Mitel to Deliver Sip-Based, Real-Time Collaboration with Microsoft

Mitel announced an agreement with Microsoft to develop a Signaling and Media Gateway to compliment Microsoft Office Live Communications Server and the upcoming communication client code-named "Istanbul." Mitel's Signaling and Media Gateway is based on the SIP, XML and CSTA standards and will allow Microsoft's applications to access Mitel's IP-based call control, devices and applications, empowering businesses to leverage their existing investment in both Microsoft and Mitel communications solutions. http://www.mitel.com

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BroadSoft to Integrate Hosted VoIP with Microsoft

BroadSoft and Microsoft are working to integrate Microsoft's Live Communications Server 2005 and the forthcoming next generation live communications client, which supports instant messaging (IM) and presence capabilities for enterprises, with the BroadSoft BroadWorks platform, which supports next-generation hosted voice communications. The joint solution would provide "presence-enabling" voice calls.



BroadSoft also announced it has been invited by Microsoft to participate in Microsoft's early Technology Adoption Program for ISVs. http://www.broadsoft.com

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Global Crossing Launches Interprovider MPLS

Global Crossing introduced an Interprovider MPLS interconnect service to help carriers extend IP Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) service reach beyond their region. Global Crossing's MPLS-based IP VPN service is delivered over the company's DWDM network. The IP VPN service provides multiple Classes of Service (CoS) with differentiated QoS. http://www.globalcrossing.com

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Microsoft Outlines Real-time Collaboration Vision -- "Istanbul"

Microsoft announced plans for a next-generation client aimed at strengthening the connection between users and their telephony, line-of-business and productivity applications.
In a keynote address at the Fall 2004 VON Conference in Boston, Anoop Gupta, corporate vice president of the Real-Time Collaboration (RTC) Business Group at Microsoft, introduced the newest member of the Microsoft Office System, code-named "Istanbul," that will provide integrated communications capabilities including instant messaging, extensible presence, PC-based voice and video, and telephony integration.



"Istanbul" will be the preferred client for Microsoft Office Live Communications Server. Its role would be to provide single interface for presence including instant messaging, conferencing and traditional telephony.



"Istanbul" is scheduled for release in the first half of 2005. http://www.microsoft.com

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Sprint Raises 2004 Outlook, Recognizes $3.5 billion LD Charge

Sprint reported $6.922 billion in quarterly revenue, up 3.1% over the same period last year. For the quarter, fully diluted loss per share on a GAAP basis was $1.32 reflecting a $1.53 per share loss associated with an impairment charge of $3.5 billion associated with its Long Distance business.



Sprint Consumer Solutions reported 4% sequential growth of revenues on strong wireless performance, Sprint Local Consumer Solutions reported a 1% sequential increase, and Sprint Business Solutions reported a 2% sequential decline as lower wireline revenues were partially offset by growth in wireless.



For the wireless group, Q3 net subscriber additions include 429,000 through direct channels, 422,000 from wholesale partners and 101,000 through affiliates. At the end of the period, there were 23.2 million wireless subscribers, consisting of 17.3 million direct, 3.1 million from affiliates and 2.8 million wholesale. Direct gross additions were approximately 1.8 million in the quarter, a 26% year-over-year increase. At the end of the period, there were nearly 7.3 million Sprint PCS data subscribers, including 5.6 million Sprint PCS Vision subscribers. For the full quarter, data contributed 8% to overall ARPU. http://www.sprint.com

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Level 3 Signs Speakeasy for "HomeTone" Wholesale VoIP

Speakeasy will launch a nationwide, residential VoIP service using Level 3 Communications' HomeTone wholesale service. The rollout will include 120 markets nationwide. Speakeasy Voice provides local, long-distance and international calling, as well as many of the popular features such as caller ID, call waiting, last call return, voice mail, directory assistance and more. Additionally, Speakeasy Voice's 911 service is fully integrated with local Public Safety Answering Points from day one. After an initial promotion period, Speakeasy Voice service is $29.95 per month. http://www.Level3.comhttp://www.speakeasy.net/residential/voice

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AudioCodes and 3Com Sign OEM Agreement

3Com will resell AudioCodes' VoIP media gateways under an OEM agreement announced by the firms. The agreement encompasses AudioCodes' standard gateway and media server products specifically geared for the enterprise telephony market. AudioCodes' gateways and media servers are being integrated into the 3Com VCX IP Telephony Solution, which is open standards-based and scales across a large, multi-site, distributed network. http://www/audiocodes.comhttp://www.3com.com

