.

TNT Centrally Manages Global IP Network with VitalQIP Network Management Software

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A well-managed IP network, capable of handling tens of thousands of IP objects, is key to the success of a global express shipping and logistics supply chain firm. When TNT, a world-leading provider of express delivery services and logistics supply chain solutions, needed to provide central IP management of its global network, it turned to Lucent's VitalQIP IP management software. It found that the Lucent solution gave it central management control and visibility over its network in 60+ countries, helped to support and create a global DNS architecture, delivered ongoing management cost reductions, paved the way for a Windows 2000 upgrade, and allowed TNT to build a network capable of handling new technologies including VoIP and Web-based enterprise applications.

How Can Communications Service Providers Overcome New Competitive Threats? - Think Applications!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Service providers attempting to build revenues from non-traditional telephony applications - such as mobile TV, push-to-talk/push-to-view and other messaging applications - are facing competitive threats from a variety of sources. Among the most powerful are the web portal companies such as Google, eBay, Skype, MSN andAmazon.com. It is time for service providers to rethink their position in the content value chain - simply providing the pipe is not enough. Fortunately, the service providers have unique assets that can allow them to compete effectively in this new marketplace. This white paper describes the new competitive landscape and presents three strategic levers that service providers can maximize to provide unique value to a broad array of customers, ranging from end users to content providers.

Voice over IP Security: What are the Risks and Solutions?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The Business Benefits of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SIP is still a work-in-progress, but it's beginning to bear fruit in small, controlled environments. SIP offers the promise of supporting a wide range of services beyond basic telephony, including instant messaging, presence management, and voice-enabled, web-based e-commerce. It can enable powerful enterprise applications that reduce cost, improve user productivity, and strengthen customer interactions. Over time, SIP services will expand and enhance existing business processes and procedures, becoming an extension of the way in which we work today.

Critical Steps for a Successful VoIP Deployment

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Enterprises expect voice and data network convergence to reduce management complexity, drive down operating costs, and enable more efficient communications. However, deploying a real-time application like VoIP across a data network presents unique challenges for network managers concerned about voice quality. This "how-to" report covers five steps that are critical to ensuring quality of service when transitioning to a VoIP environment, for both the LAN and the WAN: Assess Your Network Select VoIP Codec Obtain Metrics Review Results Assign the Right Class of Service Other considerations are also covered, including optimizing WAN bandwidth, developing a LAN QoS strategy, and understanding Network Address Translation.

IP Audio Conferencing: Optimizing Your Opportunities

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Conference calling is one of the most-used telecommunications features, and has become an essential tool for today's highly distributed and mobile workforce. The popularity of teleconferencing has also made it one of the biggest line items in a typical company's telecommunications budget. That makes an IP-based approach to teleconferencing a very attractive option. It's an area where VoIP technology can offer increased convenience, advanced features, and lower costs.

The Decision to Deploy IP Telephony on Demand

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The popularity of IP Telephony is growing steadily as on increasing number of companies realize the cost savings and enhanced productivity benefits of IPT technology. Far from being forced into a one-size-fits-all solution, businesses now have a choice in how best to implement IP Telephony. This paper explores the IP Telephony purchase decision of Pro-Star Insurance as it evaluated pros and cons of these alternatives.

Building a Foundation for SIP With Avaya Intelligent Communications Solutions

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Imagine a communications environment where a central directory server not only knows how to reach an individual's work phone, cell phone, and pager, but also her Instant Messaging (IM) program, e-mail, and PDA. Finally, imagine that phone calls to an unavailable person can be intelligently rerouted to another person or group depending upon a number of interrelated factors such as time of day, whether the called person is scheduled to be in a meeting, or whether one or more of her modes of communication is unreachable. These capabilities aren't some dream of a far-off utopian future, but are available today with remarkable advance in communications: Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

The IP Telephony Life Cycle: Chapter 2 of The Definitive Guide to Successful Deployment of VoIP ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Every system has a rhythm, a natural life cycle. If you can understand a system's rhythm and "go with the flow," your job of managing that system will be made much easier. The traditional telephony systems that we are now replacing have a natural rhythm, as do the IP Telephony (IPT) systems with which they are being replaced. This chapter is about understanding the life cycle of your enterprise IPT system and harnessing that understanding to increase the success of your implementation as well as your financial rewards - be those rewards direct tactical benefits such as cost savings or indirect, and often elusive, strategic benefits.

Debunking the Myths of Unified Communications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As voice, video, and data networks converge into a single user experience, more organizations are seeing the value in deploying IP-based unified communications solutions. These solutions integrate telephony, unified messaging, voicemail, customer contact solutions, audio and video capabilities, rich-media conferencing, and presence and mobility solutions with business processes. However, as with any emerging technology, myths have evolved about the use, value, and effectiveness of unified communications. This paper looks at the most common myths--and the facts--and provides information that can help you make an intelligent decision about deploying a converged network and unified communications solution.

