The SIP Invite - VoIP Archives

Lync Conference 2013 - A Look Back

2013-03-07T13:57:56Z

Now that the first-ever Lync Conference is behind us, some reflective thoughts and observations:

Far exceeding the organizer’s expectations, the Lync Conference sold out weeks before the event with over 1,000 paid attendees. (Based on the badge swapping in the hotel foyer, there must have been another 300 people “around the fringes”.) The event was an interesting mix of roughly 1/3 end-customers, another 1/3 resellers/partners and 1/3 vendors, analysts and press - all mixed into hours of great sessions, keynotes and exposition space. What does this mean? Lync has arrived and it is HOT.

We at AudioCodes used the event to kick-off our One Voice for Microsoft Lync branding campaign, featuring a new informational video that was hard to miss on our giant video screen. Feedback from the analysts and customers was very positive – the value of one source for the network elements, services and support is clear.

The AudioCodes 420HD, 430HD and 440HD IP phones were quite the hit with the attendees. Most notably was a “phone premonition” by the popular blogger Matt Landis foreseeing the arrival our 440HD phone. (I’m personally pitching to our executives that we informally call our 440HD “the Landis Phone” going forward.)

My session titled “Avoiding the Pilot Trap” was a hit at the show. Featuring an end-customer presentation from Jeff Bryngelson, Network Manager at American Axle & Manufacturing and a partner perspective from Benjamin Tosado, Principle at Conquest Technology Services, the session discussed some of the challenges that IT Managers and Administrators run into when their Lync pilot projects run into troubles and some first-hand tips on how to avoid a similar fate. Even the critical consultant Sheila McGee-Smith gave us a “best session of the conference” twitter nod for including real customers to share their stories. You can view a recording of the session on YouTube.

AudioCodes, Plantronics, Intelepeer and ScanSource Communications collaborated to organize the first ever “Voice LyncUP”, a social event that cruised the San Diego harbor on Tuesday evening. The event brought together close to 300 end-customer, partners and sponsors out on a cool and windy evening for an opportunity to socialize and share their Lync experiences. We’re looking forward to a bigger and better event next year with more sponsors and attendees.

And most importantly, the event gave us an opportunity to meet, collaborate and listen to a number of our current and prospective customers. Having real eye-to-eye discussions about the needs and wants for business adoption of Lync is impossible to put into words. We left with a new appreciation of what has been accomplished and what is to come from some of the early adopters and highly innovative community that makes up the Lync ecosystem.

One final thought – for those of us that attended this first-ever Lync Conference event, I suspect there will be a day in the future when we say “I was there when….” Looking forward to next year.

You can reach Alan at: alan.percy@audiocodes.com

Voice Enabling the Cloud with Microsoft Lync 2013

2012-12-05T16:03:11Z

By Alan D. Percy, Senior Director of Marketing NA, AudioCodes

Many resellers have seen success with Voice-enabled Microsoft Lync 2010, selling equipment and services into the mid-market and enterprises where businesses tend to have their own data centers or private cloud infrastructure. Meanwhile, deploying voice-enabled Lync to the small business market (under 250 seats) has been difficult, requiring dedicated server pool infrastructure for each business, resulting in high overhead costs.

During a recent AudioCodes-hosted webinar, Roy King, Business Planner at Microsoft and Larry Clarkson, CTO, AudioCodes addressed this challenge and walked us through the new hosting options available with the recently released Lync 2013.

For enterprises or mid-market, the existing Lync edition would continue to be deployed in either a customer-premise data center or a private cloud data center. A reseller partner could host Lync for a customer in a “hosted dedicated” architecture. Not much has changed here as reseller partners provide the equipment, installation, configuration and maintenance of the Lync server pool and related devices. Customization and business process integration are excellent ways for resellers to differentiate themselves and deepen their relationship with the enterprise. This is by far the most common deployment model for Lync to date.

The significant change in Lync 2013 is the new cloud-friendly version in the “Lync Hosting Pack”, enabling multi-tenant operation of Lync – ideal for servicing multiple smaller businesses that don’t want their own on-site Lync installation. As noted by Roy King during the webinar “small businesses don’t have the same requirements as enterprises, but do need customization or other features”. The Lync Hosting Pack opens up a whole new range of opportunities for resellers, allowing them to offer cloud-based voice-enabled Lync to smaller businesses, hosting it in a cloud data center of their own, or from a cloud computing provider.

As part of the cloud-based deployment architectures, AudioCodes media gateways and E-SBCs continue to play an important role in either the customer premise or the cloud data center, providing connectivity between the hosted Lync software and the public network. In addition, AudioCodes Survivable Branch Appliances continue to play an important role in providing voice quality monitoring, local trunking access and continued operation in cases where connectivity to the cloud data center is lost.