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Global Crossing Introduces Fast-Track Services

Global Crossing introduced a portfolio of "Track Services" wholesale business solutions for service providers for delivering uniform, end-to-end IP and network services backed by consistent customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Global Crossing partners with service providers to deliver a customized service that matches their offer feature for feature, ensuring seamless service expansion across a greater geographic territory. The Fast-Track Services portfolio includes IP VPN, Dedicated Internet Access, ATM/FR and private line, network services with two go-to-market options: Global Crossing Signature Services and Global Crossing Alliance Services. Signature Services allow service providers to market these network services under their own brand. http://www.globalcrossing.com

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net.com Announces Enhancements to ShoutIP

net.com announced new features for its ShoutIP platform for IP telephony, including network address translation (NAT) traversal capabilities. ShoutIP modifies VoIP signaling (SIP and H.323) to ensure a call passes through the NAT correctly. ShoutIP also now includes SIP registration for enhanced session border control between SIP-enabled telephones and an enterprise IP PBX, or carrier IP Centrex server. This enables SIP phones in a private network to work with an external proxy in the public network. With SIP registration, ShoutIP enables "round-trip" functionality as it generates and sends registration and invitation requests to the external registrar, or proxy, and authenticates invitations on the return side. This enhancement also reduces the number of registration entries the network operator is required to make when provisioning VoIP services.



The latest release of ShoutIP also offers features specific to government customers and other enterprises requiring secure voice over IP capabilities. These features include a synchronous serial interface that extends connectivity options into other devices, including modems with serial interfaces and radios. ShoutIP also offers basic rate interface (BRI) connectivity to INMARSAT satellite communications gear. Additionally, this release of ShoutIP also supports SS7 signaling for carriers. http://www.net.com

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Powell: VoIP Requires Light Regulatory Touch

Two weeks prior to the U.S. election, Michael Powell, Chairman of the FCC, said VoIP had ignited a fire under a depressed industry, but to achieve its revolutionary potential it requires a new, "light" regulatory touch. Noting that IP data communications knows no borders, Powell said the FCC must now affirmatively establish federal jurisdiction over all IP traffic and work with its international counterparts. It must also recognize the changes that will result from disengaging applications from the network. In his keynote address at Fall VON 2004 in Boston, Powell said the FCC does has a role to play ensuring that a willing provider is always able to reach a willing customer. He also affirmed the four "Net Freedom" principles that he has spoken of in the past: Freedom to Access Content, Freedom to Use Applications, Freedom to Attach Personal Devices, Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information. http://www.convergedigest.com/regulatory/regulatory.asp?category=Regulatory

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Pulver Sees Growing Momentum for Voice on Net (VON)

This year will be remember as the year that VoIP "really happened," said Jeff Pulver, speaking at the opening of Fall VON 2004 in Boston -- as evidenced by extensive prime time TV commercials for consumer VoIP service during the Olympic Games, the FCC approval of the "pulver Order," which set a deregulatory tone for the industry; and the arrival of the first VoIP price wars.
Pulver believes we are at the crossroads between reality and hype. Clearly, interest in VoIP continues to grow -- the VON conference is expected to attract 5,000 attendees and over 200 exhibitors.



Pulver hinted that he will soon be filing a new FCC petition addressing the future of telephone numbers, which he described as a 120-year old mistake because they are associated with a physical address, instead of a person. Pulver said he would file his petition on behalf of country code 1, although it potentially impacts any calling on the Net. More details are expected soon. http://www.pulver.com

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F5 Networks deploys Cavium's' NITROX Security Processors

F5 Networks is using Cavium Networks NITROX Security Processors in its recently introduced F5 BIG-IP Application Switch family to deliver record SSL performance. Cavium's processors provide performance ranges from 900 to 50,000 RSA Ops/second. The NITROX processors also support SSL TPS and record processing with dynamic adaptability between symmetric and asymmetric processing. http://www.cavium.com

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Sylantro Adds Support for Wi-Fi Phones, Video SIP Softphones

Sylantro Systems introduced support for Wi-Fi handsets and video applications over IP to its software platform for advanced IP Centrex and hosted communications service. The SIP-based Wi-Fi handsets include features like abbreviated extension-to-extension dialing. Sylantro provides a call forking capability that allows a Wi-Fi device to be registered to the same phone number as a desk phone -- with simultaneous or sequential ringing -- letting users choose the appropriate device for their immediate situation or location. When provisioned in this manner, both the Wi-Fi and desk instrument also provide an identical Caller ID.



