ClearSea

LifeSize ClearSea, the enterprise class client/server video collaboration solution for remote and mobile users, can now be updated to Sofware Version 2.0.12 that includes support for:

• Customizable banner image in mobile clients.
• New server-side contacts search and improved LDAP integration.
• Stability fixes.

Connections Compatibility

LifeSize Connections with the latest Software Version 4.9 update will now work with:

• LifeSize Express 220
• LifeSize Team 220
• LifeSize Passport

If you have either the LifeSize 220 Series or Passport video systems you must download Version 4.9 to take advantage of Connections.

Passport Connect Now Available

LifeSize Passport Connect is now available. Passport Connect is a  revolutionary HD video system optimized for cloud-based solutions, and when paired with LifeSize® Connections, provides:

• Auto-provisioning and seamless firewall traversal.
• Intuitive user interface with name-based dialing.
• Presence icons and search functionality.

Downloads

• LifeSize ClearSea Software Version 2.0.12
• Latest ClearSear Release Notes
• LifeSize Software Version 4.9 for LifeSize Connections Compatibility
• LifeSize Video Systems (220 Series, Passport) Support
• LifeSize Passport Release Notes

Questions?

If you have any questions our LifeSize specialist Andria Baunee will be happy to help you.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Of course, not all of us use the same types of computers, which can make things a little complicated for the SIP-uninitiated, to say the least. But using Session Initiation Protocol technology as part of a VoIP service will be worth the setup – especially considering just how easy SIP can be to set up.

Let’s focus on the world of Apple computer lovers today and recommend a few ways that you can set up SIP for Apple.

Apple Softphones

Using SIP allows for great communication services via the softphone, a simple technology that allows you to basically recreate a real phone on your computer. Because many of these phones are easy to download for free, the simple trick of it is to decide which phone is right for you. There are a number of different options available for Apple Softphones, including:

• 3CXPhone:  Free VoIP / SIP Softphone for iPhone.
• Switchvox Mobile:  Free; integrates Switchvox SMB phone system w/iPhone.
• Cisco Mobile:  Free Cisco Mobile 8.1 for iPhone
• Acrobits Softphone: SIP calls through Google Voice.
• Media5-fone: Free; compatible with leading enterprise IP-PBX and SIP servers such as Asterisk, FreeSwitch, and more.

Apple users will be happy with those downloads as they can be acquired over iTunes without any complicated instructions or setup requirements.

Of course, there’s more to SIP than just downloading the softphone. You have to understand the capabilities of SIP when you use a softphone, and you’ll find that there are more capabilities than simply dialing the correct numbers.

Because SIP technology over VoIP allows for so many computer-based possibilities, you’ll have a lot more options for communication when you switch your Apple over to SIP technology and start making your calls from the computer. Let’s explore these options.

SIP for Apple

The capabilities of SIP for Apple – and SIP in general – start with the basic two-way phone call. Anyone who downloads an Apple softphone will not miss out on that same experience. Simply dialing a number and having a voice chat is still possible – and in fact can be very convenient.

But there are other options to consider when an SIP session is started:

• Instant messaging can take place.
• Web page click-to-dial can take place.
• Voice-enhanced e-commerce can take place.

These options makes SIP essential in the telecom industry, of course, but can be just as useful if you’re going to be using SIP for a personal or professional use.

The easiest way to get started with SIP for Apple is to sign up to a VoIP service that offers SIP features – and then download a softphone like the ones listed above. You’ll quickly see how the new setup can change the way you do business and handle your daily life.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Switchvox is Digium’s family of VoIP (Voice Over IP) Phone Systems for small and medium businesses.  If your small operation is looking for examples that mirror your own application, new Switchvox case studies have been posted that show how to:

• Better manage call centers and address customer frustrations.
• Save up to 40% with Switchvox over competitive telecommunication systems.
• Increase flexibility and cost savings with Switchvox.
• Utilize the extra Switchvox features/functions that come right out of the box including conference calls, voicemail,  fax to email, call center help desk functionality.

Switchvox systems are designed to be easy to use, full of helpful features and cost less than a traditional PBX.  Compare Switchvox SOHO for up to 20 users including mobile apps and Switchvox SMB that comes in three sizes to match your user footprint.  Both set-ups are designed to grow as you grow.