It seems that the new cloud-friendly Lync 2013 is something that resellers should take a close look at, helping refine a cloud strategy and offer.

If you’d like to learn more about Lync 2013 and the architectures supported by the Microsoft Lync Hosted Pack, you can view the recently recorded webinar “Microsoft Lync Hosting Strategy and Voice”. Access to the recording via the following link: http://bit.ly/VBVlAQ

Alan Percy is Senior Director of Strategic Marketing for North America at AudioCodes, a leading provider of Voice over IP networking products and enabling technology.

Alan.percy@audiocodes.com
+1-732-764-2506

Skype Connect and Avaya Integration Case Study Video

2010-10-22T20:02:24Z

Earlier this month I was happy to meet with Jeff Heibert, CEO of ROI Networks to LA for ITExpo for a discussion on a case study customer of theirs using Skype Connect in an Avaya environment using the AudioCodes Mediant 1000 E-SBC. The E-SBC plays a key role to integrate the two systems and provide security to protect the Avaya SIP Enablement Server (SES) from attack via the public internet. After some nudging, I got Jeff to sit with Erin to do a video interview of what we think is a fascinating case study.

Click on the thumbnail to view the video.

A key attribute of this case study is the end customer was able to leverage Skype Connect without expensive and disruptive upgrades to their Avaya Communications Manager.

A written copy of the case study is also available.

SIP Trunking and Microsoft Communications Server (OCS)

2010-07-08T14:41:03Z

Security, Survivability and Choice - words that are very near and dear to most IT managers, but what do they mean in Microsoft Communication Server deployments?

Security - knowing that your business is protected from malicious attack by outsiders that might have an axe to grind or trying to steal sensitive information.
Survivability - making sure you have a disaster recovery plan to keep the business operating when things do go wrong.
Choice - having the freedom to make changes to and select your service provider based on price, service, quality or new capabilities.

Until recently, if you were in the process of deploying Microsoft's Communications Server it was pretty difficult to use SIP Trunking and still maintain security, survivability and choice. Securing SIP Trunks requires a Session Border Controller at the enterprise from one vendor, while survivability required separate media gateways and back-up PSTN telephone lines. The number of certified SIP Trunking vendors that have gone through the arduous certification program is fairly small and as a result, severely limits the choices available to most businesses.

With today's announcement of UcSIPT from AudioCodes, businesses deploying Microsoft Communications Server can leverage an AudioCodes E-SBC - one single device that has the ability to:

Secure SIP Trunks - with an embedded Enterprise Session Border Controller (E-SBC), protecting the business against common SIP-based network attacks coming from the Wide Area Network that traditional firewalls are unable to mitigate.
Provide Interoperability with SIP Trunks - via a back-to-back user agent with transcoding, virtually any SIP Trunking service provider can be used with Communications Server.
Deliver Survivability - with an optional integrated media gateway modules, traditional PSTN lines can be maintained and used as back-up circuits in cases where there is a failure in the SIP Trunk connectivity or service.

As an example of a typical deployment, Joe LeNoach, IT Manager in Alutiiq offers the following assessment of his experience in using the Mediant 1000 MSBG to interface his Office Communications Server system with a SIP Trunking service provider: "We have recently decided to use the AudioCodes Mediant 1000 for connecting our network to the Verizon SIP Trunking service," said Joe. "We were looking for a solution to securely connect the Microsoft Office Communications Servers installed in our branches using a cost-effective SIP trunking service. AudioCodes Mediant 1000 provided the required mediation services to implement this solution quickly and cost-effectively."

Jeff Kahn. Chief Strategic Officer and Nimrod Borovsky, VP of Marketing at AudioCodes discuss the UcSIPT strategy and solution set in this video.

It looks like businesses are one step closer to having the choice of SIP Trunking service provider, security and survivability without cobbling together a number of different appliances from different manufactures.

For more information on UcSIPT, visit: http://www.audiocodes.com/ocs

SIP Trunking - Bundled or BYO?

2009-04-27T19:52:37Z

While on the road this spring I had a number of very active conversations with our partners and customers about the delivery mechanisms, services and bundling of SIP Trunking here in the US. It seem there are some patterns that I thought would be useful to share.

First I'm going to assume that you know that SIP trunking is a replacement for legacy TDM trunking lines that connect various size enterprises to the public network. SIP trunks offer similar services, but instead of using dedicated TDM T1/E1 or analog telephone lines, the voice traffic is transported over IP-based data circuits. SIP is used as the signaling protocol, controlling the start and stop of each voice conversation, associated caller ID and other enhanced services.

SIP trunks are not all created equal though - there are some very significant differences in the way they are sold and the services they support. I could spend months going into all the various technical and business model differences between the vendors, but today I'm just going to concentrate on the different ways they are delivered to the customer.

