Thursday, May 29, 2008

Unification Of Diverse Resources For Unified Communications

I happened to be by Tom Keating's blog by today to find this gem of an article about Open Source and Closed Source communities working together to bring about truly unified communications about. He talks about efforts of Asterisk (the open source telephony solution) and OCS 2007, Office Communications server from Microsoft. The Process has it's own hurdles to pass from purists from Open Source camp to technical difficulties like SIP over UDP support, due to the nature of the two products. Mr. Keating takes you through the scenario and wealth of resources. He also speaks about PBXnSIP, another IPPBX solution. Of course I support Open Source VoIP IP Telephony Solution, Asterisk but I do not close my eyes towards other solutions. So I would like see all solutions interoperate so that the users have to a trouble free communications solutions, no matter what is running the underlying infrastructure.
So here is the connection to Keating's Article.

Service Providers, Manage Your Web Service Provider Traffic

As service providers around the world are making themselves “experience providers”, the consumption of the band with increase day by day making Service providers to check on their capacity planing capabilities. If you are a Service provider and miscalculated the demand curve or plain old fix as we go along gang member you might be in for a surprise and a bunch of problems. Either with your users who are unhappy or regulators that are happy to take a piece of remains of the liquid pie. So you will need to invest one way or the other and Cisco SP360 Blog has a nice article that you might be interested in.
It suggests that "one potential avenue for increased revenue is creative new partnerships with web service providers, or WSPs. WSPs like Google, Yahoo, MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Travelocity, EBay and (And I think many of Unified Communications providers) others, are establishing themselves as essential to consumers, and are driving huge increases in time spent on-line and overall bandwidth consumption. Service providers to some extent are struggling to monetize this growth in traffic on their networks, and in fact, some have gotten in trouble with regulators and in the court of public opinion by trying to “manage” WSP traffic."
I really think that is one good starting point or restarting point depending on where you are in the game.
Continue here to read Cisco SP360 Article.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Truphone 4.0 With Truphone Anywhere Released, Make Cost Effective Mobile Calls.

We have written a lot about truphone in the past, OpenSER Summit, First SIP phone call on an iPhone!, court case against T-Mobile in UK, but we now have some more news.
Truphone has reached version 4.0 and Truphone Anywhere is a part of it now. You can download the application or upgrade from the link given below.
The announcement gives us a list of benefits and cost savings based on where we live and they were also good to list the exceptions where ever they apply. I will list some of those cost saving comparisons below and also the exceptions.
So what is Truphone and Truphone anywhere? If you did not know, Truphone is a free piece of software that lets you make free and cheap mobile calls via the internet. As long as you have a compatible phone and are connected to Wi-Fi, prices are simple and low from anywhere on the planet.Now you can save money in even more places. The new feature Truphone Anywhere means you can make internet-rate calls even when you're not connected to the internet! That means over what ever the means your phone connects to the provider, ie like T-Mobile or AT&T. But the difference lies in the cost of a call. It works by making a call/SMS from your mobile to Truphone server, which then makes the long distance part of the call over the internet at Truphone's internet rates. This makes it especially good for making international calls.

So here are those cost comparisons;
If you are in UK and the phone is set according to the recommended settings;

Making a 10 minute call to an Australian landline based on the recommended settings above:

Orange:
This call on an Orange contract can cost: £0.50/min
So a 10 minute call at this rate would cost = £5.00

Truphone Anywhere cost: £0.00 (in bundle) for call to Truphone UK landline, plus a £0.03/min call to Australia. Total = £0.30

So Truphone Anywhere could save you 94%!

If you are in USA and again set the phone according to recommended settings;

Making a 10 minute call to an Australian landline based on the recommended settings above:

AT&T (Cingular) individual plan:
This call can cost you: $3.49/min
So a 10 minute call at this rate would cost = $34.90

Truphone Anywhere cost: $0.00 (in bundle) for call to US access number, plus $0.06/min call to Australia. Total = $0.60

So Truphone Anywhere could save you 98%.

and about those exceptions;

if all of the following applies to you:

  • Your calling plan includes minutes for international calls
  • Your contract still has some time left to run,
  • You cannot reduce the size of the bundle (and hence the monthly payments) without penalty,
  • You are unlikely to exceed your bundled minutes
  • You pay the same amount for inbound and outbound calls when roaming internationally

Then switch Truphone Anywhere off.

Also

  • If Truphone's rates are higher than special offers or international discount plans then even call-through in-bundle calls do not save money on Truphone Anywhere, e.g. US T-Mobile customers can pay $4.99 per month to get calls to Mexico at $0.07 per minute to landlines and $0.26 per minute to mobile numbers. Truphone charge $0.20 and $0.50 respectively.
  • UK O2 pay and go customers topping up by at least £10 a month can get free calls to a designated country on the 'your country' tariff.
  • Vodafone UK Pay as you talk to call a landline in Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Nigeria, India, Pakistan costs just 5p/min (10p minimum charge) for a 6 month promotional period. Using either call-through or callback would be more expensive. Customers who primarily call these numbers could use custom filters to use Truphone Anywhere for calls to countries outside this group.
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DOCOMO Offers 54 Mbps "Home U" High-Speed Mobile Data/VoIP for Home Broadband Networks For FOMA Users.

TOKYO, JAPAN, May 27, 2008 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and its eight regional subsidiaries today announced a service that will enable DOCOMO FOMA™ third-generation handsets to connect to home broadband networks via wireless LAN routers, allowing mobile phone users to enjoy 54 Mbps high-speed packet communication and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), beginning in June.

With Home U™, Japan's first consumer service for fixed-mobile convergence, DOCOMO FOMA phones will be able to download large-volume data, such as video, with the speed and convenience of broadband.

VoIP calls to other Home U users will be free of charge, and to non-Home U users will be 30 percent cheaper than normal FOMA charges.

Initially, the service will be compatible with the N906iL onefone™, a mobile/W-LAN dual handset that will be sold from the same day that the service starts.

The monthly charge for Home U will be 1,029 yen. No signup fee will be required.

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The Enterprise Mobility business of Motorola Launches Enterprise Wireless Partner Program

HOLTSVILLE, N.Y. – 28 May 2008 – The Enterprise Mobility business of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced its Enterprise Wireless Partner Program designed to ensure the best deployment of WLANs for enterprise mobility with the ability of seamless wireless connectivity throughout the enterprise. Motorola has the industry’s most comprehensive wireless portfolio, spanning from Wi-Fi to wireless wide area networking (WWAN) and covering indoors and outdoors to enable the all-wireless enterprise.

