VoIP Summary

Universities Shifting To Asterisk IP PBXes?

2006-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ted at Signal-to-noise posted about Sam Houston State University (SHSU) switching to Asterisk IP PBXes from Nortel PBXes. They have also moved 1600 IP phones from Cisco CallManager to Asterisk. They've set up a redundant system with multiple Dell servers. Sounds exciting; other universities could certainly save money following suit - maybe even pass on the savings in terms of tuition rate reductions. Just as long as they choose wisely and don't get hosed on poor choices. Years ago, the university I attended was somehow persuaded to buy the Rolm telephony system when it was already outdated. Later, when I worked at a giant telecom company, an insider told me how the sales guys (from elsewhere) had laughed afterwards about how they snowed the university on the Rolm system.

Addressing VoIP Call Quality Issues

2006-09-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Call quality issues for VoIP is getting attention from some of the biggies in the industry. Apparent Networks and Nortel Networks have signed a deal to look into quality issues. One project will result in software which Nortel intends to embed in their VoIP products. With such software system users will be able to trace the source of potential quality problems. [via eWeek] The premise is that call quality is subject to many factors, and not necessarily caused by faulty VoIP hardware. Since Nortel is a hardware vendor, such software would help them remotely track customer problems and thus both reduce support costs and result in happier customers sooner.

I Subscribe For The Articles. Ri-i-i-i-i-ight.

2006-09-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

An old joke amongst men in the 1970s and 1980s was that they subscribed to Playboy magazine "for the articles." Well, men may be saying the same thing in this decade about Penthouse Media Group's new content for mobile devices, which will include text, games, audio, and of course images and video clip. Is that fly on the (wind)screen, or are you just happy to see me? [source: Cellullar News] Of course, judging by past success with per-minute adult calling services, the real money will probably come from similar adult VoIP calling services, even video. Maybe they should team up with Globe7. Then again, if they do, they may have to turn back potential customers.

How To Get Ahead In The Communications Business

2006-09-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Despite that grand title, the method is simple. Ignore RFPs (Request for Proposals) and just start doing the work. That's what one company in Florida did. Instead of bothering to submit a proposal for St. Petersburg's municipal Wi-Fi project, like their five competitors did, they just started piping in Wi-Fi access to downtown.

More Ads On Cell Phones?

2006-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

According to a report by Informa Telecoms & Media, we can expect more advertising on mobile devices such as cell phones. Within five years, mobile ad spending will be close to US$12 B. [via Cellular News] Another area that advertising is getting into is VoIP services, such Globe7's offer of free calling minutes based on how much video content you watch - for which they presumably get paid for by content providers such as movie production companies.

EarthLink Adds Eight Cities For Its Bundled Internet + VoIP Service

2006-09-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

EarthLink Inc. is expanding its bundled Internet and IP telephony service in the United States to eight new cities, including Atlanta (where it's based), NYC, LA, D.C., and others. The service will include enhanced 911 calling, work with existing phone jacks, and function during power outages. [via Atlanta Business Chronicle]

Babble.net USB VoIP Babble Stick

2006-09-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

UK-based Babble.net is now offering their own USB VoIP flash memory stick. The so called Babble Stick is GBP 19.99 (Great British Pounds), has 256 Mb of space, comes with a microphone and headphones, and holds your Babble account details. Babble's FreeB offer is still on, which for a one-time fee of GBP 1.50 gives you 30 minutes of free calling for at least 3 months. They also have a Babble web-calling toolbar, which lets you call phone numbers on a web page from the Internet Explorer web browser.

Nokia Dual-Mode Cell Phones in Singapore

2006-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Singaporeans will be getting dual-mode 2G/3G cellular/ WLAN (Wireless LAN) Nokia phones via SingTel. These phones will support both the regular cellular network as well as VoIP calls over Wi-Fi networks. [via VoIP News] Dual-mode phones are expected to rival simple Wi-Fi phones because they can switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

Mobile Linux Phones In 2007

2006-09-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you're a Linux operating system fan, you probably already know this by know, but Trolltech ASA thinks the first mobile phones based on the Linux OS will be available by 2007. There's already a group work on Open Linux for Palm devices, so you can probably expect to see some announcements about Palm Linux phones next year, too.