Tightly Bundled SIP Trunks
These typically are tightly tied to data services that would come from the service provider. In this case, the service provider requires that you use their data infrastructure to carry the SIP trunks. They arrange for the last mile circuit, provide all the equipment and provide the services with one bill. The logic the service provider uses for this offering is that unless they can control the data infrastructure end-to-end, they can't guarantee the voice quality. The biggest benefit of the bundled services is that it gives the customer "one throat to choke" if there are issues with the service or quality of calls.

However, I've heard some push-back from customers on this "take it or leave it" business model, requiring that they buy both the broadband and voice services together. In some cases the cost reduction doesn't justify the complexity and risk. What if the enterprise already has an established relationship with a broadband provider and is under contract? Do they need to pay to break the contract? What about the risk of potential disruption while migrating both the voice and data services to a new service provider? Can the service provider deliver both voice and data services to all my offices?

In the end, it seems tightly bundled SIP trunks are best suited to greenfield deployments within the service provider's area of coverage.

BYOBB SIP Trunks
The opposite of the above separates the SIP trunks from the broadband delivery to the customers site. In this case, SIP trunks are a service that the customer uses on their existing or upgraded broadband facilities. Thus the term Bring Your Own BroadBand (or BYOBB) was born.

The advantages of this service offering is that it can be offered virtually everywhere where there is sufficient broadband and it can be layered on top of existing Internet services. This allows an enterprise to partially or fully migrate to SIP trunking without disrupting their current data services. For some enterprises, they have already done extensive upgrades to their data infrastructure and SIP trunking is just another application that was already budgeted for well in advance. The ability to choose multiple SIP trunking services separately from the broadband is a powerful tool when negotiating on a service contract, especially when looking for local numbers outside the US.

Many of the BYOBB SIP trunking service providers let you choose the equipment at your premise. From WAN access, the router, security solution and the media gateway.

On the downside, I've heard some debate about the validity of the methods used to test the existing broadband circuits and how to prove compliance with service level agreement terms, especially with voice quality. Then there is a long-term problem of the broadband carrier managing the traffic inside their network. If it works today, will it work tomorrow as they add new customers? It's important to choose a service provider that supports built-in quality monitoring capabilities, including RTCP-XR which reports real-time R factor scores on voice quality.

Can You Have your Cake and Eat it too?
There are a number SIP trunking service providers that try to ride the fence and will offer you either a bundled service or unbundled, based on your individual situation. However, it sounds like you will get pressured hard to take the bundled service to control quality and "maximize value". The bundled services are frequently wrapped up in one-size-fits-all packages that are a lot easier for them to sell, install and service. The only question is: Do you fit the one size they are offering?

What's Right for You?
Well, it really depends on a few factors:

How much do you value having "one throat to choke"?
How much bandwidth do you currently have and is it voice-ready? If you already have a good broadband provider, use it! If not, maybe a bundle would get both upgraded at once for a good price.
Are you under contract with either a voice or data service provider? Does it make sense to break either or both the contracts? Work the numbers - then decide.
How much control do you want over the equipment and services? If you could care less, just go with a bundle. The more you know, the more control over the services and equipment you will invariably want - go with unbundled services.
Are you planning a slow migration with a few circuits to start or are you going to cut over all at once? Complex and gradual cut-overs need more control.

Hopefully this background on the range of SIP trunking offerings will help you with your adoption. Make sure you ask the right questions and consider your individual situation before signing anything!

Discussion with Bruce Mazza on SIP-enabled Distributed Enterprises

2009-03-23T19:43:14Z

AudioCodes has been working closely with Avaya for a number of years and as part of our exhibition at VoiceCon Orlando next week, I've invited Bruce Mazza, Director of Branch Solutions at Avaya to present during our AudioCodes / ScanSource Solutions Theater. Avaya's Branch Office solution leverages SIP to connect remote branch offices to regional offices, which reduces operating costs for banks, insurance, retail and government customers that frequently have dispersed remote offices.

AP: Bruce, thanks again for joining us in Orlando. What's the title/topic of your presentation?

BM: "Distributed Enterprises -Reduce Operating Costs and Maintain Reliability"

AP: How does the Avaya application help enterprises in this difficult economy?

BM: The joint solution from Avaya and AudioCodes will help medium and large businesses with many small branch office locations to reduce the cost of deploying and managing communications by centralizing trunking access and reducing monthly fees, reducing inter-enterprise long-distance fees by running voice over the customers WAN, centralizing management to reduce overhead costs, all while increasing branch user productivity through value-added UC applications. Since the solution is survivable with the AudioCodes SAS capability matched with Avaya's SIP 96xx phones, branch office users can have the assurance of business continuity.

AP: What will this solution mean to VARs that service companies with remote branches?

