Greg Galitzine's VoIP Authority Blog: IP Communications Archives

Paving the Way for Voice over LTE

February 12, 2009 8:27 AM

Great. Another acronym.

I guess in the world of tech that we inhabit, that's to be expected.

This one's not so bad provided it's pronounced volt and not volt-EE.

What am I talking about? I'll tell you.

Nokia Siemens Networks has reportedly come up with an approach for providing voice service over LTE networks that:

...operators can implement with simple and cost-effective software and hardware upgrades* to their existing 3GPP circuit-switch core network. The "Fast Track VoLTE" approach provides a cost-efficient way to offer voice over LTE (VoLTE) in any mobile network architecture.

Note the asterisk. Here's what the press release had to say about that:

*Fast Track VoLTE is based on new functionality that can be added to existing MSC Server mobile softswitching equipment (MSS) that has been upgraded to support VoIP with Nokia Siemens Networks' Mobile VoIP Server (NVS) functionality. The solution requires only a simple software upgrade to an MSS/NVS system, plus the integration of an additional hardware unit. It provides all the functions and features required for carrier-grade voice service and interoperates to support seamless subscriber mobility between LTE and current 2G and 3G networks.

According to Michael Clever, Head of Next Generation Voice and Multimedia, Nokia Siemens Networks, the Fast Track Voice over LTE solution is a critical evolutionary stepping stone en route to IMS.

Said Clever:

Fast Track Voice over LTE supplies the missing link in the evolution of voice. It can provide a transitional step between traditional networks and the all-IP world of LTE. The solution allows our customers to exploit their investment in their existing circuit-switched mobile core network, while providing next-generation service. Later, they can proceed to a full IMS solution to provide converged multimedia services, in addition to VoLTE. This is cost-effective, sensible evolution.

Juniper, Nokia Siemens Networks in Carrier Ethernet Deal

February 12, 2009 7:49 AM

The Carrier Ethernet space got a bit more competitive today with the announcement from Juniper Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks that they are teaming up to offer their carrier customers an end-to end Carrier Ethernet solution designed to "provide resilient access and aggregation for service providers worldwide." According to both parties, the joint effort will "bring the vision of a unified Carrier Ethernet solution supporting all services on a single network."

The solution comprises Juniper's MX-series Ethernet Services Router, NSN's A-series Carrier Ethernet Switch and the ASPEN "single click" network management system. The companies hope to enable service providers to enhance their mobile backhaul, enterprise and residential services.

Juniper and NSN say the solution will be available in the second half of 2009.

Earlier this week, Alcatel-Lucent announced their own Carrier Ethernet solution in response to continued growing demand from the enterprise for more (and more affordable) bandwidth for richer services and applications over Carrier Ethernet, together with high levels of quality of service.

According to John Mazur, Ovum Principal Analyst for Switching and Routing:

The adoption of carrier Ethernet is accelerating, especially for mobile backhaul and enterprise access applications. Still, network and element management across systems manufactured by different vendors is a major concern for network operators. Integrated end to end management of Carrier Ethernet and IP is not only highly desirable but also a critical requirement for next generation networks.

IP Phones Find a Home in Business, Not at Home

February 11, 2009 10:57 AM

In-Stat is reporting that the business IP Phone market is thriving, and that by 2012, 31 million voice centric IP phones will ship into businesses.

And while IP phones are making some headway into the consumer space, In-Stat believes business IP phones will continue to outpace consumers by 10:1.

According to the report IP Phones Worldwide - On the Desk and Beyond, IP-based communication is enjoying much more vigorous adoption rate in enterprises than in the consumer space.

"Within the business market, corded IP phones remain the standard, and will continue to dominate the enterprise IP phone market through 2012," says Norm Bogen, In-Stat analyst. "However, WLAN and IP DECT phones continue to grow, especially within some specific vertical and geographical markets."