Members of the Enterprise Wireless Partner Program will have access to a comprehensive set of resources – including marketing, sales, training and technical benefits – designed to help them win WLAN business, strengthen their WLAN expertise and build a strong relationship with the Motorola Enterprise Mobility business. In addition, members will have preferential access to WLAN product teams, technical support, and the Motorola Enterprise WLAN Division management, as well as first access to pre-qualified Enterprise WLAN leads acquired through Motorola marketing initiatives. New members will focus on the manufacturing, healthcare, education, warehousing, transportation and logistics markets.

“Motorola WLANs are proven to be a critical component to enabling mobility throughout the enterprise. Only Motorola can provide the expertise, portfolio of products and now even better resources to deliver mobility both indoors and outdoors,” said Tom Gleason, vice president of partners and solutions, Motorola Enterprise Mobility business. “Motorola has sold more WLAN switches than any other vendor in the market and now through our new Enterprise Wireless Partner Program, VARs will have an even stronger winning choice to deliver a high-performing, secure, scalable and reliable solution.”

Motorola’s Enterprise WLAN solutions enable seamless mobility within buildings and across campuses. Products in the Enterprise WLAN portfolio include thin, full-function and mesh access points, wireless switches and radio frequency (RF) switches that can manage up to 3,000 access points.

Enterprise WLAN is part of Motorola’s portfolio of innovative wireless broadband solutions and services that complement and complete IP networks. Delivering IP coverage to virtually all spaces both indoors and outdoors, the portfolio includes fixed broadband, mesh, broadband over powerline, WiMAX and Enterprise WLAN solutions for private and public networks.

Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility business provides an unrivaled platform, portfolio and application partner network, enabling enterprise mobility across a wide variety of industries both inside and outside the four walls. With this comprehensive infrastructure of wireless networks, mobile devices and management software, enterprises can securely deliver a seamless flow of information to workers from the corner office to the shop floor with visibility, efficiency and control – helping them make more informed business-critical decisions. By connecting people and products to information resources, Motorola can help transform business, making it more productive, efficient, and responsive to customers.

To learn more about Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Business, please visit www.motorola.com/Enterprise.

Microsoft Response Point VoIP Phone Available For Purchase At Costco.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 28, 2008 — Microsoft Response Point, an easy-to-use voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone system designed uniquely for the needs of small businesses (one to 50 employees), is now available to purchase on Costco.com, a leading global retailer. Costco.com will now offer the award-winning Syspine Digital Operator Phone System from Quanta Computer Inc. featuring Microsoft Response Point phone system software.

“A small-business owner does a little of everything — CEO, accountant and IT trouble-shooter — all before lunch,” said Richard Sprague, senior director, Response Point at Microsoft Corp. “Costco.com’s easy online purchase process, combined with Response Point’s easy setup and intuitive magic blue button for voice dialing, gives the small-business owner another easy way to gain a powerful communications tool to help grow his or her business.”

The Syspine Digital Operator Phone System with Response Point features a powerful voice-recognition system that can be linked with a company’s internal phone directory, as well as an individual’s Microsoft Office Outlook address book. Syspine includes a base unit appliance with a four phone-line analog telephone adapter, four desktop phones and Response Point phone system software. Businesses can add up to 50 individual Syspine IP310 business phones to create a complete, integrated small-business phone system with no additional licensing fees.

Syspine has been lauded as product of the year by Internet Telephony magazine and Unified Communications magazine, and received the prestigious Innovator Award from VON Magazine. More information about the Syspine Digital Operator Phone System can be found at http://www.syspine.com.

Trained Response Point technology specialists are available to small businesses interested in some assistance to install their Response Point system. A comprehensive list of specialists, searchable by ZIP code throughout the U.S., is available on the Microsoft Response Point Web site, http://www.microsoft.com/responsepoint.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Vitelity Communications Sellected As The Telephony Service Provider For "PBX in a Flash" Project.

I have been a follower and user of PBX in a Flash from Nerd Vittles for a while now. When I read the news that they have selected the Vitelity Communications for as the VoIP IP Telephony provider, I had to check it out. I have had some contacts with Vitelity Communications but this provided me to explore bit deeper. But the offer they had for PBX in a Flash customers (for a limited time), half off the standard retail bundle (normally $7.95) and 60 free minutes of long distance in the USA and Canada, made me jump in and sign up. If you are a PBX in a Flash user or any other Asterisk based PBX user looking for a VoIP Solutions, check these people out.


Following is the news release by Vitelity Communications;

DENVER, CO--May 27, 2008 - Vitelity Communications announced today that they have been selected to be the exclusive network provider for PBX in a Flash, an open-source, Asterisk-based Public Branch Exchange (PBX) phone system with 12,000 to 15,000 downloads a month.

"The PBX in a Flash Development Team has been searching for many months for an Internet telephony provider to support our project and our users. The key requirement was a provider that enjoyed an excellent reputation in the Asterisk community and a diverse mix of product offerings for our users. We're delighted to announce our new relationship with Vitelity. Not only is their service impeccable, but they also now have unbeatable pricing," stated Ward Mundy, President/founder of PBXinaFlash.com.

With this partnership, Vitelity will be able to offer their second-to-none service to PBX in a Flash customers, who will benefit from Vitelity's constant innovation, including the Asterisk configuration wizard that simplifies setup and interoperability.

"We are very happy that PBX in a Flash chose Vitelity to be their exclusive provider for voice products and services. We understand that they have a wide selection of wholesale VoIP providers to choose from and we are very proud that we were selected as their exclusive carrier. We have always believed that we offer superior voice quality along with a robust user portal but it is nice to have those beliefs validated by PBX in a Flash," said Scott Navratil, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Vitelity.

For a limited time, Vitelity is offering PBX in a Flash customers half off the standard retail bundle (normally $7.95) and 60 free minutes of long distance in the USA and Canada. Vitelity, a recognized leader in Asterisk development and deployment, provides service to over 12,000 customers.

China Netcom Selects Alcatel-Lucent For Video Telephony Services In Beijing

Alcatel-Lucent announced that it has been selected by Beijing Netcom, a subsidiary of China Netcom, for a next-generation network service transformation in Beijing. By leveraging the services launched on this next-generation network (NGN) and through the deployment of a new softswitch, Beijing Netcom will be able to provide a wide range of advanced services to its customers, such as point-to-point video telephony services. This contract was signed through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel-Lucent’s Chinese flagship company.

This project is the first in a series of service transformations planned by China Netcom to provide video telephony service in six cities hosting Olympics-related activities. In addition to Beijing, the new services will be offered to Tianjin, Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang and Qin Huangdao.

Beijing Netcom, which expects to complete the NGN deployment by the end of June, will be able to supply its residential and business customers with advanced video telephony and video color-ring services. The network also will support voice communications between video phone users and other Beijing Netcom customers.