BM: VARs will enjoy the opportunity to address medium and large enterprises with a full complement of branch solutions from Avaya, and to address the very small branches that are so prevalent with the survivable SIP branch solution from AudioCodes and Avaya. Opportunities exist for product sales in Data Centers, and Branches, as well as services to design, build, and deploy customers branch networks.

AP: What about the Avaya strategy is different from before the economy went sour?

BM: Frankly, we had planned to introduce this solution before the economy went sour. Now customers will be even more compelled to implement the solution to gain the OPEX savings.

AP: Share with us who would get the most out of your presentation at VoiceCon?

BM: I believe IT Manager, Telecom Directors and CIOs of companies that numerous remote branches would find the session very helpful.

AP :Where would someone learn more about the Avaya Branch Office solution?

BM: We'll have information at both the Avaya and AudioCodes booths with live demonstrations that can be seen by attendees.

Bruce's presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st at 2:00 PM EDT in the AudioCodes / ScanSource Solutions Theater within booth #931.

Did I mention that by attending you can win one of 14 iPod Touch PM3 players that we are giving away?

SIP at ITExpo Miami Next Week

2009-01-29T15:05:37Z

The week of February 2nd takes me to ITExpo in Miami Beach. A much needed break after the big snowstorm that hit the Northeast and a chance to meet face-to-face with others in the industry.

After spending a couple years of experiencing the social networking evolution, connecting with with Linked-In, Facebook and other social networking resources I've started to re-think my understanding of industry conferences. One might think that with all the virtual and on-line tools we have (teleconferencing, Webex, Facebook, etc.), industry conferences might fade into obsolescence. However, I would argue the opposite might be the case. Certainly the tools have helped me keep connected with my industry contacts (and in many cases, get even closer than before) but there is no replacement for a face-to-face visit, a handshake, or a drink together. In fact, I feel the need is even stronger to get some much needed face-time with these people. Why? Because with social networking tools, access to each other is easier and everybody is competing for my time and others.   In the face-to-face world, I can cut through all noise and get quality time and converse with those that I really need.

So, what do I have planned for this next week?   I've put together three great sessions that I hope my readers will take the opportunity to participate in while at ITExpo:

"SIP Interoperability: The Ultimate Myth?"
MON 2/2 -- 12:00-12:45pm
TRACK: DEV-01 -Developer
ROOM #: B212
This is a discussion on the real-world of SIP interoperability. I spent quite a bit of time with the director of our interoperability lab, discussing the challenges that he sees when trying to complete interoperability between two SIP-based devices. I've brought alone some thoughts and ideas on how resellers, OEMs, integrators and others can solve tough interoperability issues in their solutions. No product pitches here, just solid advise from real industry insiders.

"HD - What's the noise and are we ready?"
TUE 2/3 -- 12:00-1:00pm
TRACK: L-01 -Special Luncheon Panel
ROOM #: B216
Back a few months ago, we launched our HD VoIP strategy and with that found that few people understand what HD really is and the impact it will make on our industry. Working with Rich and the staff at TMC, we're taking this conversation to a much wider scope and bringing together a number of experts on HD to discuss how we can make our joint dream become reality.

"New SIP Trunking Announcements"
MON 2/2 -- 2:00-2:45pm
TRACK: RES-03 -Reseller Day
ROOM #: B116/B117
In response to the economic melt-down, we sat down and came up with a short list of opportunities for our industry could leverage to not only get through the down-turn, but better position themselves for the recovery. One of these opportunities is SIP Trunking for existing SMBs that have existing TDM equipment and need to save operational costs without large capital expenditures. I'll introduce our "SIP Trunking As You Are" strategy and provide the tools attendees will need to leverage this opportunity.

And, as always, I'll be racing from one meeting to another during the event. If you'd like to get on my calendar, please drop me a note or stop by our booth #616 during the event.

IP Communications and Opportunities - Question and Answers

2008-12-18T15:34:35Z

Some great questions were raised during the most recent webinar titled "IP Communications - an opportunity in a down economy" and I thought sharing the entire list would be valuable. So here it goes:

Q: What needs to be done to the typical PBX to use SIP Trunking?
A: Most PBXs, Key Systems and other TDM equipment connect to the public network using either analog or T1 trunks here in North America. In EMEA and other areas, you'll also see E1 and ISDN BRI trunking. For SIP trunks to connect these legacy systems, a SIP media gateway with matching TDM interfaces is required.

Q: What kind of interoperability issues are there between SIP trunks and IP-PBXs?
A: Right now there are plenty of interoperability issues and while there is some progress on standardization, is seems that it will be a while before you can just "plug and play". The issue is the looseness of the SIP standard and investment many vendors have already made in their networks. The end result is that today some either software or hardware device must do the IP-to-IP mediation between the two different formats, converting both signaling and media as required. I put together a paper on the topic last year that you may find helpful.