In-Stat: WiMAX Market Strong, Yet Some Vendors Shrink from Opportunity

February 10, 2009 10:09 AM

According to industry researcher In-Stat, "Broadband communications have become a crucial communications tool, so demand for mobile WiMAX technology remains strong."

But some vendors, especially those slow to migrate to the latest standards, might not be willing to wait around for that demand to translate into tangible sales.

"While the market for 802.16e will continue to grow, it does not mean happy days are here for every vendor," says Daryl Schoolar, In-Stat analyst. "In-Stat expects to see more infrastructure vendors pull back or leave the WiMAX market entirely. This is especially true for vendors that have been slow moving from 802.16d to the 802.16e standard."

According to the In-Stat research:

· WiMAX base station revenues grew by 137.9% in 2008.

· Global WiMAX subscriptions will be over 85 million by the end of 2013.

· Deployments of 802.16e are contributing to the decline of sales in the fixed WiMAX standard, 802.16d.

Seems to me that this market opportunity is real and continues to evolve. With some vendors pulling out before the market matures, it appears that there will be more to go around for the remaining players that do hang in there.

ITEXPO Award Confusion

February 9, 2009 3:01 PM

At ITEXPO, the editorial team was tasked with many assignments, but perhaps the most gratifying of all the items that appears on our collective "to-do" list is rewarding deserving companies with the best of show awards.

One particular award seems to have raised a bit of a "stink" in the blogosphere.

At the most recent ITEXPO, Interactive Intelligence was awarded a best of show award in the SMB category, which on the surface may seem like an odd thing to do, considering the company's Enterprise Interaction Center solution is geared to companies that employ at a minimum 100 people.

There is no question that the solution deserves praise and in fact Interactive Intelligence has received much acclaim for their products over the years.

Perhaps, the issue at hand is really one of proper designation.

While small and medium business, or SMB, generally implies companies on the smaller end of the spectrum, we often tend to forget the "M" or mid-size group of businesses.

Most accepted definitions of SMB center around the following breakdown:

· 0-10 employees = SOHO

· 10-50 employees = Small business

· 50-250 employees = Medium business

· 250 and up = large enterprise.

Depending on revenues, some analysts extend the medium sized group out to 500 employees.

So it's clear that Interactive Intelligence serves the M in SMB with their EIC product.

On the application that Interactive Intelligence submitted for best of show as well as on their Web site, the company claims their solution offers support for:

...100 to 15,000 users with a single all-software, SIP-based IP PBX application suite that easily integrates with your existing business applications.

They also claim:

The all-in-one EIC platform is built to give your mid-sized business a total IP PBX solution for multi-channel communications, business processes, contact center operations, and optimum performance from your employees, all to offer superior service for your customers.

Still, with the growing acceptance (rightly or wrongly) of SMB being defined with a focus on the small, I can understand the confusion associated with awarding a vendor that primarily serves large enterprise and contact center customers with a plaque reading SMB. However until such time as we come up with a category that specifically addresses the M in SMB, this label will have to apply.

The reaction simply underscores the importance of the various TMC award programs and the fact that people do ascribe value to being named an award winner.

Congratulations again to all the award winners and I look forward to seeing you all in Los Angeles, CA from October 27-29 when we once again will award the best of show awards, at the next ITEXPO.

Early ITEXPO Shots

February 1, 2009 9:36 AM

I'm in Miami with the team ahead of ITEXPO, and things are progressing beautifully. Preparations are being completed, and we're looking forward to the opening of the show tomorrow.

For those of you who have never been to a trade show before the official opening, I thought you might like to see what the exhibit hall looks like in the days leading up to the show.

Here's a couple of shots showing the work in progress.

It'll be a different story tomorrow at 5:45pm in the Miami Beach Convention Center when the crowds of exhibitors and attendees start their business of meeting and seeking out the latest IP communications solutions.

ITEXPO is in town through Wednesday February 4, so come on down to the Miami Beach Convention Center and be a part of the action.