“We will use our comprehensive network transformation solution, including our significant network experience, to enable Beijing Netcom to provide more new multimedia services to its end users,” said Olivia Qiu, President of Alcatel Shanghai Bell.

Alcatel-Lucent will provide key elements of its NGN portfolio including the Alcatel-Lucent 5020 Media Gateway Controller, which provides media gateway control for interconnection with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and other IP networks; the Alcatel-Lucent 7510 Media Gateway, which provides media handling; and the Alcatel-Lucent 1300 Convergence Network Management Center, which provides integrated network management.

Prior to this project, Alcatel Shanghai Bell was selected by China Netcom to deploy a nationwide long-distance NGN trial network covering all 31 provincial markets of China.

Alcatel-Lucent is a leading NGN solution provider for telecom operators, government organizations and enterprises around the world, having NGN solutions deployed in more than 263 fixed and mobile networks to date.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Samsung Instinct Beats iPhone, Hands Down!

While late to the market, Spring has an answer to iPhone. While I have not played with the Samsung Instinct yet, this video and a few others nudging me to think that it is a better solution. If you like this video, there are more at the original site.



You Can Do More With VoIP, Here Are 30 different ways

If you thought you just use VoIP calls to save money on expensive mobile and landline etc, you are wrong. My fellow VoIP Newsmaker, VoIP-News has a nice article describing, how you could use VoIP in 30 different ways, from within corporate conference room, bedroom to making mischievous pranks on your friends and colleagues.
Go educate yourself!.

Build A iPhone SIP Client, For $5000-10000!

I caught this message on VoIP-INFO.ORG. So all you good programmers have a chance put some money in the pocket for summer or may be put a down payment for a house at the going rate!
I have no relation to this party nor I know the people. So please exercise your vigilance in dealing with online work/job offers. I am posting this hoping some telephony programmer looking for work might benefit from the offer. I do not even have an idea for rate for this type of work.
Looks like only way to contact the person is via the link given below, by leaving a comment at VoIP-info.

Following is the entire message! by one Andrea Cristofanini,
"I am offering a $5000 to $10000 USD bounty to create a SRTP/TLS SIP client for iPhone Apple.
The program should be pre configured via SMS.
Logo/images are provided.
The audio codecs that have to be supported are : GSM, ULAW, ALAW. Audio Codec G729 is a plus
The Video communication is a plus
Usability, Video & Codec option are the point for get the top bounty offer.

The time limit have to be end of agoust (August).
The source code should be documented and released to us."

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Magic Quadrant Of Unified Communications By Gartners.

Although I do not agree completely with the arguments and conclusions (Gartner notes that the report concern only the given period of time)this report provides good picture and information about UC, Unified Communications field distributions and alliances. You can draw your own conclusions.


Unified communications (UC) offer the ability to significantly improve how individuals, groups and companies interact and perform. UC enables multiple communication channels to be coordinated. In some cases, separate servers may be consolidated, but more frequently, UC adds value to existing communication servers. Key technologies include Internet Protocol (IP)-PBX, voice over IP (VoIP), presence, e-mail, audio and Web conferencing, videoconferencing, voice mail, unified messaging and instant messaging (IM).

Another key capability of UC is that it offers a method to integrate communication functions directly with business applications; Gartner calls this capability "communications-enabled business processes."

The largest single value of UC is its ability to reduce "human latency" in business processes. Although communication methods (such as voice or IM) can be used individually and separately, organizations should examine how bringing these methods together can increase synergies and efficiencies. To accomplish this, companies should review how individuals and groups use communications internally, then undertake pilots and trials that could lead to improved processes. This research reviews relevant technologies and vendor offerings that can assist in these goals.

See the Gartners complete report here.

The Magic Quadrant is copyrighted 20 August 2007 by Gartner, Inc.

ASUS Selects Nortel and Microsoft Solutions For Unified Communications.

Taiwan’s ASUS Embraces Unified Communications with Nortel and Microsoft Solutions

Integrating VoIP, IM, Conferencing into a Seamless Real-Time Experience

MAY 20, 2008
TAIPEI, Taiwan - ASUSteK Computer**, one of the world's largest computer and IT suppliers, is powering new levels of productivity and collaboration for its employees through unified communications solutions from Nortel* and Microsoft.
With this deployment, ASUS's employees are now benefiting from one-click access to VoIP, instant messaging (IM), presence, web conferencing and multimedia applications. They can quickly see a co-worker's presence status on their computers and quickly find the best way to make contact at the click of a button, saving time from repeatedly calling busy numbers or leaving messages when people are out of the office. Collaborations become instant when employees initiate web conferencing without having to wait to meet face-to-face, increasing productivity and collaboration. Nortel and Microsoft's unified communications also centralize ASUS's equipment and integrate its headquarters, branch offices and subsidiaries in Taiwan and China into a seamless communications unit at a realistic cost.

Unified communications is expected to help ASUS increase sales and improve customer satisfaction by using secure IP communications connections, either in the office or off-site, to reduce response times to customer requests. The solution will enable the customer service representatives to find a subject matter expert instantly, regardless of location, and to determine if that representative is available.

Nortel Communication Server 1000 and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007** are the pillars of ASUS's network today with the flexibility to easily evolve to meet the company's future needs. Resiliency and security features ensure that the network stays up and operational while communications and users are protected. Nortel Contact Center solutions have also been deployed to manage increasing customer service requests, making sure that their needs are promptly met by the best agent available. Interstate Communications is Nortel's partner for this project.

"In a hyperconnected enterprise, there are multiple ways of communication that are not interconnected to each other," Y. K. Tsai, general manager, Nortel Taiwan said. "With Nortel's expertise and experience in delivering unified communications, we ensure customers like ASUS can streamline their business processes by eliminating time-wasting delays from tracking down the right people and information. Nortel has realized over US$12 million in annual savings with a 10-month return on our own internal unified communications investment. Through our alliance with Microsoft, we did what we do best for ASUS - simplifying and transforming their business communications to deliver our promise of Business Made Simple."

Nortel's comprehensive unified communications portfolio provides an end-to-end solution that includes multimedia, voice, video, telephony applications, and a complete data and security infrastructure with various deployment models. An integral part of Nortel's unified communications vision, Nortel Communication Server 1000 is a server-based, full-featured IP PBX that provides the benefits of a fully converged network plus advanced applications and over 750 world-class telephony features. The CS 1000 is also the first Microsoft-certified IP-PBX for Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007.

Nortel and Microsoft recently announced the availability of four new joint unified communications solutions designed to transform how people around the world connect, communicate and collaborate. The joint products include the Converged Office unified communications suite, Multimedia Conferencing, and solutions for branch offices and hosted service providers. Since the formation of the Innovative Communications Alliance in July 2006, customers have purchased and deployed more than 430,000 licenses of the joint technology. Customer adoption continues to accelerate with more than 600 wins for Nortel and Microsoft unified communications products since the formation of the alliance.