Managing and Maintaining VoIP and Enterprise Data Applications: Understanding Key Requirements

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In order to succeed in the implementation, management, and monitoring of VoIP and enterprise data applications, network managers need to:

Smart Mobile™: Next-generation WLAN Architecture for High Performance Networks

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Wireless LANs are facing a new set of requirements, driven by a number of technology and business trends, in particular the imminent arrival of 802.11n. This new standard, coupled with the growing adoption of VoIP, is expected to have a significant impact on enterprise Wi-Fi networks. Today's wireless LANs are designed using either a centralized or distributed architecture. Centralized architectures place the intelligence at the controller. Distributed architectures place the intelligence at the Access Point. Each of these approaches has its own set of limitations. This white paper helps the network manager understand the benefits of the different approaches and recommends strategies for planning future wireless deployments.

VoIP Implementation Strategies for Small Businesses

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The long-hyped convergence of voice and data onto a single network is finally becoming reality. According to Gartner, it's expected that 32 million internet phone lines will be in use by 2009. If your small business is thinking about taking the plunge there is a lot you need to know. This white paper will walk you through the necessary steps in order to begin VoIP implementation. This paper will: Explain VoIP benefits and challenges; Determine if your network is designed to support VoIP; Highlight four approaches for upgrading to VoIP; Reveal the cost associated with VoIP; And much more.

Managing Voice over IP for Successful Convergence

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP has a number of beneficial offerings for organizations. Despite these benefits, there are serious call quality concerns compared to the quality of traditional voice services. In this paper, learn how to:1. Assess the network for its ability to run converged IP services 2. Manage the network with an eye to: ***** 1. end-to-end monitoring ***** 2. quality of service ***** 3. performance of applications and services 3. Successfully deploy a VoIP networkVoice quality can be assured if the enterprise takes the right steps. Learn these steps in this informative paper.

IP Telephony Secrets Your Equipment Vendor Won't Tell You

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

This white paper is designed to arm all stakeholders in the VoIP migration plan with meaningful advice, so you can use it during the significant and ultimately necessary process of deploying a converged network. After reading this paper you will be armed with the tools to design and deploy a voice and data platform that: Increases competitiveness and productivity; Reduces cost; Is scalable with the growth of the enterprise. Learn all you need to know before purchasing equipment and implementing VoIP by reading this white paper. Start benefiting from the three macro benefits of VoIP: operational cost savings, application integration, and worker productivity enhancements.

The Facts on Multiservice Access Router Performance - Tolly Group Tests Confirm ADTRAN ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

It's not enough for campus and wide area network routers to demonstrate high throughput without handling additional loads. In the real world, routers must provide exceptionally high throughput while simultaneously juggling the overhead associated with security services such as IPSec VPNs, firewalls and other security and network services. This independent test summary compares the NetVanta 3430 multiservice access router to competing routers from Cisco. This report compares against: Zero-loss throughput over fast ethernet; Zero-loss throughput over two T1s; VoIP call quality; And much more.

Integrated Visibility for VoIP Management

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

VoIP is well on its way to becoming the default technology choice for enterprise voice services, but maintaining acceptable call quality and ensuring service reliability remain persistent challenges for IT departments. This paper describes a real-time monitoring and management solution that integrates packet-level network visibility with performance reporting and analysis at the business service level. This paper details: Common sources of VoIP call quality degradation; The challenges of troubleshooting audio quality problems in an IP environment; The benefits of logically aggregating, monitoring and managing VoIP network elements as a business service.

Making VoIP Perform as Advertised

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The promise of major cost savings has led many enterprises to consider moving voice traffic to the enterprise IP WAN. However, a successful VoIP implementation must deliver on both cost savings and user satisfaction with the quality of call service. Achieving well-defined toll-quality metrics requires the application of a number of QoS techniques acting in concert to manage delay, jitter and packet loss across the IP network. This paper describes: The specific network problems that adversely affect packetized voice The integrated QoS techniques required to achieve toll-quality VoIP Download Making VoIP Perform as Advertised now.

Is It the Network? Solving VoIP Problems on a Wireless LAN

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Managing a network that includes VoIP and Wi-Fi means more than just learning the black magic that makes each technology work. It also means learning how each technology causes the other to get a little blacker and a little more magical. The goal of this paper is to combine a deep knowledge of 802.11 protocols, quality of service (QoS) mechanisms and VoIP handsets with the feedback aggregated from training hundreds of IT professionals each year to identify potential problems and solutions when rolling out VoIP on a Wi-Fi network.

Mobile Instant Messaging: The Next Global Messaging Opportunity

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

MIM interoperability is a key immediate need that can be effectively addressed through IP-based approaches such as SIP that incorporate all-IP number-based directories and that are administered in a competitively neutral manner.