Free SkypeOut For France

2006-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

French Skype users will now enjoy the same offer that Canadian and American users get. They can now get free SkypeOut calls to landlines (from and to France) until New Year's Eve. Skype is also offering currently offering free calls to toll-free landlines in Taiwan. SkypeOut calls can be made from your computer or from a Skype-certified Wi-Fi phone.

VoIP Summary - Thur Aug 31/ 06

2006-08-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

ISP Mozcom Becomes VoIP Provider
Mozcom, the first commercial ISP in the Philippines, launched their new VCall VoIP service, which is targeted at anyone who would benefit from VoIP in their daily operations. [via The Manila Times]

Sprint Settles Patent Dispute
A suit levied by tglo.com and Theglobe.com on Sprint Nextel Corp has been settled according to the latter company. The issue was a supposed digital telephony patent infringement. [via eWeek] Sprint themselves sued Vonage late last year.

Two New Skype Phones From USRobotics
Networking hardware makers such as Netgear, D-Link, and USRobotics must think they've found a pot of gold in VoIP, judging by all the IP phones they've collectively released this year. USRobotics just released two new Skype-certified cell phones - the USR9601 USB Internet Phone (~US$50) and the USR9602 USB Internet Mini Phone (~US$25). [via Boston.com]

New VoIP Contracts: BTAS Picked By DCITA In Australia

2006-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

The DCITA (Dept of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) in Australia recently picked BTAS to implement a VoIP telephony system made by Alcatel. The system will be installed at four points in Canberra, and calling will be accomplished with both soft phones and around 950 IP handsets . [via ZDNet Australia]

New VoIP Provider: Comcast Corp

2006-08-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Comcast Corp is already an established cable company in the US. They're now offering their triple-play of services (IP telephony, cable TV, and Internet) for US$99/m in the Nashville, Tennessee area, and will be rolling out to other nearby areas shortly. Comcast is promoting the service in 20 US cities. They are up against companies like Vonage and SunRocket but still plan to hire 100 salespeople in the Middle Tennessee region this year. [via Tennessean]

New VoIP Provider: Sentinel Communications

2006-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sentinel Communications has just entered the VoIP market, offering both calling plans as well as business products and services - including IP PBXes, network design and implementation, T-1 lines, toll-free numbers and more. [via eMediaWire]

While they are based in North America, they appear to be targeting worldwide residential and business customers.

Mig33 Mobile VoIP Provider: Million-User Milestone

2006-08-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Australia's mig33, a mobile VoIP provider, says that they now have over one million users worldwide, since launching in Dec 2005. Calls are made using a Java-enabled mobile phone or PDA, and the service can be used to initiate a call between any two phones. [via ACN Newswire]

VoIP Provider Difficulties: Chariot ISP

2006-08-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

ISP Chariot has been planning a launch of their VoIP service for this year in Australia, but has apparently gone through a number of troubles, including being taken to court by their partner, Transcom International. The resulting negative media hurt the company and delayed the launch., which should be live by the time you read this. [via VoIP News Australia]

Asterisk VoIP Voice Changer Software

2006-08-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

After frequently visiting Asterisk VoIP News a lot lately, I'm convinced that Dal and the rest of the crew watched a lot of science fiction, horror and spy movies/ TV shows. Dal reports that a new version, 0.4, of the Asterisk Voice Changer is available. You heard me. You know, change the pitch of your voice and all that, a la the Scream series of movies. [via Asterisk VOIP News]

What I'm wondering is if this software could be used to improve VoIP call quality on pc2phone calls.

Skype to Skype Call Quality Secret: Global IP Sound

2006-08-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Despite discussions here that VoIP call quality is at undesirable levels in certain scenarios, pc2pc calls are usually of fairly good quality. My Skype2Skype calls have been mostly clear as a bell, when my computer's RAM isn't overloaded. What's the reason behind this quality? GIPS (Global IP Sound) Voice Engine modules, which Skype licenses. Jim Courtney provides more details at Skype Journal.

Mac Skype Soft AudioSwitch

2006-08-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

Mac Skype users now have free software, AudioSwitch, that lets them switch between speakerphone and wireless headsets. [via Signal to Noise] Skype recently released a new Mac version.