Gartner Inc, the world's leading information technology research and advisory company, has positioned both Microsoft and Nortel in the Leaders quadrant in the '2007 Unified Communications Magic Quadrant' report. To view Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications, 2007 click here.


DOCSIS® 3.0 Gateway Middleware, OpenRG™ and OpenSMB™ gateway middleware From Jungo Set To Enhance Cable Trple Play Services.

Jungo Releases the First DOCSIS® 3.0 Gateway Middleware for Cable Operators that Offers Guaranteed Content Delivery

Highlights:
  • Jungo has teamed with Texas Instruments (TI) to deliver DOCSIS® 3.0 gateway software platform
  • The new platform is targeted at cable operators and modem OEMs wishing to deliver media-rich services to subscribers
  • The joint solution enables cable operators to build and maintain their presence and service uptake within the subscriber’s multi service digital home

NEW ORLEANS, USA – May 20, 2008 (The Cable Show, Jungo Suite ES-38) – Jungo Ltd, a leading provider of broadband residential gateway software solutions today announced that its OpenRG™ residential gateway middleware and OpenSMB™ small and medium business gateway middleware are now available to cable network operators, through an integration with the Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) Puma 5 family of DOCSIS® 3.0-based (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) cable modem chipsets. The Puma 5 family is the industry’s first DOCSIS 3.0 compliant cable modem chipset, providing a flexible and scalable platform that enables equipment manufacturers to build systems for compelling next-generation voice, data and video service offerings.

Cable equipment vendors deploying the new platform will be able to introduce cutting-edge residential and business gateways in the shortest time possible. Cable operators will be able to fully utilize their access network capacity to deliver media-rich services.

Market research reports indicate that as the digital home landscape continues to evolve towards IPTV, cable operators face increasing competition in home media offerings from competing service providers, and mobile operators. DOCSIS 3.0 technology enables advanced video services by delivering interactive IP video to the home over DOCSIS. This allows cable operators to free up bandwidth on multicast networks and take advantage of the innovative features offered by IP video.

TI’s Puma 5 chipsets combine DOCSIS 3.0 features such as channel bonding with TI’s packet processing routing accelerator to enable the highest bi-directional bandwidth rates of more than 160 Mbps in the downstream and up to 120 Mbps downstream in any packet size, routing or bridging, while assuring best in class voice or video over IP QoS service. Along with Jungo’s feature–rich middleware, and a high degree of scalability to include capabilities such as wireless LAN, security, QoS, VoIP, IP-PBX, and UPnP AV Media Server, operators can offer their subscribers gateways that are designed for the rapid delivery of advanced broadband services including home entertainment applications, such as high definition IPTV and video on demand.

“By leveraging TI’s Puma 5 family of proven DOCSIS 3.0 products with packet process engine technology, we enabled Jungo to add its unique residential gateway middleware platform on top of Puma 5 to create a high-performance solution to offer our customers and other multi service operators,” said Ran Senderovitz, TI’s cable business manager. “TI’s Puma 5 chipset is designed to empower our customers and partners with the ability to develop differentiated software and hardware to meet the varied market demand for voice, video and data services.”

In support of this new gateway platform, Jungo also provides a solution to help operators reduce customer support costs, which often increase when deploying new services. Cable operators deploying this joint solution will be able to keep operational expenses at a minimum using Jungo’s Support Cost Reduction (SCR™) offering. They can thus continuously respond to market trends and customer demands by introducing new services, placing them in a strong position to increase revenues, build customer loyalty and reduce churn.

“Our collaboration with TI offers our customers a leading edge technology solution for the fast growing cable gateway and service router market,” said Eran Rom, Jungo’s CEO. “This joint solution enables cable operators to build and maintain their presence and service uptake within the subscriber’s multi service digital home.”


For more information about TI’s Puma 5 family of DOCSIS 3.0 products, please visit: www.ti.com/corp/docs/landing/puma5

For further information:

Jungo Ltd.

Shelly Aks
Sr. Marcom and PR Managerr
Jungo Software Technologies Inc.
Email: shelly@jungo.com
Website: www.jungo.com
Tel: +972-9-8859365 ext. 293

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

“Cricket EZ” Cell Phones Recalled

Hazard: A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator.

Incidents/Injuries: Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves the “Cricket EZ” cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black and silver bar-style. “Cricket” is printed on top of the phone above the display panel. Model number “CRKJ88BKIT” is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery. Units that have a model number that ends with a “B” (“CRKJ88BKITB”), units that have a green dot on the inside label, and units that were sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall.

Recallr: Cricket Communications Recalls “Cricket EZ” Cell Phones
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Cutting The Cord (landline), Let Me Count The Ways

Dan York at Disruptive Telephony has a very good and lengthy article about the pros and cons of a Landline (having, not having) and what he is thinking about to do when he moves to new house. Yes with all the services I have, multiple wireless services, satellite connection, a tie to Internet2, all devices associated with these backed up with standby power (Solar powered house), I still have a landline which is tied to my DSL service. Do I make calls over that line? no, how many 911/e911 call have I made ever in my whole life? one, using a cell phone on a high way to help someone. Do I get power outages? never (so far). Can I maintain a server? there are several already running, including Asterisk. So I think I can cut the cord. Will I? Let me count the ways.

"Do I cut the landline cord and move my new home phone number into the cloud?"

The Netflix Player by Roku™, First Netflix Set Top Box.

After telling us about three or four different set top boxes, Netflix has come out with a $99 set top box by Roku, that delivers movies to your home via the Internet. The box is impressive at first glance and I am sure many with broadband services will find it doing what people would like, deliver movies over the Internet to their living rooms. For a small cost, the box features a lot of features like HDMI, Wired and Wireless Ethernet, Digital Optical audio etc. I have not tested the device but just the fact that vast library of movies and TV Shows might bring this device to the broadband enabled homes.

I have a problem though, even with it's compact size, it will be hard for me to place it on my 42" HDTVs, which are only 3.5" deep. So let us change the name to something better than set top box with another equally bad name like TVoverIP Box (router).


LOS GATOS, Calif. and SARATOGA, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world's largest online movie rental service, and Roku, Inc., an innovator in digital media streaming technology, today announced the introduction of The Netflix Player by Roku™, a device that enables Netflix subscribers to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. Priced at just $99.99, the player is available for purchase starting today at http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer.

The player is simple to install, easy to use and gives Netflix members instant access to more than 10,000 movies and TV episodes.