Q: Do you see more opportunities in the residential or in the business segment during this recession?
A: It seems that today business are the most eager to cut operating costs. Residential customers seem to be frozen in their tracks or just cutting the cord to their land-lines.

Q: What new products does AudioCodes have for hosted PBX providers today?
A: We have CPE gateways for the customer premise, large media gateways that connect the hosted application to the PSTN, session border controllers that secure the connection between the service provider and CPE, and media servers required for conferencing, announcements and other applications. Check out our new web site at www.audiocodes.com and use the application navigation page for more ideas.

Q: Does SIP Trunking replace the existing T1 completely?
A: In many application - Yes. The legacy TDM Voice T1 is completely removed.

Q: What changes are needed in the TDM PBX to use SIP Trunking?
A: In many cases - none. The media gateway would be configured to emulate the legacy TDM T1/E1/BRI/Analog trunk allowing the PBX to continue to operate as-is. In a rare few cases, a few parameter settings within the PBX would need to be changed. However, there is no need to add any cards or spend any more money on the PBX.

Q: I keep hearing that SIP carrier trunks are not available in all markets? Can you please comment on that .?
A: Some of the SIP Trunking service providers do have a regional focus. This allows them to better address and service their selected regions. Others are more global. When you call a SIP Trunking service provider, make sure you have your service locations in hand and they can tell you if they can service those sites.

Q: On slide 16, what is "OSN"?
A: Open Solutions Network - this is the embedded application server that is part of our partner network program, allowing them to run their applications within the gateway. You can think of this as an Intel server sand-box within the gateway. This eliminates a separate server and allows for one-box appliances.

Q: How is VoIP security such as Session Border Controller functions addressed by AudioCodes?
A: How a Session Border Controller (SBC) works is a very complex topic and a paper on our web site explains it in detail, but in a nut-shell it uses a Back-to-Back User Agent to terminate the SIP sessions, allowing the examination of the request and comparing it against a number of security rules. Once validated, the request is re-issued on the other side and sent along the way. A similar process may also occur with the media streams.

Q: Can the Mediant 2000 support your SBC module?
A: The Mediant 1000 has an SBC module, but today the Mediant 2000 does not have an SBC module. An external SBC like our nCite 1000 may fit the application/

Feel free to use the Comment feature to post more questions and keep the dialog going!

IP Communications - An Opportunity in a Down Economy?

2008-12-16T20:58:47Z

Thanks everyone that participated in yesterday's webinar. It was interesting to see the diverse range of participants and responses from the session.

If you missed it, here is some background on the topic:

This most recent economic downturn has far reaching impact on a wide range businesses and industries. In this climate, corporate executives are examining every capital expenditure to ensure there is a quick return on investment and that the expenditures are in line with the strategic goals of the business. This has put many large communications infrastructure capital improvement projects on hold while alternatives are examined more closely. However, even in a down economy there are some very clear opportunities for businesses to reduce current operating costs without large capital expenditures. This session will examine a number of these opportunities and examine real customer case studies of projects that demonstrate of how operating expenses can be reduced, while staying on track with strategic goals. Join us to find out how you can identify and leverage these opportunities, even in a down economy.

During the event, we discussed a number of areas where opportunities exist to help your business or customers save operating costs, without large capital expenditures:

SIP Trunking for both TDM PBXs and IP-PBXs
Software Migration Solution
Open Source
Software as a Service
Enterprise Networking

An on-demand recording of the event is available by clicking here.

When we receive a copy of your questions posed during the session I'll post another entry with answers (to the best of my abilities).

Also, if you have any suggestions or further questions, please leave a comment here. This is a two way and open conversation!

SIP Trunking for TDM PBXs?

2008-11-24T14:37:52Z

This last few months we've started to see growing opportunities with SIP Trunking partners, helping them with media gateways to connect their services with end-customers that want to retain their legacy TDM PBXs.

There are a number of reasons for this interest:

Cost Reduction - SIP Trunking allows SMBs to reduce their local and long distance charges and eliminate the need for separate T1 telephone circuits. With SIP Trunking, all their voice and data traffic share the same physical last mile connection.

Saving the PBX - The vast majority of today's installed base is still using TDM PBXs. Many SMBs and enterprises upgraded their TDM PBXs back in 1999, preparing for Y2k. Many of these are still working perfectly and have years of useful life remaining. Why toss out a perfectly good business tool, especially with the current economic situation?

Simplying The Process - instead of trying to decide on a complete communications infrastructure upgrade and try decide on a new IP-PBX, just upgrade the part they need now (cost savings). The typical IP-PBX decision process takes close to a year, issuing RFIs, evaluations, getting buy in from all the departments.   Start saving money now!