Fusion Strikes VoIP Partnership With Chinese Community Services Website, Jinti

2006-08-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Fusion Telecomunications has struck up a partnership with Jinti, a Chinese community services site claiming over 3 million unique visitors from mainland China per month. As part of the partnership, Fusion will be marketing their Efonica VoIP services on the website. [via Asterisk VoIP News]

This is an interesting development considering that VoIP services are banned in China. Even text services are expected to filter out "banned words" for conversations where one or more parties are in China.

VoIP Summary - Sun Aug 13/06

2006-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

If you speak Turkish, be wary of an email written in the language that has a link to a fake Skype website, and which hosts a file (skypekur.exe) that will steal all kinds of passwords from your computer and email them back to the originator. [via SurfControl]

With all the complaints that the QoS (Quality of Service) of VoIP, Pandora Networks is hoping their new suite of services will make a difference. They're aiming at the SMB (Small to Medium Business) market. [via TMC Net]

Telcos who are starting to offer VoIP services are going to be unlikely to do so at discount rates, according to Infonetics Research. Instead, they're more likely to add extra features and charge a premium rate. [via Computing]

A couple of weeks ago, Ed Whitacre, CEO of AT&T, shot his mouth off about his view of network neutrality. Basically, he said that no one should get a free ride. But as Russell Shaw points out in the article, quoting the It's Our Net Coalition, telcos already make US$14 billion per year from Internet companies and US$20 billion per year from broadband subscriber fees.

VoIP Summary - Sat Aug 12/06

2006-08-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

New research from CompTIA finds that IT channels assign a much higher priority for VoIP than SMBs (Small to Medium Businesses). IT considers it top VoIP in the top three of technolgies that are expected to enjoy growth in 2007. But SMBs rank it ninth in priority. [via New Telephony]

Looking for reviews of various VoIP services, or want to write your own? Have a look at WhichVoIP. [via PR Leap]

The number of US VoIP subscribers increase about 21% in Q2 2006 to nearly 7 million, with cable VoIP taking the biggest increases in volume. [via TeleGeography] Translation: Vonage is still leading, but they'd better watch out, they'd better not cry...

Now here's a great application of WoIP (Video + Voice over IP). A number of hospitals in California are using WoIP for real-time language interpretation so that English-speaking doctors can serve patients with minimal English language skills. Spanish is currently the most commonly spoken foreign language at these hospitals, but they also have interpreters for four other languages. Hospitals in other states are considering offering the same type of service. [via Information Week, VoIP Magazine]

VoIP Summary - Fri Aug 11/06

2006-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sphere Communications is targeting OEMs and ISVs with their new SphereCSE Communications Service Engine, which is an IP PBX software development platform that is built XML and SOAP and several other web service formats. They offer a free SDK (Software Development Kit) for download. [via TMC Net]

If you're about network threats via VoIP, Network Box has their Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliance and service that provides anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-phishing and other features. It's compatible with SIP and H.323 [via IT Backbones]

The Internet-based telephone subscriber base grew in the US by 21 percent in Q2 2006. Cable companies have been the winner in this increase. [via Chicago Tribune]

The Square Mile downtown financial core of London, UK, will have Wi-Fi coverage by the end of this year. The move will give city workers access to mobile VoIP service. The network will be set up using street "furniture" such as signs and lamp posts. [via Contractor UK]

Microsoft Keeps VoIP Initiative Going

2006-08-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is increasing its involvement in VoIP by getting into the PBX and IP PBX arena. This move is expected to disrupt the VoIP market over the next few years. [via NE Asia Online]

Microsoft is also expanding their VoIP iniative by following in Skype's footsteps. They are partnering with consumer electronics accessory companies to bundle up Windows Live Messenger with gear such as headsets.

Initially, the bundle is being offered with Plantronics Audio 350 headsets at Best Buy , Circuit City, and CompUSA stores in the US. [via Ars Technica] Hiliariously, one commenter Ars Technica weighed in the beauty (or lack of) of the headset.

Globe7: Free Internet/ VoIP Calls

2006-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for free international VoIP (Internet) calls? Globe7 offers a soft client which lets you earn credits of US$0.005 for every minute of video content you watch. You get to choose the content, which includes news clips and movie or TV show trailers. (You can also watch the videos directly from the website, but then you don't get credit.)