"We're excited to bring the first Netflix ready device to the market," said Anthony Wood, CEO and founder of Roku. "The seamless integration of the Netflix service into our player has resulted in true ease of use for the consumer. Now, streaming video isn't limited to people sitting in front of the PC; it's ready for the TV in the living room."

"The key breakthroughs of The Netflix Player by Roku are simplicity and cost," said Reed Hastings, chairman and CEO of Netflix. "First, it allows consumers to use the full power of the Netflix Web site to choose movies for their instant Queue, and then automatically displays only those choices on the TV screen. That's a major improvement versus the clutter of trying to choose from 10,000 films on the TV. Second, there are no extra charges and no viewing restrictions. For a one-time purchase of $99, Netflix members can watch as much as they want and as often as they want without paying more or impacting the number of DVDs they receive."

About The Netflix Player by Roku

The Netflix Player by Roku is surprisingly compact -- roughly the size of a paperback book -- and can integrate easily into any home entertainment system. All it takes is connecting the player to a TV and to the Internet. For homes with wireless Internet connectivity, the player is Wi-Fi enabled and offers the ultimate in placement flexibility.

From the Netflix Web site, members simply add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues, and those choices are then displayed on the TV and available to watch instantly. With the player's accompanying remote control, members can browse and make selections right on the TV screen and also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the remote. In all, the Queue-based user interface creates a highly personalized experience that puts members in control.

Additional features of the product include optimization of the Netflix video streaming technology, which eliminates the need for a hard disk drive associated with video downloads, and built-in connectivity for automatic software upgrades, which will keep the device current with service enhancements.

  Technical Details

In the Box
-- The Netflix Player by Roku set-top box (approximately 5"W x 5"D x 2"H)
-- Remote control (including 2 AAA batteries)
-- A/V Cable (Yellow/Red/White RCA)
-- Power Adapter
-- Getting Started Guide


Video and Audio Connections
-- HDMI
-- Component Video
-- S-Video
-- Composite Video
-- Digital Optical Audio
-- Analog Stereo Audio


Network Connections
-- Wired Ethernet
-- Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)

DAHDI, Digium Asterisk Hardware Device Interface, Replceces ZAPTEL

Due to trademark issues with ZAPTEL, Digium has changed the ZAPTEL name tp DAHDI, Digium Asterisk Hardware Device Interface. Even though it is just a name change, there are much more work to do in order to achieve it. In any case it is going to be a gradual process as explained below. So if you use Asterisk and Zaptel, Please be aware of the change.

"Beginning immediately, we are going to work on renaming Zaptel to DAHDI, which stands for Digium Asterisk Hardware Device Interface. When DAHDI 2.0.0 (the first version) is released, it will contain nearly all the functionality of Zaptel 1.4, except for Linux kernel 2.4 support, devfs support, and drivers for some very outdated (and no longer available) Digium hardware (torisa and wcusb). Zaptel 1.2 will continue to be released in new versions as bugs are found and fixed, but when DAHDI 2.0.0 is released there will be no more releases of Zaptel 1.4.

Asterisk 1.6.0 will use DAHDI exclusively (it will not have support for Zaptel), although this will be done in a highly backwards-compatible way so that disruption to existing dialplans and configurations will be minimized.

Asterisk 1.4 will continue to have support for Zaptel, although it will be enhanced to also transparently support DAHDI instead, and the documentation (and default configuration files) will encourage new users to use DAHDI instead of Zaptel.

Asterisk 1.2 will be unaffected by these changes.
It is unfortunate that all of us have to bear the inconvenience of this change, but we will try to ensure that it is as easy for users to switch from Zaptel to DAHDI as we can make it.
For continuing updates on this process, including additional upgrade notes and other information, please monitor the page at:

http://www.asterisk.org/zaptel-to-dahdi"

Saturday, May 17, 2008

DVR Anywhere With Microsoft Mediaroom And Sigma Designs.

With most of the IPTV services searching for place on set top boxes and IPTV channels, Microsoft is set out to grab it's own arena in the scene. But since Microsoft is only the creator or implementor of the technology, it needs hardware partners. Sigma Designs have joined Microsoft to implement Microsoft Mediaroom capabilities into one of their new chips, digital media processing system-on-a-chips (SoCs)

LAS VEGAS — April 14, 2008 — Sigma Designs (Nasdaq “SIGM”), a leader in digital media processing system-on-a-chips (SoCs) for consumer electronics, and Microsoft Corp. today announced a collaboration to enable the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform to operate on next-generation set-top boxes using the new Sigma SMP8654 SoC. The solution will provide a high-performance, cost-effective design that will give service providers the ability to offer innovative connected TV services, such as PC-to-TV photo and music sharing and also DVR Anywhere, which gives consumers the flexibility to watch their recorded programs on any TV in their home.

As a second-generation SoC platform for Microsoft Mediaroom, Sigma’s SMP8654 builds on the successful legacy of its predecessor, the SMP8634, while improving overall performance by approximately 50 percent. The new collaboration reflects the strength of Microsoft and Sigma’s continuing technology partnership and expands the range of partner solutions available within the Microsoft Mediaroom ecosystem.

“Sigma’s new system-on-a-chip technology gives our customers new ways to reduce costs and improve the performance of their IPTV service deployments,” said Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for Microsoft TV. “Sigma has been a key partner in the Microsoft Mediaroom ecosystem for more than two years. Our latest SoC collaboration with Sigma will give our customers the ability to offer their subscribers new ways to get the best in TV plus all their media, such as photos, music and favorite shows, in one place.”

The SMP8654 includes a 500 Mhz Mips 24k main CPU, which enables crisp user interaction and a wider range of application-based features that enhance the “future-proofing” of this platform. A second Mips processor called the IPU manages interrupt operations and offloads system tasks, such as portions of the network stack, to further optimize main CPU utilization. In addition, the SoC also maintains software compatibility with the Sigma Multimedia Library to uniquely build on the proven performance and reliability of Microsoft Mediaroom.

“We are very pleased with the success we’ve experienced as a key technology partner within the Microsoft Mediaroom ecosystem,” said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing for Sigma Designs. “Microsoft is a key driving force in the development of the IPTV industry, and we are energized to be moving into our second-generation platform together.”