Security - until all the issues with SIP security are fully addressed, this architecture is the most secure means to keep hackers out of your network.

Right Place at the Right Time - To date, most of the noise at the industry trade shows has been about SIP Trunking with IP-PBX, which fills the rooms and creates buzz. However, what about the millions of TDM PBXs out there?  It seems to me that this is the bigger market that can be addressed now.

Stay tuned as this discussion continues....

Small Operators - Are you being left behind?

2008-11-19T13:25:11Z

As part of our continuing series on applications based on SIP, I've pulled together Mike Wilkinson of Broadsoft and Scott Firth of IBM to discuss the challenges and solutions that small communications operators can leverage SIP and VoIP to expand their business. The objective of the event is to educate the smaller and rural telecos, internet service providers, cable companies on the opportunities and solutions available to add voice to their existing IP networks.

The story behind the story starts on my front lawn with the owner of a local fixed wireless ISP we have here in western NY. His network uses fixed wireless repeaters around northern Allegany County, NY to service hundreds of homes, farms and businesses with broadband that the local ILEC won't service with DSL or other wired broadband technologies. He was describing his challenges with building out the network and desire to add services to increase revenue. The rest of the story will be covered in today's event.

Small Operator - Are you being left behind?

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT

Small and mid-tier operators of cable systems, rural telcos, internet service providers, and regional wireless providers are constantly challenged with ways to improve customer retention and increase revenue.

VoIP and other bundled offerings are widely recognized as a means to achieve these goals. Market analyst AMI Partners Inc. agrees, noting in a forecast that SMB hosted VoIP spending will surpass $1.56 billion by 2010. However, the cost, technical complexity and financial risks involved with building a VoIP solution from scratch have been outside the means of many operators and as a result, kept them on the sidelines.

This situation has allowed the unbundled VoIP operators to draw away customers and revenue while draining resources from the operator's network.

Click Here to Register/View

The event will be available for on-demand view, just follow the same link to access.

Breaking the Sound Barrier with VoIP

2008-11-03T13:17:05Z

Okay, it's the 21st century and there are many new innovations and technologies that make our lives a whole lot easier, efficient or entertaining. Think back about life before cell phones. Remember pagers and calling cards? How about the changes in TV? With super clear picture and surround sound, HD TV makes you feel like you are at the game. Things sure have changed for the better over the last twenty years.

Well, with one big exception - the voice quality on your telephone.

You see, the current Public Switch Telephone Network is built on technology invented in the late 50's based on digital sampling of your voice using Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) sampling. Back then, it was groundbreaking improvement in reliability and clarity. But to use the infrastructure and cabling efficiently, they had to make some choices about how much of your voice to collect and transmit. The choice was a cost/benefit decision that came up with a 3.4 kHz bandwidth that created a "sound barrier", limiting the fidelity of your voice ever since then.

Why is this important? The 3.4 kHz bandwidth limitation in the PSTN is universal, allowing carriers to interoperate and pass voice from one to another. It's also the ultimate commodity - "one size fits all" in communications. No matter whether you use one of the Bell companies or a smaller competitive carrier, everything sounds the same. The result? Price wars and customer churn to chase the ever cheaper commodity service.

At least until now.

With VoIP and SIP working together, we finally have the tools at our disposal to dramatically improve the quality of voice communications and break through the "sound barrier" with VoIP that uses higher sampling rates and new voice coding algorithms.

We here at AudioCodes are quite pleased to announce our HD VoIP strategy that we feel will play a critical role in migrating both the wireline and wireless communications infrastructure away from the limitations of the PSTN and into the future of High Definition Voice over IP (HD VoIP). HD VoIP will allow carriers to differentiate their services with much higher quality voice calls and create affinity amongth their customer base. Enterprises will be able to improve efficiency and reinforce their branding with high-fidelity customer contact.

Want to learn more? See our dedicated landing page at: www.audiocodes.com/hdvoip

Or attend the live webinar that I am hosting on Tuesday, November 18th at 2:00 PM EST. Click here to visit the Webinar Registration Page

Verizon FiOS TV - Part II

2008-11-01T20:32:23Z

Okay, it has been a few weeks since the last post on my FiOS installation and I promised you a review of the newly activated television capabilities.

