September 24, 2009

VOIP still going strong despite recession

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: — admin @ 5:02 pm

Many companies are pulling the purse strings in on spending, but it seems that despite this, VoIP and the growth of Unified Communications continues to rise.

500 call centres were contacted across 36 countries by network provider Dimension Data. Of the firms contacted most were still keen to have value-added services.

Spending may have dipped and the call for customer relationship management software fallen, but VoIP continues to prove popular for many businesses.

It is worth noting that the survey found that 60% of call centres in the UK now use VoIP software.

Howard Spink, of Dimension Data, says that the findings are a clear indication of the recession creating a ‘contact centre evolution’. With the intervention of VoIP, call centre communications will now be revolutionised and will enable companies to keep costs down.

VoIP is going to help companies to continue to communicate throughout the recession and keep a lid on costs.

Twitter launches VoIP service

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:56 pm

Twitter has launched its own VoIP service, allowing Twitter site members to make calls to friends, regardless of whether they know their number or not.

The service has been developed by Jajah who have limited calls to 2 minutes, which believe is the time needed to write a 140 character ‘tweet’.

Those interested in using the service will have to register their telephone number and screen name with Jajah. They can then send a message to the name of the person that they wish to speak to.

The new service is currently only available in the US but Twitter hopes that the service will be available to everyone by Christmas.

AT&T blocks 3G VoIP

Filed under: voip phones — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:53 pm

US Communications giants AT&T admits to blocking 3G VoIP across the company’s network.

AT&T had to admit to the Federal Communications Commission in the States that it struck a deal to prevent VoIP calls being made across the 3G network.

VoIP calls cost mobile phone providers money, as it cuts the cost of calls for the user – calls that would usually be made with mobile minutes.

Customer voice plans would not generate the predicted revenues if VoIP calls were available.

It seems that despite this rather unfair move on the part of AT&T, it seems that without removing the ability to make VoIP calls, they will all lose money. In fact, without the revenues created by voice call plans, there would be a slow on mobile phone advancements overall.

AT&T has said that VoIP can be used on any VoIP apps that use Wi-Fi to operate, but that they would be blocked from the iPhone.

August 28, 2009

The New Avaya 4621SW IP Telephone Available

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 12:06 pm

The Avaya 4621SW is perfect for your classic business desk phone – but comes with the advantages of low cost VoIP calling through a 10/100 Base T Ethernet connection. It includes a separate auto-negotiation for each port and integrated switch for PC connection.

The Avaya 4261SW IP has a large graphic display (168 x 132 dots) and 3 fixed feature keys: Conference, Transfer and Redial. There is also 3 application feature buttons: Dial, Call Log and Web Browser. The phone comes with a headset jack and desk stand. There is multi-language support to enable global user application.

The main features of the Avaya 4261SW:

• Full duplex speaker phone with Auto Echo – Avaya IP office compatible
• 10/100 BaseT Ethernet with seperate auto-negotiation for each port
• Intergrated switch for PC connection – with phone over PC priority
• IP Address Assignment – DHCP Client or Statically Configured
• Support for Simple Network management Protocol (SNMP)
• Multiple language support built-in: English, French, Italian, Spanish & KataKana
• Downloadable firm-ware for true investment protection
• Infrared (IrDA) Port
• Large screen graphic display (168 x 132 dots)
• 24 Programmable DSS / call appearance / feature keys
• 4 application feature buttons along bottom of display Speed Dial, Call Log, Web Browser, Options
• 10 Fixed Feature Keys: Speaker, Mute, Hold, Volume Up, Volume Down, Headset, Conference, Drop, Transfer and Redial
• Microsoft NetMeeting compatible
• Call Log Application
• Special Speed Dial Application
• Web Browser (WML)
• LDAP Directory
• 8 Ring-tone options
• Message Waiting Indicator
• Hearing aid compatible
• Built-in Headset Jack
• Wall Mountable / Desk stand with 7 positions

Please note, this phone is only compatible with Avaya IP Office / Avaya Communication Manager, and is not suitable for home use.

