API of the Week: IntelePeer is UC Glue for Microsoft and Cisco

Some years back, there were ads on TV for BASF – touting the fact they don’t make the products you use, they make them better. In the UC space, this is the position IntelePeer plays.

Specifically, IntelePeer Cloud Communications is a leading provider of on-demand, cloud-based communications services that enable high-quality voice, video and unified communications for businesses and contact centers. Through the CoreCloud SIP and Atmosphere contact center management services, IntelePeer customers can transition to complete, IP-based communications and contact center management solutions.

The big news from the company is they improve Microsoft Skype for Business solutions with certified organization-level call control features and additional PSTN access options. The CoreCloud SIP service enables partners the ability to deliver cloud, hybrid and on-premise Skype for Business implementations with organizational-level features and the option of a shared access pricing structure.

Enhanced features and options include:

  • Simple configuration of organizational-level auto attendant, call tree, dial-by-name, and IVR
  • Seamless multi-location routing to enable disaster recovery and business continuity
  • Shared access pricing option to optimize communication spend
  • White labeled direct-to-customer billing for partners
  • Access to advanced CDR analytics

The amazing thing is the price of this solution. Rather than pay $12/user per month with the Microsoft offering, $33.95 gets you a 10 DIDs and 10 users – albeit with a single call path.

The latest video interview TMC had with IntelePeer at ITEXPO

Even more exciting is the company’s API. I say this because in a way they have automated the provisioning process which historically is the ugly part of telecom. In other words, the OSS/BSS. These are the acronyms which represent the gory details of back office minutiae we should never, ever mention in public. Especially not at a cocktail party which I learned the hard way. Now I’m not saying I did this on purpose but, if you want to put some distance between you and your in-laws, then definitely do bring this up.

The company announced they are a certified Cisco Preferred Media Partner (PMP) and that is where the API comes in. It enables near real-time provisioning of voice services for Cisco Spark.

IntelePeer_Robert_Galop1.jpg

I had an in-depth and exclusive interview with Robert Galop, VP Product Management at the company to learn lots more. the current user-bundle is US focused and will provide unlimited inbound and outbound calling, number port, Caller-ID, and E-911. It isn’t suggested for contact centers at this point but knowledge workers and costs $8.95 per month.There is support for Toll-Free and fax and we can expect Canada, Australia, the UK, France and Germany to be turned up next.

He said, “The API opens up everything – can take these same offers with full service delivery and provide them to any number of channels. Either within or outside of Cisco. Through channel partners and other vendors.” He continued, “We’re a small enough company, we have a lot on our plate with Cisco. Once we solve the problem for Cisco, it’s an easy model to franchise to others.”

intelepeer-isco.jpg

As mentioned in the bullet towards the top, they also plan to white-label the package for legacy carriers who may not be able to change their APIs to work with Cisco. They see their value as the API-middleware glue that deals with the horrid (my word, not theirs) part of telecom, provisioning switches to handle rating, provisioning and billing.

The only snag in what has now become a fast process is number porting which still takes 30 days for wired numbers while wireless takes a a few minutes. They get around this by providing temporary DIDs which makes for a seamless transition he says.

I picked IntelePeer as my API of the week because the company takes the most complex area of telecom and simplifies it through a  programming interface which gives resellers, the channel, manufacturers and other carriers the power to make communications more efficient and seamless. In short, they don’t make the UC tools you use, they make them better.

Come see how APIs make the whole world better at All About The API. The event will feature a variety of intensive hack-a-thons, in-depth company-focused workshops helping attendees understand the value propositions from key vendors, powerful keynotes, daily and nightly networking opportunities plus an exhibit hall full of companies demonstrating the latest innovations in today’s market place. Every business has to pay attention to the new opportunities they are presenting or potentially be displaced. We hope to see you July 18-21 2016 in Las Vegas!

Please also visit devsWorld – your online resource for the world of development.

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