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Microsoft Lync Unified Communications "14" Training Kit

December 15, 2010

Microsoft Lync has launched, so now what? How can you as a developer get in on the action? Well, Microsoft just released a training kit that provides deep technical training on all aspects of the Lync Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2010 SDKs to give developers the skills they need to be productive developing communications driven business processes.

Called the Unified Communications “14” Training Kit you can go grab yourself a copy right here. TMC's ITEXPO, a leading telecom/VoIP tradeshow has offered OCS 2007 training in the past. Personally, I'd like to see Microsoft employees or Microsoft Lync experts offer some Lync training including some in-depth developer training at the next ITEXPO, which takes place February 2-4, 2011 in Miami, Florida.


Now grab the download, start developing some apps and let me know if you create anything really cool.


FREETALK Connect Review

December 15, 2010


FREETALK Connect might be an easy to install IP-PBX, but it doesn't skimp on features, packing quite a punch in advanced features, including Skype for Asterisk & Skype Connect support, paging, conference bridges, PSTN failover, custom CallerIDs per user, find me/follow me, and more. I took a FREETALK Connect system for a test drive and was pretty impressed with how easy it was to setup and configure, but was also impressed with its tight integration with Skype.

First, I should mention that FREETALK Connect runs with Asterisk in its core. Currently running Asterisk v1.4, the box relies on a Web portal for all administrative (add users, configure auto-attendant, etc.) and user interaction (voicemail, call forward settings, etc.). You don't get console access to the Linux kernel.


Tru Rates Now Available in Australia

December 14, 2010

Some news I wanted to share from Tru (also known as Truphone)... Tru, (dba Truphone), has expanded its local rates and local number proposition to Australia. Starting today, both business and pre-pay customers of Tru’s GSM service in the UK and US will benefit from paying only local rates instead of roaming rates for all calls and texts to and within Australia, as well as local data rates when roaming within the country.

In an industry first, Tru’s network now offers customers the option to have three local mobile numbers for the UK, US and Australia on one SIM card, allowing friends and business contacts based in those countries to reach them wherever they are without paying the cost of an international call. 

Obihai Mashes Up Mobile, Landline, VoIP & Social Networking

December 10, 2010

Obihai Technology released their OBiON application for the iPhone. In some ways Obihai is very similar to the very hyped Ooma product, which Rich Tehrani likes, but I was initially not a fan of until they changed their business model. Obihai was started by the founders of the creators of the very first analog telephony adapters, the Komodo Fone 300, which was used by VOnage.  A Little VoIP History: I got one of the earliest prototypes of the Komodo Fone 300 ATA device, which I reviewed for Internet Telephony Magazine back in 2000.

Digium|Asterisk World Returns to ITEXPO

December 10, 2010

TMC and Digium, the Asterisk Company, today announced that Digium|Asterisk World is returning to ITEXPO, February 2-4, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Asterisk is the world’s most widely used open source communications software, and the Digium|Asterisk World event helps the entire Asterisk community learn how to create more flexible and powerful telephony solutions.

Open Source Communications solutions currently account for more new phone lines than any single conventional PBX or key system manufacturer.  While Open Source communications software can be free of charge, it creates significant revenue opportunities for businesses that install Open Source PBXs, and provide GUIs, PBX appliances, gateways, and other related services.

Skype Updates Nokia App

December 8, 2010

Skype today has released an update to its Symbian client, which adds support for the new Symbian phones, including the Nokia N8, Nokia C6, Nokia C7 and Nokia E7. It includes support for SILK, Skype's wideband audio codec, for high audio quality, even when users are on a low-bandwidth connection.

In addition they claim the new version makes it easier for users to add contacts, navigate, add a profile photo, set one's mood message as well as recommend the application to friends who also use Symbian handsets.

Via Skype 'The Big Blog'

Plantronics InstantMeeting - New Conferencing Mobile App

December 8, 2010


Plantronics tomorrow officially launches their InstantMeeting mobile conferencing dialer app. The app automatically recognizes upcoming conference calls in your calendar and then when the time comes it can automatically dial the conference phone number and enter in the conference ID and PIN - essentially "one touch" conference bridge dialing. There is a free trial version that provides 20 free calls, and a premium version that costs $2.99 for unlimited calls.

Certainly useful if your a supreme multi-tasker who works until the last possible second before dialing the conference bridge - perhaps even dialing late. This app can shave off some seconds and reduce the stress.


Western Digital WD Elements 2 TB External Hard Drive

December 6, 2010


I was looking to buy a new cheap 2 TB (terabyte) external hard drive on Black Friday to try and get the best deal. Target had a special on the Western Digital WD Elements 2 TB USB 2.0 Desktop external hard drive (model - WDBAAU0020HBK-NESN) for just $69.00! A sweet deal for 2TB! However, when I went to pick one up they were gone and a Target employee told me they sold out in less than 15 minutes.

Doodle-Track Car Fun!

December 6, 2010


Every kid remembers playing with race cars with click-together race car tracks. But these race car tracks were typically boring oval or figure 8s with no hairpin turns or S curves. Well imagine you could design your own track using the Doodle Track kit to create the ultimate racing toy set.

Simply using a marker you draw the track and the race car will follow it automatically.


Social CRM Expo Expands at ITEXPO

December 3, 2010


Some TMC news worth sharing involving ITEXPO co-located with Social CRM Expo and which is just a short 2 months away. With the holidays approaching, it'll probably go by even quicker, so make sure to reserve a hotel room now before they all book up! Not to mention February in Miami? You know Miami is popular in the winter.
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