Additional features include video calling, free pc2pc calling, pc2mobile calls based on credits, 1 gigabyte of free web storage space (images, audio, video). There's no limit to the number of videos you can watch, and a US phone number comes with a Gold Member account. (Austin Powers need not apply.) You can also view news feeds in the Globe 7 client.

Globe7 currently only supports Windows 2000 + XP, and you must have Adobe Flash 8 player (free) or above. Registration requires you to divulge a fair bit of personal info. You get a $1 credit on signup.

Phil Zimmerman's Zfone Secure VoIP Softphone Plugin

2006-08-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Phil Zimmerman, best known for his PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) open source tools, has been working on his new Zfone secure VoIP soft client plugin. The Zfone is designed to protect users from the kind of VoIP security issues that are starting to crop up, including vishing.

It should be noted that the Zfone is not a soft client, despite what I said previously. Instead, it's more of a plugin for clients that are "standards compliant". A beta version of Zfone is available now.

Sources: The Inquirer.

Microsoft's Zune: Will It Won't It Have VoIP?

2006-08-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

HyunWon's Boxon MP3 player isn't the only device rumoured to have VoIP capabilities. Microsoft is coming out with the Zune later this year, which is supposed to have VoWiFi (VoIP over WiFi). If you want to learn more, visit this extremely difficult to read transcript of the Microsoft financial analyst meeting 2006.

Funny. The term VoIP never appears once once on the page. But if it's true, Microsoft will join the growing list of companies offering WiFi phones, Skype-enabled or otherwise.

Sources: VoIP News.

Upcoming - VoIP Free/ Cheap Calling Guide

2006-08-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

A lot of people want to know how they can make free VoIP phone calls from their computer to either another computer or a regular phone or cell phone. There are now literally dozens of free or inexpensive services, most of them good. It's a matter of finding some time and writing a few reviews. I didn't want to write teeny-weeny reviews like the summaries I've had here so far. So I'm taking my time and working on VoIP reviews, and I'll post each one as I complete it.

For the time being, I'll just point to info at other sites, if I don't have my own review. Keep an eye out, and feel free to use the site-search feature somewhere in the far right column. (Or left, if I've changed the layout around.)

VoIP Attacks Will Increase

2006-08-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Speakers at the VoIPSA (VoIP Security Alliance) conference in Las Vegas warned that VoIP attacks are likely to increase. Methods of attack include DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), caused by overloading a system - a common tactic for disrupting websites. Of course, there's are also the new vishing scams, which involve phishing using VoIP services.

During another Las Vegas conference, BlackHat 2006, Phil Zimmermann (creator of the PGP encryption tool) said that due to impending VoIP abuse, people are very interested in a secure VoIP client. Zimmermann has come up with such software, called Zfone.

VoIP Internet Calling Without A Computer?

2006-08-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

Right now, free internet phone calls mostly require using a computer with a broadband connection. However, there are a few web services that that allow pc2phone or even phone2phone calls if one or both parties are members. Jajah and Gizmo Project are a couple of examples.

But a number of companies are trying to make sure that you don't need a computer to make VoIP calls without a computer. For example, US Robotics are introducing VoIP router devices that support Skype and other softphones without the use of a computer. A broadband Internet connection is still required. This is different from Skype Wi-Fi phones which still require that there's a computer somewhere nearby.

Sources: Computeract!ve.

HyunWon's Boxon: It's An MP3 Player, No A VideoPod, No A VoIP Phone

2006-08-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Forget cell phones that can do VoIP, or even WiFi phones. MP3 players want a piece of the action, and are just as willing to play the convergence game. Enter HyunWon's Boxon MP3 player, a small device with a large screen and an identity crisis. It's packed with features and can play MP3s (of course) and video, has a photo viewer, an English-Korean dictionary, and VoIP.[via Mobile Mag, Anything But iPod]

Unfortunately, there are no details about the VoIP features. A scan through HyunWon's MobiBlu websites reveals nothing, as the product isn't out until later in August.

VoX Communications Will Provide VoIP Services For DHS

2006-08-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

VoX Communications will be providing VoIP services to US Dept of Homeland Security (DHS). They were selected by F4W, Inc. for their TWEB (Tactical Wireless Emergency Broadband) network products. The TWEB products are designed for DHS, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and disaster recovery workers. [via Wireless IQ]

F4W has already had experience in disaster recovery work after four hurricanes, working with US Coast Guard and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). VoX is a subsidiary of eLEC Communications and were named the "Most Innovative VoIP Technology Provider" by Internet Telephony Magazine.

