Polycom SIP 2.1.0 Firmware Released

February 7, 2007 by Garrett Smith

Polycom Has Released There Latest SIP Firmware, Version 2.1.0

The SIP 2.1.0 feature release is now available. The key new features in this release are:

Enhanced support for server fallback configurations
Addition of MicroBrowser to SoundPoint IP430, IP501 and SoundStation IP 4000 products
MicroBrowser enhancements (Support for table tags and improved user interface options)
Added ability to strip or insert leading digits for outgoing calls
Updated default daylight savings time rules (configuration file defaults change) for 2007 North American DST changes
Added support for SYSLOG reporting of system status and errors
Added ability to disable message waiting indication on a line-by-line basis

Note: The Release Notes should be carefully reviewed before deploying this release.

For more information about the Polycom SIP2.1.0 Firmware release, please contact your sales rep, call us at 800.398.8647 or email VoIP Supply customer service at customerservice (AT) voipsupply (dot) com.

Let’s Meet Todd Milbrand

February 6, 2007 by Garrett Smith

Todd Milbrand is the Newest Team Member at the VoIP Insiders!

About Todd Milbrand

I am currently employed as an Account Executive at VoIPsupply.com, LLC. VoIPsupply.com is the leading online reseller of VoIP hardware, software, and services. I joined VoIPsupply.com in June of 2005 immediately following my graduation from the University at Buffalo, where I received a Bachelors degree in Political Science. While I was attending college I was named an outstanding student in Political Science and I was employed as a Support Engineer for Adelphia Communications (which is now Time Warner Cable). I am a lifelong Buffalo, NY resident and I could not imagine living anywhere else. Go Sabres!

What’s Todd Going to Write About?

When Garrett Smith first approached me about writing this blog I was a little apprehensive about having enough time in my schedule for this. Upon further reflection I realized that I now had a perfect excuse to no longer watch American Idol and Grey’s Anatomy with my wife (Thanks again Garrett).

In all seriousness, my true intentions for this blog is to facilitate discussion of the various obstacles that are facing ILEC’s, CLEC’s, ITSP’s in their quest to roll out Triple Play and Quad Play offerings. I hope to educate, as well as be educated about the hardware, software, and middleware that will be driving the various offerings from the multitude of providers that are out there.

Look for my first post tomorrow!

Fonality trixbox Open Communication Certification

by Garrett Smith

Fonality trixbox to host workshop for telephony professionals and system integrators

Fonality, a leading open source Asterisk based IP PBX provider, has announced the Fonality trixbox Open Communications Certification (FtOCC) workshop. The workshop is a first in a series that looks to train telephony professionals and systems integrators on the trixbox application platform and established a recognized certification for trixbox professionals.

The course will focus on a myriad of subjects including, but not limited to: VoIP, PBX deployment, network assessment, telephony troubleshooting, T1/PRI training, and IP handset education. The goal of the FtOCC is to arm data VARs, system integrators and telephony professionals with the knowledge needed to deploy and manage PBX installations for businesses from 1 to 1,000 employees.

For more information on the FtOCC program, please visit the Learntrixbox.com.

Snom 370 IP Phone

February 5, 2007 by Garrett Smith

Snom 370 The Newest IP Phone From Snom

Debuting at CeBIT 2007 in Hanover, Germany, the Snom 370 is the latest in the IP Phone line-up from Snom. The Snom 370 features a large graphical, high-definition display and the offers and extenede presentation of call lists, address books, and caller information. The Snom 370 also features a mini-browser, allowing users to gain direct access to their own XML based applications via the display screen. Users of the Snom 370 can also customize the design of the display and also view news tickers and other information as well as access central or public phone directories.

Snom 370 Features

Tiltable, high-definition graphical display (240 x 128 Pixel)
Large LED (red) for incoming calls
47 keys, 13 LEDs
12 programmable function keys
Speakerphone
Dual Ethernet connection
Power over Ethernet
Support for several audio devices
Additional keypads with 42 programmable function keys
SIP RFC3261
Security: SIPS/SRTP, TLS
STUN, ENUM, NAT, ICE
Codecs: G.711, G.729A, G.723.1, G.722, G.726, GSM 6.10 (Full rate)
National Language Support

Digium TDM800P Analog Telephony Interface Card

by Garrett Smith

Digium TDM800P – Digium’s New 8 Port Analog Interface Card

Announced at the IT EXPO, the new Digium TDM800P is an 8 port analog interface card is the industry first 8-port analog telephony interface card built on a single PCI bracket. What this allows for is universal PCI card slot compatibily. Based on Digium’s patent pending VoiceBus technoloy, the new chip architecture greatly increases the number of servers compatible with Digium’s hardware.