The complete schedule of the events taking place at ITEXPO this week can be found by clicking over to the ITEXPO show site.

ABI Research: Netbooks to Play Secondary Role

January 30, 2009 10:23 AM

Looks like ABI has been spending a lot of time researching the netbook market.

A November 2008 study targeting 1,000 North American adults found that only 11% would use a netbook as their primary computer while 79% would purchase a netbook for use in concert with a laptop or desktop computer.

According to ABI Research principal analyst Philip Solis, "While their low price does cause some consumers to view netbooks as a replacement for a laptop given the current economic conditions, the majority view a netbook as being a secondary device."

"Even as a device that is secondary to the PC, this has to cut into the laptop market somewhat. When considering another laptop as an additional device mostly for browsing the web and using other Internet-based communications applications, consumers will find netbooks to be an appropriate alternative."

Skype to Verizon? Just Sayin'...

January 29, 2009 12:08 PM

First Verizon said: No more Copper by 2016.

Then word came down that Verizon was not going to stop offering voice over copper lines after all.

Next we heard speculation that eBay was going to offload Skype.

Recently we're hearing how Verizon is clipping its VoiceWing VoIP business.

It's becoming "crystal clear"

to me that Verizon is going to buy Skype and offer the VoIP service to their FiOS customers as a value add. You know, "...those cable guys are making you pay for voice... we'll give you voice for free. Oh and check out our new devices, our diverse lineup of over 100 HD channels, and for a nominal fee, please take advantage of the seamless integration with our wireless service."

With everyone else speculating that Skype might go to Google, or Microsoft, or BT or France Telecom or Cisco... I figured I'd throw Verizon's name out there.

Just sayin'...

Oh Canada! Dialexia, Sangoma Interop News

January 29, 2009 9:25 AM

Speaking of Canada, Dialexia and Sangoma today announced successful interoperability between Dialexia's award-winning IP-PBX, Dial-Office, and Sangoma's NetBorder Express Gateway.

The Dialexia-Sangoma partnership will enable enterprise customers to easily deploy the Dialexia Dial-Office all-in-one, SIP-based IP PBX and interconnect their IP Telephony with the PSTN.

Sangoma is a Gold sponsor of the upcoming ITEXPO, which kicks off in Miami Beach in just five days. Makes sense on so many levels. In addition to the obvious IP Communications hook, it's generally colder in Canada than it is in Miami Beach this time of year... Montreal = 12⁰ ... Toronto = 20⁰ ... Miami Beach = 80⁰

I can't wait!

Report: Consumers Willing to Pay for Citywide WiFi

January 28, 2009 9:05 AM

An interesting report came across my desk; especially noteworthy in light of the economic conditions plaguing the landscape.

According to the "Devicescape Wi-Fi Report" consumers say that they want citywide WiFi and they are willing to pay for it.

The official announcement of the study will be out tomorrow, but I was fortunate enough to get advance notice.

The report was conducted by Decipher, Inc. on behalf of Devicescape and several other players in the WiFi space, and quizzed more than 2,700 WiFi users for their opinions about the technology.

Key findings from the report include:

An overwhelming number of WiFi users expect WiFi while traveling (91%);
Most respondents (84%) want citywide WiFi, and many (56%) are willing to pay for it as they would a utility;
When traveling, the most-often used device for accessing Wi-Fi was the smartphone, such as an iPhone (vs. laptops);
The overwhelming majority of smartphone users (81%) prefer using WiFi over 3G for browsing Web sites, downloading data, Google searches and sending e-mail;
86% of respondents want OEMs to build Wi-Fi into their handsets;
82% of respondents want the service provider to provide an overall 3G/WiFi data package

The study also found that consumers often find it difficult to get and stay connected to a WiFi network when using a smartphone. The report found that "complicated login screens" were among the most common frustration consumers had when attempting to connect to a WiFi hotspot, and that nearly 90% of handset users want their service provider to offer seamless roaming between 3G and Wi-Fi networks.

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