Installation
FiOS TV is installed pretty much like any other cable TV with one big exception - Fiberoptics cable from the central office to the Optical Network Terminator (ONT) in my basement. From there, it is standard RJ-6 cable-TV coax cable to each of the Motorola Set Top Boxes (STBs). The data traffic from the STBs goes over the same coax, avoiding a separate Ethernet and/or phone line run to each box (which was required for DirecTV). The installer was able to re-use the existing wiring in my house, which dramatically simplified installation.   Score: A+

Channel Selection
The channel selection on FiOS TV is actually pretty good, with a wide array of the normal cable channels and all our local channels. The SD and HD versions of the channels are both available, but at different channel numbers (add 500 for the HD version, which is a little annoying) Score: A

Picture Quality
The picture so far has been good (HD channels are awesome), but not perfect - we occasionally get drop-outs and pixelization. It won't be affected by rain/snow, so that's better than the DirecTV, but the picture quality is about the same. It's way better than my neighbor's Time Warner cable. Score: B+

Set Top Box (non-DVR)
I have two Standard Definition TVs in the house that have the basic non-DVR STB. Seems to work as you would expect, and there are a few cool "widgets" like real-time weather and some games that can be played on the TV. Score: A

Remote Control
First the good - it comes with a remote. Otherwise, whoever designed this remote, must have never actually used it. There are some real bone-head button positioning and/or missing buttons. Example: want to go to a specific channel to a one-digit channel? You punch in the number, then look around for an enter or okay button - oh there it is, in the middle of the four way direction buttons.    Dumb. Watching a movie and start fast forward past the commercials, then hit play, oops the DVR button is right next to Play and guess what happens? It kicks you out of the movie and to the DVR menu! It does have one power button that can control both the STB, receiver and TV, but it has only one button for both on and off. If one of the devices missed the IR command, everything gets messed up and you have to either get out of your chair and push the power button on the device that missed the command or go through a series of selecting that device and hitting the power button again to get it back in sync. Try explaining that to your wife! It seems like the remote was designed for the SD STB without a DVR, then they added some buttons for the DVR, but didn't really think it through very well. Someone at Motorola needs to toss this design in the trash and start over. Score: F

Pay-per-View / On Demand View
We've watched a number of either PPV or OD programs and the selection is a nice addition to the stuff that we normally would record on the DVR. The nicest part of the OD programming is when you want to go back to an old episode of a show or forget to record it. Some of the PPV and OD is HD too, but only a small sub-set. The menus to find programs and search is are pretty confusing - so much that my wife has not yet figured it out. Score: B+

DVR
This is where the wheels come off Verizon FiOS TV. (I had really high hopes too) Let's just put it this way: it's a good thing the DVR service is free the first year, otherwise this would be back in a box back on the way to Verizon. The Motorola HD DVR QIP 7216 is so full of bugs and other odd issues that is borders on fraud by asking someone to pay for this. I noted in the last posting about how the optical audio output doesn't come on until you go to a menu to activate it (after every power-on), but the bugs continue and they are far worse. It records programs that it can't playback. It gets confused about the live TV feed and DVR playback. It gets stuck and requires a power cycle to regain control.   It Crashes. You name it and it does it (or doesn't do it). It's not just me either - after talking to some neighbors, they are all suffering the same issues. Score: F-

Value
Ignoring the above just for a second - I can see how Verizon FiOS Triple Bundle could be a reasonable value. Internet, phone and TV at one reasonable price. But the DVR issues kill it. Also - FiOS suffers from what I call "bundle shock" - when you combine all three things on one bill, the total cost really shocks you. "I pay that much for communications?!?"  (By the way, It's still cheaper to use Vonage for your phone.) Score: B

What's Next
I've heard that you can use an HD Tivo with FiOS and I'm researching what I need to order to give that a try. Initial searching found that I can order CableCards from Verizon and plug them into the back of a HD TiVo. I just need to figure out how to order both parts (and get permission from my wife to buy the Tivos.)

Final Thoughts on FiOS Triple Bundle
The Internet is awesome - really fast and a good value. The phone service is still kind of pricey, but it sounds and works great - I just wish it had the on-line control that our Vonage service has (and comparable pricing). The TV service is okay if you don't want a DVR - otherwise it's a let-down.
Final Score: C

Once I get the TiVo installed and working, I'll post another report. Until then, I have an adapation of a Dire Straights song stuck in my head: "I want my, I want my DirecTV"

Verizon Fios - an update

2008-10-17T12:16:29Z

Okay, time to update you on how my migration over to Verizon Fios has gone so far.

Just a little background on the situation here: I work primarily from my home office in Orchard Park, NY in a neighborhood that was built in the mid-70's (pre cable and definitely pre- fiber-to-the-home aka FTTH). When moving in seven years ago, I had then-Adelphia cable broadband, Verizon wireline phone and DirecTV for television. A bit of a mish-mash of disconnected parts, but it worked (most of the time).

Here in snow country, we regularly lost DirecTV due to ice and snow on the dish.
The long cable run between my house and the nearest telephone pole causes problems with the broadband internet incurring day-long outages that seemed to stymie Adelphia.
The aging analog phone lines I used for both my wife's and my home office were noisy, which interfered with our frequent long conference calls and webinars.
To save money on the infrequently-used home phone I switched it over to Vonage about a year ago, which I must say has worked out really well.