About Sigma’s SMP8654 System-on-a-Chip Solution

Sigma’s SMP8654 media processor integrates a complete complement of next-generation capabilities for a single-chip system-on-chip (SOC) solution with a multi-core architecture, powerful multimedia processing, robust content security system, and a full complement of peripherals. The SMP8654 features a powerful 500-Mhz Mips host CPU, a second processor called the IPU for offloading burdensome real-time tasks, and a third processor dedicated to managing security functions. Its advanced decoder engines support high-definition video decoding of H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10), Windows Media Video 9, VC-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (part 2), the new AVS standard, and can support up to 16 independent streams on screen in different formats. High-performance graphics acceleration, multi-standard audio decoding, advanced display processing capabilities, and HDMI 1.3 output round out its multimedia core. Powerful content security is ensured through a dedicated secure processor, on-chip flash memory, and a range of digital rights management (DRM) engines for high-speed payload decryption. Additional functions including dual 32-bit DDR-2 memory controllers, dual Gigabit Ethernet controller, dual USB 2.0 controller, NAND flash controller, and SATA controller provide for a single-chip solution for most set-top boxes and consumer players.

About Microsoft Mediaroom

The award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia software platform is driving the future of television by enabling broadband service providers to deliver new connected TV and entertainment experiences to consumers worldwide. Microsoft Mediaroom provides new ways for consumers to experience TV as part of their connected, digital lifestyle, while also creating new business opportunities for broadband service providers, hardware manufacturers, content creators, advertisers and application developers. Over 20 of the world’s leading service providers across four continents have selected the Microsoft Mediaroom platform to drive their digital TV services. More information on Microsoft Mediaroom and the opportunity to deliver the best in TV plus all your media in one place is available at http://www.microsoft.com/tv and http://www.microsoftmediaroom.com.

Jangl In Live Universe!

The last we wrote about Jangl, or rather about the end of Jangl, we thought that Jajah would make something out of Jangl but it is Live Universe who picked up what ever was left behind after everyone jumped the ship. But it remains to be known what the fate of all the partners, like plentyoffish. You can get more info at TechCrunch.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Android Challenge, Google Phone Developer Challenge 50 Winners are Published.

Google has announced the 50 winners of the Android Challenge. These People/compnies could be viewed as a adobe acrobat slideshow or doenloadable as a PDF file from Google Code site. The file gives a brief description of the application and the and the developer information from Androidscan (a bar code reader application) to writing pad (a notebook application) with 48 other interesting applications. You can find a short list of winners here! Android Developers Blog: The Top 50 Applications
The Android Blog has this nice post; Android Developers Blog: Android Developer Challenge Judges and Top 50 Details with a bunch of comments and one drew my attention. "I thought Google was looking for some new stuff? "An app that introduces an entirely new angle on social networking, for example, would likely do better here than one that simply ports an existing mobile application to Android without adding anything new. " (http://code.google.com/android/adc_judging.html)"
Yes! So My Pearl of a application still has a chance,
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Asterisk 1.4.20-rc3 And Asterisk 1.6.0-beta9 Ready For Your Testing.

Asterisk development team has released Asterisk 1.4.20-rc3 and Asterisk 1.6.0-beta9. The impending releases and the quality of the upcoming 1.4.20 and 1.6.0 releases rely on us testing these. As in the past, testing process has proven extremely useful to Asterisk Community. So if you are an Asterisk user, vendor or a community member, Please help to test these release as we will all share the fruits of your labour.
I am in the process of setting it up on an virtual machine for testing. Setting up on a virtual machine may eliminate you having to assign a seperate computer for testing but there are some little glitches associated with it. Ideal condition would be seperate computer, which does not have to be super powerful unless you are planing to do capacity testing!.
Any issues with test releases should be reported to http://bugs.digium.com/ or discussed on the asterisk-dev mailing list.

Both releases are available for download from the Digium downloads site.

http://downloads.digium.com/pub/telephony/asterisk/

Thank you for your continued support of Asterisk!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

LiMO Expands Coverage With Verizon Joining The Linux based Open Handset Consortium.


NTT DoCoMo LiMO based Device.

Although known to be closed Entity, Verizon has joined with LiMO foundation as a core member. This may be a signal that open platforms are the becoming the foundations to the communication devices. Google with Android, Apple with iPhone, and LiMO with Linux based devices are envisioned to become the major players of the game. Initiated by Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics and Vodafone—LiMo was formed to deliver an open and globally consistent software platform based upon Mobile Linux for use by the whole industry to catalyze next-generation mobile consumer experiences. Following is the press release.

LONDON, England; TOKYO, Japan, and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., United States, May 14, 2008—LiMo Foundation, a global consortium of mobile leaders delivering an open handset platform for the whole mobile industry, and Verizon Wireless, the builder and operator of the most reliable wireless network in the U.S., announced today that Verizon has joined LiMo as a Core member and will fill the final seat on LiMo's board of directors. By participating in LiMo, Verizon hopes to help LiMo unify the mobile industry around openness and Linux as the key enablers to lowering development costs.

"Verizon Wireless is demonstrating itself a champion of openness in mobile innovation by joining the board of LiMo Foundation," said Morgan Gillis, executive director of LiMo Foundation. "Major wireless service providers from across North America, Asia and Europe are now engaged in committed collaboration through LiMo. This offers further concrete evidence that LiMo is positioned at the heart of the rapidly emerging, industry-wide trend to secure the benefits of openness and choice in technology."

"Verizon Wireless is committed and invested in encouraging innovation, providing developers the opportunity to deliver new wireless choices and expanding the mobile market," said Kyle Malady, vice president of network for Verizon. "We expect our involvement with LiMo to advance these principles."

LiMo Foundation is open to all vendors and service providers in the mobile communications marketplace, including device manufacturers, operators, chipset manufacturers, integrators and independent software vendors. Verizon Wireless joins the foundation's other 39 members in working within LiMo's transparent governance model to shape the evolution of the LiMo Platform™, while remaining entirely free to deliver their own compelling and differentiated services to mobile customers.

"The addition of Verizon Wireless to the LiMo roster is another critical milestone in our foundation's rapid growth and market impact," said Kiyohito Nagata of NTT DoCoMo, chairperson of LiMo Foundation. "In technical output, governance constructs and business models, LiMo lives out its belief that openness is the key to unlocking innovation to the benefit of the whole industry and mobile consumers everywhere."

Launched in January 2007 by six mobile industry leaders—Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics and Vodafone—LiMo was formed to deliver an open and globally consistent software platform based upon Mobile Linux for use by the whole industry to catalyze next-generation mobile consumer experiences.

Monday, May 12, 2008

VoIP IP Telephony Is Being Honored! We Are In The "Top 100+ Telecom Industry Blogs"

It is great to see when someone recognizes your work. VoIP Now has just done that! It is even greater to be listed among your peers, the best 100+ of them for that matter. I have to admire the work one has to put on to collect such data, analyze it and select best 100 out of the lot to create Top 100+ Telecom Industry Blogs.
Because we are such a niche and at the same time very widely known of late, you basically knows your peers. You move among these peers recognizing them for what they are good at. We bring information together so that others can see and digest them as needed. So when VoIP Now decided to make a list of information providers, information 2.0, I like to know what the author has to go through.
But these are not just gestures. I have written a few thesis in English and they did accomplish what they were intended for. But I am no means a writer, nor English is my first language. But I did something today. I am going to learn to write! I will be taking an English Writing class, which I have never done before! So VoIP Now, your work has not been in vain, at least you directed this blogger to learn something, and make it easier for who ever reads this to understand what I am trying to say.
To Others, if you think my writing is bad, wait till you hear me!
We have been on the list of "The VoIP-News Top 25 VoIP Blogs of 2007" but Sorry David only now I realized the value of these awards.
Thank you VoIP Now!