According to Bill Miller, Digium’s VP of Product Management and Marketing,

“Digium’s VoiceBus technology enables the development of high performance PCI compatible telephony interface cards for a variety of applications. Moving forward, this architecture will be used across all Digium analog and digital telephony solutions.”

The TDM800P can also be used in conjunction with Digium’s Carrier-grade and software-based High Performance Echo Canceller (HPEC). Digium’s HPEC offers Toll-Quality echo cancellation on a global scale. The HPEC solution uses the industry standard algorithm, G.168, for connections to the PSTN and is designed to operate under 32-bit and 64-bit Linux platforms. The HPEC provides echo cancellation for configurable tail lengths of 16ms (128 taps), 32ms (256 taps), 64ms (512 taps) and 128ms (1024 taps), on a per channel basis.

Price for the Digium TDM800P will start at $300USD. The products are not yet available through the channel, but they are expected to arrive in the next few weeks. We will keep you posted!

D-Link V-Click Dual Mode Phone

by Garrett Smith

D-Link V-Click GSM/WiFI Mobile Phone

The D-Link V-CLICK allows users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button. With a simple press of the V-CLICK button, the phone activates or deactivates the Wi-Fi connection that allows users to access websites or an Internet phone service, enjoying the convenience of reduced communication costs, faster transfer speeds, and increased productivity resulting from dual-mode phone access.

D-Link V-Click Design

D-Link V-CLICK phones boast a sleek, polished black compact form factor (h 4.17″, w 1.73″, d .75″), with additional colors planned to fit any lifestyle. The V-CLICK phones support Opera MobileTM, a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi hot spots, web surfing and email functionality on the V-CLICK’s two-inch (176×220 pixels) bright color screen.

D-Link V-Click Features and Functionality

For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be “unlocked” allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. By pressing the V-CLICK button, users activate a configurable wireless and SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.

Tri-Band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) Access
Wi-Fi Profile Roaming for Uninterrupted Service between Wireless Zones
Opera Mobile Browser for Hot Spot Log-in and Web Surfing
Large Color Screen Display with 176 by 220 Pixels

D-Link V-Click First Impressions

Although dual mode technology is not yet offically supported by any stateside cellular provider, the D-Link V-Click is really a cell phone with VoIP as a feature – essentially you are purchasing a cell phone that supports WiFi with the ability to configure SIP settings. The real gem of dual mode technology is seamless mobility, the ability to move from one network to the other “seamlessly”, and that is something that is still a ways off. With a price tag of $599.99, the D-Link V-Click is on par in terms of pricing when it comes to cell phones, but for a WiFi phone, it is uber-pricey. In general, this is an exciting step in the right direction, and if you are in the market for a cell phone that looks to make VoWiFi is easy, this is the device.

Small Business IP PBX Solutions

January 25, 2007 by Arthur Miller

The Linksys VoiceSystem 9000

We’ve all read the statistics on the increased use of VoIP in 2006 and how 2007 will be a break out year. This week I will introduce the Linksys Voice System as a way to cut the expense of traditional telephone service for the average Joe, the small business. Why Linksys? Linksys is a lot more than just a great name in the industry. The value of this system is due to the system flexibility and quick convergence it offers customers.

With the Linksys LVS-9000, you can make your small business look big, with an increased ability for customer communication and efficiency for your business.

But Art, why can’t I find “LVS-9000”, “SPA-9000” or even the search term “9000” on the Linksys web site? It’s true, those are all nomenclatures associated with the Linksys voice system, and no you’re not doing anything wrong. Linksys has made the LVS-9000 product suite available to small businesses, pre-provisioned for VoIP calling service by Linksys authorized partners who have demonstrated comprehensive product knowledge and are positioned to support small businesses during the installation process . There are a variety of VoIP service options to choose from, with leading providers participating, including Inphonex.

The Linksys LVS-9000 is designed as a “hybrid” solution. You may integrate up to (4) traditional analog (POTS) lines via the Linksys SPA-400 FXO gateway. Small business users may also incorporate VoIP calling services from affiliated network service providers, with a range of available options including:

• Outbound Call Termination Services
• Local, Long Distance, and International Calling
• Inbound Call Origination Service
• DID – Direct Inward Dialing
• Toll Free Services
• Voicemail
• Provisioning Server and Firmware Upgrades
• Tier II Technical Support

The Linksys Voice System 9000 presents the small business with a wide range of telephony features once only available to big business users.