At VON Fall 2004, Sylantro is demonstrating Xten's presence-enabled eyeBeam video SIP softphone, integrated with the Sylantro open standards-based platform. The SIP-based Sylantro solution is media independent, and seamlessly processes requests from the eyeBeam client via SIP's Session Description Protocol. Sylantro is also working with other videophone makers to ensure standards-based compatibility and interoperability.



Separately, Sylantro Systems announced that PowerNet Global Communications (PNG), an integrated communications provider, has chosen the Sylantro application feature server platform for a nationwide hosted VoIP service. PNG's business IP Centrex offering is scheduled for Q1 2005, with a residential VoIP product launch offering to follow in Q2 2005 using the same Sylantro platform. http://www.sylantro.com

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VegaStream Debuts Low-density VoIP gateway

VegaStream introduced a scaleable, field upgradeable low-density trunking gateway designed for service provider, enterprise and other equipment supplier environments. The Vega 400 allows customers to start with a low capacity such as a fractional E1 or T1 and grow up to 120 VoIP calls through field-installable upgrades. The platform provides interoperability with existing equipment and VoIP networks based on SIP and H323. http://www.vegastream.com

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Kagoor Scales its Session Controller to Over 100,000 Concurrent Calls

Kagoor Networks introduced its new carrier-grade VoiceFlow 4000 session border controller, which is capable of carrying more than 100,000 concurrent calls and delivering 750 calls per second (CPS), all in a single system. Kagoor said its VoiceFlow 4000 offers carrier-grade reliability and is able to fit in carrier network locations where other larger, but less powerful units cannot. Six available (out of eight total) slots can be populated by signaling and/or media cards, which can be variably configured. Key features of VoiceFlow 4000 include topology hiding, denial of service (DoS) protection, media firewall, optimized media routing, service level agreement (SLA) reporting, and firewall pinhole maintenance. It also provides bandwidth utilization management, concurrent call limiting, E911, protocol translation, admission control, call routing and load balancing, lawful interception and regulatory compliance applications. Target customers include Tier 1 carriers and service providers, Tier 2 service providers with sizable networks and large MSOs, mobile carriers, and ISPs. VoiceFlow 4000 is beginning customer trials in Q4, 2004, and will be generally available starting in Q1, 2005. http://www.kagoor.com

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Popular Telephony Proposes Serverless Global Numbering Plan for VoIP

Popular Telephony Inc., a start-up software company with offices in New York, France and Israel, announced a Global Numbering Plan for IP telephony users. "Peerio GNUP" is a lightweight software agent that can be used with VoIP applications, such as Peerio, Skype, Liphone, SIP or H.323 clients, etc. It assigns the user a unique number (analogous to a traditional PSTN or mobile phone number).



The company said that until now, VoIP devices and software were restricted to simple outgoing calls and like-to-like platform or protocol connectivity (Skype-to-Skype, h.323, SIP etc.), whereas standards-based applications required a DNS or Proxy infrastructure. Peerio GNUP creates a presence for IP telephony users, enabling them to participate in the global two-way telephony process. VoIP software users interconnect transparently, while other networks users call GNUP numbers using a service provider that supports the Peerio Global Numbering Plan. Calls between IP and PSTN are carried by GNUP partner service providers or through a GNUP-enabled media gateway.



Peerio GNUP is serverless; and works without any central management server, switchboard or system to handle call processing. Popular Telephony is offering the service for free.



Stealth Communications, operators of the Voice Peering Fabric, is partnering with Popular Telephony to provide Peerio GNUP users access to Stealth's VPF ENUM Registry. Access to the VPF ENUM registry will enable users of GNUP to connect to a range of different IP telephony operators supporting ENUM and to communicate with other VoIP networks' users for free. Stealth's Voice Peering Fabric is a distributed switched Ethernet fabric that functions as an exchange for VoIP traffic. It allows members to establish peer-to-peer connections with complete transparency between buyers and sellers of VoIP routes. http://www.populartelephony.com

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