Cable VoIP Market Growing

2006-08-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

A cable industry report says that the cable VoIP market is increasing steadily in the US and Canada. Current figures are estimated four million subscribers. Another seven million are expected by the end of 2007.

In the lead are Cablevision Systems and Time Warner Cable, who collectively have around 62% of the market. [via VoIP News]

VoIP Summaries #3

2006-07-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

News and info briefs for the VoIP indusry.

Customers of XO Communications spent nearly 4 billion minutes chatting over VoIP in Q2 2006, almost one and a half times Q2 2005. Source: [VON Magazine]

Vonage reputedly spends over $20 mln per month on advertising. This includes TV as well as spyware-style and online banner ads. Apparently, CEO and chairman Jeffrey Citron confirmed a 2006 advertising campaign of nearly $400 mln. Source: [21 Talks]

An Australian market research company says that only 60% of VoIP providers in that country belong to the TIO (Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman) scheme. The Ombudsman recommends that VoIP providers join this scheme to avoid "a regulatory clampdown".

Red Hat, the now venerable software vendor for the open source Linux operating system, has started up a telecom partner program. [via eWeek] Their strategy is to extend themselves into the embedded systems markets. With the number of PMC (Personal Mobile Communication) devices, with or without VoIP, growing steadily, it'sprobably a wise strategy.

SIPphone's Gizmo Project Joins the Free VoIP Calling Fray

2006-07-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

WebProNews asks: is there such a thing as free VoIP service? A lot of previously free services have changed their terms, or various long-distance call promotions have ended. Still, there are a lot of free VoIP services still around.

In fact, one more VoIP provider is offering free PC-to-PSTN phone calls. SIPphone announced these free calls for active members of their Gizmo Project soft client. Skype currently offers free PC-to-PSTN calls for Skype members within Canada and the US. However, Skype's promo offer is over at the end of this year. SIPphone's offer is permanent and includes 60 countries, but caller and callee must both be Gizmo Project members. Members list all their phone numbers in their user profile.

Consider that with Skype this week, I called, for free, the support line of one my web hosting companies, as well as someone I was interviewing for an article, neither of whom had to be Skype members. I also called a someone who has no computer earlier in the week. In light of this, I think Gizmo Project will have some time to go before they move from their current user count (reportedly under a million worldwide) to have as wide a market share as Skype (reportedly 280 million users worldwide).

But I think that Gizmo Project will have the advantage in the long run, not only because of the free calls to 60 countries, but because they are based on the open source SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) standard. That means that anyone using other SIP-based VoIP soft clients, such as Sightspeed, would be able to VoIP Gizmo Project members and vice versa.

Four New Skype-based WiFi Phones

2006-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Skype recently announced "the world's first WiFi phones for Skype". This is an odd declaration for a press release dated July 20, 2006, considering that at least the Netgear phones was announced in June, but will not be available until August.

The four new phones (one from each of four companies) apparently have an interface that's relatively easy to use, and of course support Skype. Here's a picture of the Belkin phone, which at nearly $190 seems a bit pricey.

If you live in Canada or the US, with one one of these phones, you can basically call anywhere in these two countries for free right now. That's provided you have Wi-Fi Internet access. (Free SkypeOut calling within Canada and the US is available only until the end of Dec 2006.)

Personally, while I love Skype, I've already got a Palm Treo 650 with cellular and wireless data access. I have no desire to buy yet another phone (I'm on my sixth in ten years). So I've been trying to find software that will let me make VoIP calls, with little luck. All the software solutions I've tried just do not work on the Treo 650, mainly because the 650s running on the Palm OS cannot handle phone calls and wireless access simultaneously. Que sera sera. If I find something that actually works - instead of just claiming to - you'll hear about it

VoIP Summaries #2

2006-07-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

News and info briefs for the VoIP industry.