Linksys LVS 9000 Information

For some additional product details check out
Smithonvoip SPA-9000 Product Details

My Experience with the Linksys Voice System 9000

Since this system is a few quarters old, I am probably not reporting anything new to some of you. Allow me to relay a customer experience I had this past week, to illustrate some of the key features of this diminutive, yet powerful IP PBX, and how it can assist you in meeting your business needs. I’ll also offer some insight into where and why I decided to fit the LVS-9000 into my customers business, as opposed to some of the other IP PBX’s out on the market.

Last week I was on a call with Acme Technology (name withheld for customer privacy), a small business with a total of six employees. The company was looking to replace their current centrex service with a simple IP PBX solution, and to leverage inexpensive VoIP service options to reduce their growing monthly Long Distance bills. After discussing the features they were looking for (Auto Attendant, Dial by Name Directory, Voicemail and Extension Call Forwarding), I suggested the Linksys Voice System 9000, as there was a fair chance their current headcount of six employees would grow to ten within the year (the SPA9000 is expandable to 16 users). Since Acme Tech. only had one IT person in-house, with no VoIP experience, the LVS-9000 was a good fit, offering simplified administration features like automated configuration of Linksys SPA-9XX series IP Phones. Acme Tech’s primary interest in VoIP was to realize cost savings, but they soon discovered that the Linksys LVS-9000 offered them a more efficient, feature-rich communications system and the additional business benefits of increased employee productivity.

I recommended the Linksys SPA-942 which would allow Acme to leverage their existing CAT5 LAN cabling. Because the SPA-942 offers dual RJ45 ethernet ports with an integrated switch, there was no need for additional network cabling to support the addition of IP phones. For faxing, Acme utilized one of the two available FXS ports on the SPA-9000 to support their analog fax machine (fax over ip). I also recommended keeping a couple analog (POTS) lines for local outbound calls and redundancy. The SPA9000 has no onboard FXO ports, therefore to support the POTS lines we added the Linksys SPA-400 4FXO gateway. The SPA-9000 dialplan was configured to route local calls to their analog lines, and long distance calls via their VoIP service provider. The Linksys SPA-400 gateway also includes a voicemail server with USB storage media port, which allowed Acme to host their own voicemail.

Illustrating the SPA-9000

View Acme’s network diagram below, illustrating the SPA9000 implementation. (eat your heart out Monet):

Linksys LVS-9000 Solution Cost:

(6) SPA-942 IP Phones = $900
(1) SPA-9000 IP PBX = $400
(1) SPA-400 Gateway = $300
(1) Talking with Art on the phone = Priceless (Yes, corny I know – but Miller Light just stopped doing their “Man Law” commercials with Burt Reynolds. If someone knows of any good commercials currently airing out there please let me know)

Acme’s total hardware cost was $1,300.00, or $216.00 per employee. Acme expects positive ROI within 1 year of installation, due to a dramatic decrease in their monthly long distance calling charges since moving to a VoIP service provider.

Additional Comments

As VoIP technology and related services like SIP Trunking continue to evolve, I believe that the need for analog (POTS) lines will steadily decrease.

This is another example of a customer’s reaction to the Linksys 9000 Voice System.

Jason’s blog above and the customer I was assisting this week both capture very realizable and positive results when implementing this system.

Arthur Miller Joins The VoIP Insiders

January 24, 2007 by Garrett Smith

That’s Right Arthur Miller has Joined the VoIP Insiders!

No, not that Arthur Miller, this Arthur Miller!

About Arthur Miller

I am employed by VoIP Supply, LLC the leading internet retailer of VoIP hardware, software, and services. VoIP Supply, LLC has several sister companies, one of which I work for, PBXSelect.com. PBXSelect.com specializes in providing VoIP telephony solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Our clients range from home office or multi location businesses with complex communications needs, we work with leading vendors to manage every element of our customer’s migration to Voice over IP, from hardware to service, installation, training and support. I serve as Development Manager and Sales Executive for PBXSelect.com. I originally joined VoIPsupply.com as a product manager in early 2005. Prior to VoIPsupply.com, I was employed by ChoiceOne communications as an outside sales rep selling data, local, and long distance services to local businesses in Upstate New York. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

What’s Art Going to be Writing About?

I seek to educate users and potential buyers of IP PBX systems through illustration and explanation. Check this blog frequently for phone system solutions based on the network scenarios I frequently come across with my customer’s everyday. Please contribute to the site by emailing me with your current phone system. Weather you are looking to upgrade to VOIP or are having an issue with your current set-up I will offer my advice and perhaps even post a blog about it! There are many IP PBX products out on the market, finding one that meets your needs, and achieving a smooth deployment can be both overwhelming and rewarding. Save Money! Increase Productivity! Avoid Headaches! Bandwidth needs? Packet loss? QOS? Cost savings? Let’s figure it out.