Microsoft and JaJah Join Forces to Increase VoIP Communication

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:45 am

JaJah, a Mountain View California based VoIP service provider, have joined partnership with Microsoft to launch a new IP service for enterprises. This allows business customers to make calls from computers and landlines over the internet, with an improved quality of the VoIP calls made via Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

The partnership means that JaJah will provide Microsoft with SIP trunking services – a technology that connects OCS 2007 R2 to carrier networks, and maintains phone calls arriving at their destination that are made from PCs, VoIP phones and mobile devices. These trunking services are now authorised to be compatible with OCS 2007 R2.

Ebrandz explains that: “a SIP trunk is a concurrent call that is routed over the IP backbone of a carrier using VoIP technology.” Companies using OCS 2007 R2 will not have to buy additional hardware and software to enable their voice calls, because of JaJah’s VoIP platform.

JaJah competes with other web-based calling platforms (e.g. Skype, RingCentral and Google Voice) but its aim is to give VoIP accessibility to technology companies, carriers and mobile operators. By pointing the server at JaJah’s IP address, businesses who buy OCS 2007 can start making calls instantly.

Businesses can start taking advantage of making high quality calls by using JaJah’s IP platform, meaning no infrastructure upgrade is necessary. Microsoft OCS users can now make low cost voice calls from their IP phones, computers or mobile phones to any device because of the new partnership with JaJah.

Trevor Healy, JaJah’s CEO said: “The JaJah qualification on Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 is a clear indicator of the strength of JaJah’s platform and quality as a carrier-grade SIP solutions provider. Enterprises across the world can implement VoIP and unified communication easily and cost effectively with Microsoft and JaJah.”

Lots of small to medium businesses use JaJah’s phone platform to enable calls as it is similar to Skype but without the need for headsets, downloads, software or hardware. Users on Yahoo Messenger making calls are also using JaJah – from when they are registering to when they are paying.

Healy explains: “What this indicates is that when you make an internal call inside the enterprise, we will carry [the call] all the way to your destination. … But then also, if you want to connect to a mobile phone in France, we will handle all the routing and trafficking of that call to Orange in France.”

August 27, 2009

Desktop VoIP Phones Still Relevant in the Marketplace

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:38 am

Garrett Smith, a blogger from smithonvoip.com suggests desktop VoIP phones are still highly relevant.

In regard to a post by Dave Michels on pindropsoup.com, Smith discusses how personal and business communications have “become increasingly fragmented,” and that there is a wider choice in the present day of how to get hold of someone.

This evolution has in turn limited the possible growth for desktop VoIP phones. However, desktop VoIP phones are not being wiped out. As Smith states, desktop VoIP phones are still the most appropriate enabler of business VoIP calling.

He indicates this is because the phone call is “an experience,” and one that is tied directly to a desktop VoIP phone. Desktop VoIP phones will face competition – although these new competitors still have to change prosumer habits, a task not easy to do.

To maintain their power as the preferred medium of enabling a call, desktop VoIP phones will need to evolve. As manufacturers are continually creating new and developing existing products, this is sure to happen.
Smith agrees with Michels on the fact that people love their mobile phones as they are becoming rapidly more relevant to users. So it is suggested that some partnership between the mobile phone and desktop phone that meets the needs of the prosumer is likely.

Overall, Smith agrees that the “evolutionary fragmentation of communications will limit the potential growth of the desktop VoIP phone over time.” But, that this is apparent in all other forms of communications too due to technology advancing and continual evolution. The market winner will be the product that is most relevant to the user – and currently that is the desktop VoIP phone.

VoIP to Come to iPhone on AT&T 3G Network?

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 11:22 am

It is known that Apple and AT&T have an agreement to block VoIP applications from using AT&T’s mobile network. However an article on zdnet states VoIP apps using WiFi are fine.