SingTel, Bharti Airtel, Globe and Optus to bring iPhone to South East Asia.

SingTel, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, has joined with Bharti Airtel, Globe Telecom Inc. and Optus of Austrailia to bring Apple's iPhone to The region. The gorup of companies today announced that they signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Singapore, India, the Philippines and Australia later this year.
The Singtel News release also mentioned that they will release more information later.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Why iPhone Should Not Be Exclusive To Carriers!

I just dugg a story on Gizmodo about AT&T flip flopping (Not even summer yet!) on free wifi access to iPhone customers. Yesterday, yes and today no!. These are the reasons that will slow down iPhone sales. They, AT&T and Apple might think it is only a few users, but it adds up and Gizmodo get to write about it AND get to show AT&T ads right next to it, colorful big ads for that!

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Thursday, May 08, 2008

Skype withdraws appeals case, "Welte vs. Skype Technologies SA" accepts the earlier judgement from lower court.

The court hearing in the "Welte vs. Skype Technologies SA" case went pretty well. Initially the court again suggested that the two parties might reach some form of amicable agreement. We indicated that this has been discussed before and we're not interested in settling for anything less than full GPL compliance.

The various arguments by Skype supporting their claim that the GPL is violating German anti-trust legislation as well as further claims aiming at the GPL being invalid or incompatible with German legislation were not further analyzed by the court. The court stated that there was not enough arguments and material brought forward by Skype to support such a claim. And even if there was some truth to that, then Skype would not be able to still claim usage rights under that very same license.

The lawyer representing Skype still continued to argue for a bit into that direction, which resulted one of the judges making up an interesting analogy of something like: "If a publisher wants to publish a book of an author that wants his book only to be published in a green envelope, then that might seem odd to you, but still you will have to do it as long as you want to publish the book and have no other agreement in place".

continue here...

Fido Goes UNO In Canada, First Unlimited At-Home Calling On One Mobile Handset

Fido in Canada started something that I would like to have for me. My mobile phone becomes my home phone while I am at home. Even though we get free calls after 7 PM, I work from home/s, a lot. And what do my customers and contacts call me on? My Mobile. The convenience of reducing number of bills and number of phones I carry is high on my list. All right, Northern Montana, enjoy Fido for Now.
Press release is below;

Fido today launched a Canadian first for the wireless industry with its new service, Fido UNO. Fido UNO works by connecting calls from a specially-enabled handset to a high-speed Internet connection when at home and through the Fido network when on the go. Customers now have the freedom to talk as much as they want on their Fido phone while at home without using up their wireless plan minutes and all the benefits of a mobile when they’re not. Fido UNO offers affordable plans for wireless calling at home, in addition to the regular wireless voice plan.

TORONTO, May 6 /CNW/ - Fido today launched a Canadian first for the
wireless industry with its new service, Fido UNO(TM). Fido UNO works by
connecting calls from a specially-enabled handset to a high-speed Internet
connection when at home and through the Fido network when on the go - offering
simple, seamless mobility and the ultimate in converged communications
convenience. Customers now have the freedom to talk as much as they want on
their Fido phone while at home without using up their wireless plan minutes
and all the benefits of a mobile when they're not.
"More and more Canadians live a wireless lifestyle and are looking for
mobile solutions to help them save time and money," says Patrick
Hadsipantelis, Vice President, Fido Marketing. "Fido UNO offers a simple,
seamless wireless experience for customers who want the convenience of using
the same phone whether they're out and about or at home."
Fido UNO combines the benefits of cellular, home phone and high-speed
Internet services into one handset. Customers can make unlimited local and
Canadian long-distance(1) wireless calls at home by leveraging an existing
high-speed Internet connection with the same handset they use as their mobile
device. A Fido voice-optimizing wireless router enhances wireless call clarity
and reception inside the home network. Customers use the same handset inside
and outside the home offering the convenience of having one phone number, one
voicemail, one address book and one bill - all on one phone.

(1) Customers can choose between a monthly unlimited local calling plan
or a monthly plan for unlimited local and Canadian long distance calling

How It Works
------------
Fido UNO set up is simple. To activate the service, customers will need:

1) A Fido UNO handset enabled for WiFi calling
2) A Fido UNO option in addition to any Fido voice plans
3) A Fido UNO voice-optimizing wireless router
4) A high-speed Internet connection with a minimum speed of 512 Kbps

Simply connect the wireless router to any high-speed Internet modem and
turn the handset on. The handset will recognize the wireless router, enabling
it to place calls through the Internet. Inside the home, the Fido phone
displays a WiFi symbol on its screen when operating on the home network;
outside of the home network, the cellphone automatically switches seamlessly
to Fido's network, displaying a GSM symbol on the handset screen, even during
your call.

Pricing and Availability
------------------------
Fido UNO is currently available on the Nokia 6301 retailing for $50 on a
three-year plan, at Fido stores across Canada.
Fido UNO offers plans for $15/month (unlimited local calling) or
$20/month (unlimited local and Canadian long distance) for wireless calling at
home, in addition to the regular wireless voice plan. Existing customers can
add the service to a current voice plan with the purchase of a UNO-enabled
handset and receive the voice-optimizing wireless router free of charge.
For more information visit: fido.ca/myfidouno.

CableVision Wireless In New York!, Bring Your iPhone.

WiMAX must be the ting that these telecom corporations and cable companies knew about and feared that consumers will get to know about. Now that the cat is out with WiMAX Bigbang everyone is looking for a piece of the cake.
After Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp., a start-up backed by cellphone pioneer Craig McCaw got backing from big-name partners including cable-TV giants Comcast Corp, Time Warner Cable Inc., Internet giant Google Inc. and chip maker Intel Corp everyone wants a WiMAX or Wireless Network!.
Today Cablevision Systems Corp said that it plans to spend $350 million to build a wireless broadband network to serve its subscribers in the New York area. Chief Operating Officer Tom Rutledge said the new network, which will be completed within the next two years, will be accessible via Wi-Fi-enabled portable devices such as iPhones and laptops."Ultimately it will be a mobile voice-capable network," said Rutledge.

I would love to hear the plans from AT&T and Verizon.