Spare your eyes this is why you are here:

• Phone System Diagrams
• IP PBX Deployment
• Free Bandwidth Quotes
• New VoIP Trends and Products

So let’s all welcome another new edition to The VoIP Insiders Family!

VoIP Supply VoIP Hardware Affiliate Program

by Garrett Smith

VoIP Supply has launched a VoIP Hardware Affiliate Program!

The VoIP Supply affiliate program, which has been in a private beta stage since the beginning of November, is now open to any affiliate looking to capitalize on the growing VoIP hardware marketplace. From now until the end of February, any affiliate that signs-up for the VoIPSupply affiliate program will receive a $20 sign-up bonus to be paid once the affiliate earns $100 in affiliate commission.

About the VoIP Hardware Affiliate Program

With commissions ranging from 3% to 10% based on your monthly generated revenues, the VoIP Supply Affiliate Program is a perfect fit for sites that are looking to profit from the booming Voice over IP industry.

VoIP Hardware Affiliate Program Commission Tiers:

3% up to $15,500 in sales revenue per month
5% up to $45,000 in sales revenue per month
10% for over $45,000 in sales revenue per month

Actions:

Action Criteria: Customer Completes an Online Order
Action Referral Period: 30 days

Product Catalog:

We also offer a product catalog for you to easily integrate all of our products into your site. We highly recommend the use of our product catalog as this is an effective method of driving affiliate sales. Also, we are happy to work with you on an individual basis to develop specials and promotions specific to your audience. Additionally, we send weekly coupons and VoIP deals for you to post. We’ll send them to you daily if you wish!

What We Offer Your Customers:

• Largest Online Catalog of VoIP Products – We have Everything you need for VoIP!
• Aggressive Pricing, High Levels of Customer Service
• No Hassle 30 Day Return Policy

Why Choose the VoIP Supply Affiliate Program?

1. Great conversion rates!
2. We offer some of the highest commissions in our industry.
3. We are very actively involved with our Affiliate Program so if you have any questions or would like to run a new idea by us we are here to listen.

For more information about the VoIP Supply affiliate program, please visit https://www.voipsupply.com/partner-program or call 800.398.8647.

Governmental VoIP Adoption Missing the Mark

January 23, 2007 by Garrett Smith

arlyn pifer Finally, here it is my first “official” blog entry. For those who are more experienced than I in this medium, feel free to critique, comment, criticize and add to the conversation. We are entering this with eyes wide open.

The focus of this blog will be centered around Voice over Internet Protocol, but with an emphasis on Government, (domestic and international) and Educational, (also worldwide), installs, intentions, forecasts and opportunities and I’ll spice it up with some plain old Arlyn based thoughts and comments.

Look, my real job, (you know – the one that semi pays the bills), is to sell VoIP systems and solutions to those two market segments. I’ll try my best to keep the postings unbiased and non sales focused, but if I slip from time to time, don’t forgive me, call me on it! Let’s discuss the contrasting opinions.

Well now that we know who is in the Super Bowl and in two short weeks we get to see those multi-million dollar commercials, let’s turn our thoughts to cost savings – and I’m talking about cost savings in the millions, in the multi millions, heck even billions of dollars. Two and one-half years ago, Kenneth Brown, from the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, published a study and estimated that savings from, “federal, state, and local savings from VoIP deployment would equal $4.5 billion annually.” He adds “This is a conservative estimate.”

Conservative!? (a nice oxymoron for the current political climate in the US).

Two years later, ITAA published a listing that’s reads. “Savings could eventually reach $3-10 billion a year, according to Kohlenberger. “The federal government is the largest telecom user in the world, it stands to gain the most significant benefits in the world.” In addition to the savings, government customers will gain power and speed in telecom administration.” http://www.itaa.org/isec/headline.cfm?ID=2277

Now, it’s 2007, average inflation rate for 2006 was 3.24%, adding in some additional “fudge” factors and Arlyn’s estimate is that the US federal Government, State and Local Agencies could save a combined $ 12 Billion Dollars a year from VoIP acceptance and implementation. They could buy 2400 minutes of Super Bowl Ads or they could send every US Citizen a $ 40.00 refund check! (right before the next election).

Next time, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why the implementation hasn’t progressed as rapidly as it could have/should have.

Polycom SIP 2.1.0 Firmware Released

Let’s Meet Todd Milbrand

Fonality trixbox Open Communication Certification

Snom 370 IP Phone

Digium TDM800P Analog Telephony Interface Card

D-Link V-Click Dual Mode Phone

Small Business IP PBX Solutions

Arthur Miller Joins The VoIP Insiders

VoIP Supply VoIP Hardware Affiliate Program

Governmental VoIP Adoption Missing the Mark

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