Using Skype From VFP

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In many cases users of Visual FoxPro (VFP) application need to communicate (text, voice, video) over Internet. VFP itself has limited ability to satisfy those needs. There are software products available that let users do this automatically from within a VFP application. The one that the authors opted for is Skype. Like using emails, Excel or Word Automation, one can use the Skype API or indirectly the COM wrapper ActiveS to automate communication over Internet. In this paper two samples show how to use the ActiveS COM and the Skype functionality, to enable the VFP application with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and other messages handling.

VoIP & Unified Messaging - The BlueCat Advantage

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Enterprises are moving towards Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Unified Communications (UC) in corporate networks because of its many benefits, including a) substantial cost savings by using the internet to bypass long distance tolls, b) implementing advanced applications such as unified messaging and presence, and c) improving employee collaboration and productivity.

How IBM Positioned for Business Growth Using Integrated Business Communications

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The anticipated sunset of traditional telephone technology and the shift to Voice over IP (VoIP) will likely drive a number of business benefits - reduced cost being chief among them - though many of these benefits may not be apparent to users. People will continue using telephones in the way they always have - if telephones are all they are offered. But broader changes in IP-based communications can enable organizations to give their employees communications capabilities beyond telephones and receive significantly more business benefits in return.

Business Guide to Voice over Wireless LAN

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Voice communications is taking an important new direction with the adoption of voice over IP (VoIP) technology as the foundation for both consumer and enterprise telephone services. In the consumer space, cable telephony and VoIP services from carriers like Vonage and Skype (now part of eBay) are demonstrating that IP is a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional circuit-based voice networks. In enterprise communications, we are seeing a wholesale migration from traditional PBX systems to IP PBXs that rely on this same technology to reduce the cost and increase the functionality of business telephone systems.

A Big Sip: IP Technology Firms See Growth as SIP Emerges as Clear Standard

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For years, the field of IP communications was divided among proprietary technologies and approaches that left a splintered landscape without a single clear standard, creating challenges for enterprises and network operators seeking interoperability. That's begun to change in past few years and now the emergence of Session Initiation Protocol, or SIP, as the clear standard is setting up various types of IP communications networks. That, in turn, is seen as setting the stage for continued growth for firms engaged in setting up and securing real-time communications systems. The trend extends well beyond the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) marketplace to include any type of real-time communications, from text chat to video chat and enterprise-level applications.

Beyond the Fax Machine: Introducing Network and VoIP Fax Solutions

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For years, experts have predicted that fax will be completely replaced by email and other forms of electronic communication. Yet, faxes continue to be a dependable and universal method of communication and a critical and embedded factor in many workflow processes. Initiatives such as business process improvement, adhering to compliance regulations as well as application integration and device consolidation are just a few of the factors that have led businesses to replace fax machines with network and VoIP fax solutions.

CommuniGate Systems Demonstrates Telco-Class VoIP Performance

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CommuniGate Systems, the leader in scalable carrier-class Internet Communications solutions, has demonstrated the un-surpassed performance and scalability of its product architecture. CommuniGate Pro All-Active Dynamic Cluster, which holds the world SPECmail record for messaging, has demonstrated its capability in a simulation and benchmark for a 10-million VoIP subscriber environment. Working with Hewlett Packard, Intel, Navtel Communications and F5 Networks in an emulated real-world environment, CommuniGate Systems highlighted and documented the massive scalability of its unique SIP Farm technology on a 64-CPU Integrity Superdome system from HP.

Learn How VoIP is Dramatically Cutting Telecom Costs for Small Businesses in North America

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Small businesses are faced with a difficult task when it comes to selecting a business phone system. With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, SMBs now have a cost effective, feature-rich alternative to traditional business phone systems. VoIP technology compresses voice (audio) data into packets that can be efficiently transmitted over data networks and the public Internet, and converted back into voice at the receiving end. This is the basic architectural change that drives integration with web-based applications and the development of new features that would be impossible using traditional networks.

The ECHO-Avaya Connection: How ECHO Digital Recording Interacts with Avaya's Telephony

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

ECHO communicates directly with Avaya's system. This direct connection eliminates the technical failures and the overhead of wiring to each phone. Whether TDM or VoIP-based, the audio is 100% digital - never converted to analog - ensuring high quality voice recording.

The Merits Of 'Hosted IP Service' Relative To 'IP PBX's'

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Business customers are highly sensitive to both pricing and perceived value - all else being equal, price advantage and high 'value add' will carry the day in the decision-making process. At the very least, therefore, Service Provider sales teams must be in a position to address Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in a thorough and compelling way.

The ECHO-Cisco Connection: How ECHO Digital Recording Interacts with Cisco's CallManager

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

ECHO interfaces directly to Cisco's IP telephony switch. This ease of integration results from a design based upon existing network architecture. No conversion or extra equipment is necessary because ECHO utilizes features native to Cisco's switch. This eliminates failures typical of physical connections and overhead associated with wiring directly into phone extensions.