So, when the Verizon trucks rolled through town this winter and installed the conduit and fiber infrastructure for Fios, I was literally first on the block to sign-up.

Installation started with broadband internet and two phone lines. This went pretty smooth with mounting the Optical Network Termination (ONT) in the basement and a WiFi-enabled router. Cut-over to the new 20Mbps broadband was literally as easy as moving an RJ-45 plug from one router to the other. Frankly the hardest part was untangling all the old wires and moving them to the new router!  After a reboot of the computers in the house and the Vonage gateway, everything was back up and running.

Getting the phone lines configured correctly took a couple calls to Verizon. I have my office line forward to my cell phone after three rings or if I'm on the phone and it took a couple support reps to understand how to configure the new switch correctly. End result after one day - faster internet, no more noise on the phone lines and everything is working perfect.

It took a couple calls to get the guys to come back and bury the fiber-optic cable that laid across my lawn.   Frankly, it was a race between my 13 year-old son that mows our lawn and the Verizon crew. Was my son going to mow over the cable and cut it to shreds or was Verizon going to bury it first? Fortunately, Verizon won.

Remember that I was on DirecTV?  I loved the service and the new HD DVR, but we were averaging $85/month and still suffering from weather-related outages. So when I caught wind that the town of Orchard Park finally signed the franchise agreement with Verizon to allow them to offer FiosTV, guess who called Verizon the same day to order Fios TV service? Me.

Installation day for the TV started with a really nice technician surveying the coax TV cabling that already ran through my house and making a few quick additions for Fios. He was able to add a splitter next to the entry point where the four DirecTV cables came from the dish outside and headed out to the three different rooms where we had TVs. All the old DirecTV set top boxes were pulled out and set aside with new Motorola devices going in their place. Lots of cables for our HD TV and audio system in the family room - component video, optical audio (5.1) connects between the DVR and my audio receiver. One surprising connection was between the TV cable and a coax jack on the back of the router - I later found out that the STBs use this to access the program guide information and relay purchases back to Verizon. End of this day - and the TVs all worked and I was ready to figure out the new Motorola set top boxes and DVR features.

Now things get interesting.....

Later that same evening, I turn on the TV, DVR and audio system to find a great picture, but no sound. Okay, what changed? Cables are all okay and my receiver is showing the optical input is active, but still no sound!?! Go to the DVR and start digging through menus - settings - sound - all of a sudden the sound comes back. But I didn't change anything!?! Weird. Next time the DVR gets turned on, same result. Okay this is screwy. After doing some trial and error, I find out that upon power-up, the DVR doesn't activate the optical output for sound, you need to go to the menu each time to activate it. Bug! Unplug the optical cable on the audio system and live with just stereo sound for now.

Next day - the STB in the basement shows all dashes on the screen and no picture.  Now what? Unplug, reboot, call Verizon and they send out a technician. Remember that splitter in the basement? One of the ports died. It took him most of an hour to find a .99 broken splitter.

So at this point, I've had three separate visits from Verizon techs and finally have almost everything working, but still learning the ins and outs of the new DVR and STBs. More on this in the next posting.....

More on Universal Broadband

2008-08-20T12:04:02Z

An interesting article in today's USAToday about FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's efforts to expand access to the Internet to more Americans. If you've been following along, you know that I've been writing and talking about the importance of Universal Broadband for the health and wealth of all Americans.

Many that live in urban and suburban America don't realize this, but once you leave most metro areas, broadband access to the Internet is very difficult to get and very expensive.  I know this first hand because I've been trying for years to get broadband access to a summer cottage that our extended family shares. We can get phone service, but for broadband we have only one option - Satellite - and frankly, that's not a good option due to the 3 second latency.

When I spend time with other year-round residents in the neighborhood, I'm amazed at the difficulty they have in doing what we consider every-day activities. This effects not just the entertainment part of the Internet, but real business too. Weather forecasts for farmers, tax information and filing, educational materials are all very difficult (if not impossible) to accomplish with dial-up Internet access.

However, I do struggle with the "free wireless" idea that FCC Chairman Martin is pushing in his interview. Nothing is ever free and the complexity of installation and operation of a wireless network needs to be professionally managed and supported (partially) by those using it.

I'd rather see an approach that provides incentives for the existing wire line and wireless operators to expand their infrastructure and coverage to Universal Broadband.

Universal Broadband is actually very good for our industry as it will speed up the transition of all telephony over to VoIP, increase demand for ATAs and core network media gateways, softswitches and other supporting systems.

Frankly, we just need the leadership - I hope that FCC Chairman Martin can find the common ground to get the operators to support the concept of Universal Broadband without starting a fight over "free wireless".