VoIP News:

Wondering what the difference between VoIP and Internet telephony is? Ted Wallingford explains in his Macworld article.
Both Microsoft and Apple have recently become involved in the VoIP market. Microsoft recently release Windows Live Messenger, and Apple is expected to follow suit by upgrading their IM client iChat.
Vonage, the VoIP service provider that's been taking in a beating in the stock market for the last few months, recently release their USB-based VoIP phone/ keyfob, V-Phone. Plugging the V-Phone into your laptop gives you access to your Vonage VoIP calling plan while you're on the go, and provided you have WiFi access to the Internet handy.
Of course, if you have Skype, you can call other Skypers around the world for free. If not, and you and the person you're calling are in Canada or the United States, you can call free from PC to phone until the end of December.
In what may be a first, Philips Corporation has come out with new VoIP handsets that work with not only Skype but Microsoft Windows Live Messenger VoIP/ IM client software. Skype themselves have come out with a dual-purpose phone that allows both Skype VoIP calling and regular landline use.
Skype is currently considering going after the enterprise VoIP market, which has actually been slow to adopt VoIP, compared to individuals and small businesses. However, with products such as Microsoft's Communications Server offering VoIP ability via Office Communicator 2007, Skype is going to have a hard time cracking the enterprise market.

These VoIP summaries give you a synopsis of goings-on in the voice and video over IP (internet protocol) industry so that you can quickly browse the info and click on the provided links for more detailed information. This includes information about free VoIP, handsets, headsets, VoIP providers, voice + video calling IM (Instant Messaging) client software, regulations and standards, router and other VoIP technology, and general telephony.

VoIP Summaries #1

2006-07-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

News and info briefs for the VoIP industry.

Free VoIP IM clients:

Skype: VoIP client with IM text messaging. Free calling from PC to PC around the world. Free calling from PC-to-phone in Canada and the US until the end of 2006. Varying per minute rates for other types of VoIP-to-PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) calls. Free third-party video calling plugin available. Skype isnow owned by eBay.
Sightspeed: VoIP client with IM text messaging and built-in video calling. Free calling from PC to PC around the world. Varying per minute rates for VoIP-to-PSTN calls. Free unlimited videomail storage for 30 days. Four-way video conferencing available (along with other features) for US$4.95/m or US$44.95/yr. Skype used to be my fave VoIP client; now Sightspeed is.

VoIP News:

True Corp in Bangkok, Thailand, is gearing up to provide VoIP services, selling 400+ mln private shares. Thailand currently only has 10,000 VoIP users, but True forsees the potential for a larger market, given that they currently have 500,000 broadband users and expect 800,000 by the end of the year. [via Bangkok Post]
Taipei, Taiwan is putting a VoIP infrastructure in place and changing from PSTN to VoIP for their administrative offices and for public schools. They expect to have as many as 200,000 VoIP users by the end of the year. [via News/ TechWhack]
Affiniti in the UK is partnering with Griffin ISP to offer VoIP services. [via Computing UK] No word on what regions this service will be offered in.
US telephony vendor Inter-Tel announced a "next-gen" VoIP switch to be released in August. The Inter-Tel 7000 VoIP platform is an open platform, competing with proprietary platforms by Avaya, Cisco, and others. It runs on Intel/ Linux hardware/os combo and is compatible with SIP gateways. [via eWeek]
More and more Estonian hospitals are offering WiFi access, giving patients the chance to work on their laptops or PDA devices. [via Skype Blogs] Excuse me, but isn't the point of being in the hospital to recuperate? I don't know about you, but despite being a hardcore techie glued to my laptop or desktop at least 16 hrs/day, I'd be stressed out if I were in a hospital with a WiFi capable device.

Definitions + Acronyms:

ITSP: Internet Telephony Service Provider.
PDA: Personal Digital Assistant.
SIP: Session Initiation Protocol.
VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol.
WiFi: Wireless Fidelity - general wireless network access, sometimes referring to Internet access.

Welcome to VoIP Summary

2006-07-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It also stands for Video over Internet Protocol. Some people use the term WoIP when voice + video are combined. VoIP allows you to talk over the Internet, pretty much as you would with a phone, except usually for a lot less money. Throw in video, and you can communicate live with your friends, family, contacts and even people you meet at various communities.

This site is a summary of happenings in the VoIP industry, and includes news, reviews, profiles and articles relating to VoIP, WoIP, video and voice calling, IM (Instant Messaging), and issues about Internet telephony in general.

Please note that these are summaries. I write more complete articles about VoIP at several other websites. (Links to come.)

Most new content will appear on weekends. However, there may occasionally be new postings during the week.