The Apple and AT&T agreement is stated in a letter sent to the FCC by AT&T. The letter clarifies that AT&T and Apple agree that Apple will not enable the iPhone to uses AT&T’s wireless service (2G, 3G and WiFi) to make VoIP calls without accessing consent from AT&T.

It is suggested that without this agreement the price of the iPhone would have been greater than it is. AT&T frequently review their capability and feature policies, and are said to take a “fresh look” at the possibility of authorising VoIP capabilities on the AT&T 3G network for the iPhone. For more information head to phonesreview.

New Small Business VoIP Phone Series from Cisco

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:07 am

Cisco Systems are releasing five new VoIP phones targeted at the small medium business sector. The new SPA5XX models are part of the Cisco Small Business Series, and are the next generation in desktop VoIP phone technology for Cisco.

Developing further from the successful Linksys SPA9XX series, the SPA5XX series are designed to meet the VoIP consumers changing needs. All five phones in the series include:

  1. Dual switched ethernet ports with IEEE 802.3af Power Over Ethernet (PoE) support
  2. Full-duplex speakerphone, Message Waiting Indicator Light, 4-way navigation key, and 12 button dial pad, dedicated illuminated buttons for Volume, Hold, Menu settings and Voicemail access
  3. G.722 Wideband Audio codec support
  4. Optional line expansion through the NEW Cisco SPA500S attendant console
  5. Auto-provisioning via TFTP, HTTP or HTTPS
  6. Support for both SIP and Cisco’s SPCP (Smart Phone Control Protocol)

To help you decide which model would suit your business, here is a summary of each:

Cisco SPA501G – the entry level model with a basic grey scale LCD screen and single line appearance. Suitable for waiting areas and break rooms.

Cisco SPA502G – this model features a higher resolution grey scale LCD screen and two line appearances. Suitable for the average business user.

Cisco SPA504G – this has four line appearances and the middle model out of the series. Suitable for any associate, manager or executive.

Cisco SPA508G – a step up, this model has eight line appearances and the ability to add up to two Cisco SPA500S sidecars. Suitable for a secretary, assistant or someone that needs to handle multiple calls at one time.

Cisco SPA509G – the final model features a twelve line appearance that is also designed for secretaries and assistants. It can be used with a maximum of two SPA500S sidecars – allowing 76 line appearances.
The availability of the SPA5XX series is September 2nd 2009 but pre-orders are accepted already. Want to learn a bit more about the series, head here.

New VoIP Phone Released by Astra

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:56 am

The Aastra 312W is the latest in the line of new WiFi VoIP phones to be released in 2009.

Targeted at consumers and prosumers the 312W supports 802.11 b/g wireless network connections, a high resolution colour screen and a memory card to store contacts. The 312W is SIP based.

Aastra are a top quality brand and one of the global communications leaders. The Aastra 57i CT desktop/cordless VoIP phone combination is one of the most popular phones on the market. Not forgetting their inventive SIP DECT solution either.

The 312W is set to cause a lot of interest, despite the $349.99 US price tag. In time this number may fall however. But, if you’re looking for a WiFi VoIP Phone the Aastra 312W is a definite consideration.

Read more here.

July 24, 2009

Rocket to benefit VoIP solutions

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , — admin @ 2:07 pm

VoIP services and broadband are going to get a boost from a new satellite that is about to go into orbit.

Originally the technology was due to be launched into space on a US built Falcon Nine rocket, but due to delays the technology will use the more expensive UK Hylas spacecraft.

The company behind the VoIP technology, Avanti Communications, has gained financial support to pay for the switch, especially with the demand for broadband and VoIP growing.

Avanti has recognised that the market was a lot bigger than they had originally thought and so a blue chip shareholder has got involved to bring the launch forward and ensure that it happens.

The UK Hylas satellite weighs nearly 3 tonnes and is going to bring broadband to the homes and businesses of over 350,000 customers across Europe.

The cost of the satellite means that the initial price of the broadband connections will be more expensive than regular broadband, but as demand rises, the cost should fall.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »
Sales and Mail Order: 0870 770 1890 Investors In People