VoIP Intercom From Cyberdata.

CyberData introduced a VoIP Intercom, which is similar to a door entry phone or Apartment or Hotel keyboard switch with access control capabilities or/and as a phone with mass notification capabilities. This device is capable of two-way communications with a dedicated SIP extension and DTMF relay could be used for further extensions.
Following is the press release;

MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CyberData Corporation, a leading supplier of Application Specific Endpoints for SIP and Unified Communication platforms, today announced the shipment of its two-way communications device, the VoIP Intercom. The VoIP Intercom is an IP-42 rated, auto answer, single button call, SIP-enabled, two-way communications device. It operates as a SIP based door entry system with DTMF access control, or as an emergency phone with mass notification capabilities.

"The VoIP Intercom allows for a cost effective access control or emergency notification, utilizing existing local area networks," said Phillip Lembo, President of CyberData Corporation. "While saving installers and end users time and resources due to its ease of installation."

The VoIP Intercom can be purchased from a number of distributors and online resellers. Please visit CyberData's website for detailed ordering information: http://www.cyberdata.net/orderinfo.html


Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Official Google Blog: Investing in the future of the open Internet

As we reported yesterday, WiMAX BigBang suposed to bring clear hassle free network access to the masses, via clearwater, a pool (no pun intended) of very strong investors reaching into pockets to make, now what it seems 14.5 Billion (Yesterday we thought it was 12 Billion) rich WiMAX service provider.
Google is explaining how and why this is an investment on open internet for all of us and not just a cash infusion of 500 Million Dollars. Google will invest in developing an open Internet protocol to be used over the WiMAX networks on mobile broadband devices. It also plan to help out with open Internet policies and network practices. Google will also provide search and other applications to the network users.
The new company which will adopt the name Clearwire, intends to build and maintain a network that will embrace important openness features. In particular, the network will:
(1) expand advanced high speed wireless Internet access in the U.S.,
(2) allow consumers to utilize any lawful applications, content and devices without blocking, degrading or impairing Internet traffic and
(3) engage in reasonable and competitively-neutral network management.

I think those are three very good reasons for wishing clearwater a bright future.

Official Google Blog: Investing in the future of the open Internet

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

WiMAX Big Bang Comes Near

World Street Journal is reporting that;
"Analysts say the venture, valued at more than $12 billion, will have a two year head-start on rivals Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc., which are just beginning to sketch out plans for their next-generation wireless networks. The venture includes wireless provider Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp., a start-up backed by cellphone pioneer Craig McCaw. Other big-name backers include cable-TV giants Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc., Internet giant Google Inc. and chip maker Intel Corp.:
Instead of a WiMAX ecosystem we might have WiMAX global warming!. Man I would like see how these people will work together and when will the next Next iPhone with WiMAX be coming along!

Jangl, Might Have Got Lost In The VoIP Jungle.

Jangl, a Silicon Valley Internet phone company that also offers VoIP solutions via widgets on the web, is looking to be sold, and it will announce more news “this week.” But it is not sure what has taken the control over, undergrowth or the canopies of large companies not letting enough light in.

VentureBeat has heard reports about employees from Jangl applying for other jobs. One includes the VP of marketing. Perhaps Jajah will make something out of it.

3G iPhone Coming To AT&T In June!

According to some employees at AT&T who informed Endgadget of the fact, that we might see 3g iPhone is coming in June. I know that to make any sense or to justify using an iPhone / ipone, I think 3G is a must. So is AT&T getting ready for onslaught like last year. I think they can but people learn, and I doubt that they will camp out to get an iPhone or ipone. ipostpone of course until initial stampede is over. How about that early adopters? (I just borrow an iPhone for my research!)
endgadget

Monday, May 05, 2008

Covergence and IBM Helps Enterprise Users Move beyond the "Islands of VoIP".

Update:
Header has been changed to correct a typo, Convergence-->Covergence( THX Yossi Ben Hagai!.)


Covergence Session Manager, CSM, is designed help move Enterprise VoIP or Ip Telephony applications and solutions to move from disparate "VoIP Islands" in to a focused management methodology. Everyone is excited about bringing in Unified Communications solutions to their enterprises or providing such services to enterprises. But very few are focused in managing the applications once the solution has been deployed or while being deployed. I myself have come across bottlenecks in edge services, even on Internet2 network where bandwidth is not a problem (at the moment). It could be a single router in a large network that throw in the hammer.
The statement;
Covergence Session Manager provides superior policy-based control, monitoring and fault-tracing capabilities for use with call routing, call detail recording and quality of service management,” sounds like good VoIP call in my ears. It also helps an assures that Enterprise management tools such as Tivoli Netcool and Tivoli Enterprise utilizing and integrating CSM for call management.
Following is the Press release from Covergence;

Covergence Session Manager Certified By IBM for Integration with Tivoli Netcool and Tivoli Enterprise Monitoring
Integrated Solution Provides Large Enterprises and Carriers with Complete Visibility and Control of Voice Services

MAYNARD, Mass., May 5, 2008 – Covergence®, the leading provider of next generation Session Border Control solutions, today announced that IBM has certified integration between Covergence Session Manager, Tivoli Netcool and Tivoli Enterprise Monitoring. The integrated solution will enable systems managers to proactively control and monitor every aspect of call management, along with the health and performance of their entire network, from a single Tivoli console.


When integrated with Tivoli, Covergence Session Manager feeds critical performance and quality metrics to the management frameworks from IBM and provides operations teams with the complete visibility and span-of-control they need. Real-time management integration includes more than just standard alarms and events, such as media quality statistics (MoS), network & link utilization, routing and signaling details on a per-session basis and visibility into all SIP activity in the IP telephony network.


“Covergence Session Manager provides superior policy-based control, monitoring and fault-tracing capabilities for use with call routing, call detail recording and quality of service management,” said Kenneth Kuenzel, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Covergence. “As companies change the way they manage voice traffic and begin to treat it like any other application, a seamless integration with Tivoli’s management software allows us to offer customers true end-to-end network management and monitoring functionality.”


Covergence Session Manager was developed to meet a full range of needs; from those of the small to medium-sized business (SMB) market all the way up to the world’s largest service provider. The solution is available from Covergence immediately and can be purchased by contacting sales@covergence.com or by calling 978.823.5200.

Mobile News Network, Associated Press On Your iPhone

The Mobile News Network, powered by the Associated Press, has been launched. This will help one keep abreast with what’s happening anywhere, from your hometown to the other side of the world.
If you have an iPhone or any other smart phone or a mobile devices that connect to internet, you can join the group of news addicts too!
You can get Local News, Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, News Videos and News Photos, from mobile news network. If you are handy with those tiny keyboards, then you can text interesting news to a friend!

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