Top 5 Offerings Spotted At ITEXPO

Phew! What a show.

For the first time in two and a half year I attended ITEXPO as an exhibitor. As usual, the TMCnet team did a great job in putting together the conference and expo.

The show provided productive meetings, new business connections and even allowed for the closing of some deals

It also provide me with a number of notable offerings that I want to share with you.

• hookflash – Softphone king Erik Lagerway is at it again with hookflash, a soon to be released service that SIP enables any IP enabled endpoint. With hookflash one will be able to access their SIP service on their computer, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows 7, iPad, etc. Having seen it in its early stages, I can’t wait to see it when it is out.
• Yealink T38G – I got a sneak peak at Yealink’s soon to be released color screen phone. If you haven’t heard of Yealink by now you will this year. They are quickly emerging as a strong player in the IP handset space. And when I say compete, I’m not just talking about sub-$100 handsets.
• VoIP Fulfillment by VoIP Supply – This is a new suite of services specifically designed for VoIP providers, allowing them to increase operational efficiency, decrease touch costs and bolster their customer experience. Through services such as warehousing, device configuration, direct end user shipments, returns processing, device reconditioning, extended warranties, technical support and real-time on-demand reporting, a service provider can get everything they need to power their VoIP service operations.
• Grandstream GXV3175 – Grandstream’s latest IP video phone, the GXV3175, is their sexiest offering to date. It features a 7″ color touch screen and a much improved user interface that makes this phone an excellent for those looking to get into video calling.
• PRISM – Last, but certainly not least was PRISM, a services management tool from StarView Solution. PRISM provides current and aspiring VoIP providers with everything needed to run an efficient, profitable operation through instant order provisioning, activation, routing of DID phone numbers and SIP connections. Broadsoft look out – I’ve yet to see something as simple and easy to use.

Google the service provider

I don’t know what Google has planned, but they’ve got something brewing in the communications space.

First Google acquired Grandcentral (now Google Voice). Then they acquired Gizmo Project.

Now they’ve announced the acquisition of voice and video processing technology company GIPS for a shade over $68 million.

This gives Google a:

• virtual number offering
• “unified messaging” client
• back-end engine’s to handle high amounts of voice/video processing

If that doesn’t sound like the starting blocks to a next generation communications provider, I don’t know what does.

Now all they need to do is add Bandwidth.

Sangoma and HP to Partner?

I just caught this over at TMCNet. Seems Sangoma is rumored to be partnering with HP.

There isn’t much available as neither side won’t comment, but it’s interesting enough to chew on.

If Sangoma and HP have indeed partnered, I betting one of three things will come out it:

1. A low cost Open Source PBX appliance
2. An SMB IP Phone system
3. Or they’re adding Fax over IP capabilities to their all-in-one printers using Sangoma hardware

Now I’ve got no inside knowledge here. These are purely guesses.

What’s yours?

Video call your relatives (for free)

If you’re like most you’ve got family spread across the country. Or even across the world.

Distance often makes it difficult to stay in touch. Let alone enjoy some quality “face time” with loved ones.

Heck, with many still hampered financially seeing everyone during over the holiday’s is no sure thing. Flights aren’t getting any cheaper.

But for every problem there’s a solution.

For those who find themselves far away from “home” it’s video calling. The next best thing to being there.

And today video calling got a whole lot cheaper thanks to Grandstream Networks.

Best known for their line of VoIP phones and adapters, Grandstream has announced a new video calling offering that combines two GXV3140 video phones and their built-in IPVideoTalk video calling service to deliver unlimited two-way and three-way video calling.

All for only $499 USD.

No activation fees. No monthly services fees.

Plus the Grandstream GXV3140′s can also be used as a standard VoIP phone, as it’s compatible with most SIP service providers.

It really is a great solution for those who want to see their family, but just can’t get there.

For more information on the Grandstream GXV3i40 video calling bundle drop me a line. Or purchase it directly at VoIP Supply.

Providers should look into 8×8′s new patent

Earlier today leading VoIP provider 8×8 (Packet8) announced that they had been award a new patent.

Typically when I see news like this I pass. But when I read through the release, I became much more interested.

I became interested in 8×8′s new patent because it could potential impact other VoIP providers and VoIP equipment manufacturers in a major way. I say this because the patent touches upon a commonly used method for setting-up VoIP phones and adapters fro use with their service – auto-provisioning.
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Some quick hosted VoIP notables

Hosted VoIP providers sell a lot of endpoints so I’m always keeping tabs on what’s going on in the hosted VoIP provider space. With small medium offices loosening up with the stabilization of the economy, many hosted VoIP providers are coming with new offerings and promotions to capitalize on the opening wallets.

Nextiva launches vFAX online fax service

Emerging hosted VoIP provider Nextiva broadened their service portfolio with the announcement of their vFAX online fax service. Online fax services are a great compliment to hosted VoIP, especially in small and distributed office environments.

vFAX is similar to other online fax services like MyFax and eFax.com, but does have a few unique aspects like the ability to use an existing fax machine and Microsoft Outlook Integration. Plus they’re offering lower monthly and per minute charges than competitors.

Recently I reviewed Nextiva’s service after having used it for a few months. It was solid and suspect the same holds true with vFAX. Check out more here.

Vocalocity lowers upfront investment costs for new customers

Fresh off the launch of a new website, Vocalocity has announced some insane price discounts on Linksys phones for new sign-ups on Twitter. With prices starting at just $69.99 new customers can save more than $30 a phone.

That’s some really great savings on a really great line of VoIP phones. Check out their Tweet for more details.

Telesphere nabs another $7M

Okay it’s not a new offering or promotion, but it’s notable that Phoenix based Telesphere secured another $7M in venture financing earlier this month. This brings their total funding to $32 million.

One can definitely take this as an indicator that there’s healthy demand for hosted services from businesses small and large.

Expect this to continue for quite some time. Buyers are starting to spend again, but their still very cautious and price conscience. That fits right into a hosted offering,s value proposition.

Note: Vocalocity is a site sponsor. Seriously though. It’s a great promotion.

DECT VoIP phones growing in popularity

The VoIP equipment market has been relatively quiet this year (and Q4 of 2008). Paralyzed by the economy, new product announcements (on the whole) have been kept to the minimum.

The one trend that seems to be awakening the VoIP equipment market is the ever growing demand for high quality, reliable mobility solutions. As VoIP adoption has continued to grow, residential, small business and enterprise customers have become increasingly intrigued by the benefits of mobility.

For some time, 802.11 b/g wireless VoIP phones and “systems” were all the rage. But over the last few years technological limitations and false expectations have limited most 802.11 b/g wireless VoIP deployments to small footprints and ultra controlled environments.

It’s also driven VoIP bloggers, manufacturers, service providers and users nuts.

Enter DECT, short for Digital Enhance Telecommunications, an ETSI standard for digital portable phones (cordless telephones). You’ve surely heard of it. It’s been used for over a decade and is used by the majority of cordless home telephones.

Pain, meet band-aide.

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