Click here for all Switchvox case studies and success stories.

Related Articles:

• VoIP System Buyers Guide

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

When it comes to SIP softphones and open source SIPs (Session Initation Protocol), too many people are still left in the dark.

Luckily, this article is here to enlighten. We’ll provide a brief summary of SIP technology and what it might mean for both you and the way you handle your communications on a daily basis.

SIP Softphones

If you run your phone system using a VoIP service provider you’ll probably recognize just how easy it can be to ditch traditional phones in favor of softphones, which can be downloaded straight to your computer and often for free.

Being able to speak over a computer as opposed to a phone reduces everything from desk space being used to the money being spent on new phones! For this reason alone, this type of phone is often popular with start-up companies and new businesses. 

Using these softphones is just as easy and intuitive as using a regular phone – the calls and dialing are simply handled on the screen of your computer rather than on a piece of hardware like a telephone. While many people still prefer the actual feel and touch of an old-style phone, the capabilities of new softphones might ultimately be the way of the future.

Open Source SIP

With phone calls now capable of being handled through the Internet in the form of VoIP technology, SIP has become the go-to method for VoIP technology for signaling. Creating an SIP session allows for a range of services and possibilities including instant messaging sessions, IP centrix services, and web page click-to-dial.

Through Open Source SIP the possibilities of VoIP systems are becoming limitless and have long since eclipsed the capacities of many “hardphones.”

Traditional phones can still be of great use in an office, but many people like reducing their overhead (especially start-up companies) by using Open Source SIP rather than some of those traditional methods of communication.

Once streamlined, a lot of time and effort – and money – is ultimately saved.

Related Posts

• Hardphone or Softphone?
• Free SIP Softphone Roundup

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

• Grandstream GXP1400
• Grandstream GXP1405
• Grandstream GXP1450
• Grandstream GXP2100
• Grandstream GXP2110
• Grandstream GXP2120

Downloads

• Grandstream HD IP Phones Firmware Downloads
• Firmware Version 1.0.1.83 Release Notes for GXP14xx and GXP21xx

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Version 1.03.22

Version 1.0.3.22 is a major Grandstream firmware upgrade supporting these enhanced features and more:

• Support for social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter
• Support for Virtual BLF (Busy-Lamp-Field) buttons for business phone system applications
• Support for more Broadsoft call features
• Support for GMI (Grandstream Manager Interface), a device management API/Software Development Kit that allows development of advanced custom phone applications
• Support for advanced XML customization of the phone’s GUI (Graphic User Interface)
• Enhanced language support for German, Italian and Russian

Downloads

• GXV3175 Firmware Upgrade
• Firmware Version 1.0.3.22 Release Notes for GXV3175
• Firmware for all Grandstream products

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Real-Time Reporting & Queue Statistics

The 3CX Call Center Edition is a software-based IP PBX Phone system  that adds advanced real-time reporting, queue statistics and other features you’d expect from a call center offering.

3CX Call Center Edition’s biggest advantage is that no complicated hardware set-up is required.

Additionally, the Call Center module is simply a license key upgrade to your existing 3CX Phone System.  So, if you’re already running a 3CX Phone System, you just need to purchase the 3CX Call Center Edition Upgrade Module.

Tailored for SMB’s

Improving customer service response is crucial for any business.  With 3CX Call Center Edition you’ll gain a faster, more powerful, and more affordable method for managing phone communications.

Nick Galea, 3CX CEO, explains: 

“Customer service is key in today’s cut throat market. The 3CX Call Center Module allows small and medium businesses to deliver superior customer service without having to buy an expensive enterprise call center. Previous to the 3CX Phone System, adding much needed call center features to your phone system was prohibitive.”

Ensure Customer Service

Don’t lose calls or keep your customers waiting.  With 3CX Call Center Edition you’ll gain advanced enterprise level features in a simple software-based package at SMB prices.  3CX does the heavy lifting to better manage agents and customers making it possible for you to increase employee productivity and sales.

For more information, watch the 3CX Call Center Module Video.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Turns out that announcement was a little premature as the service was shelved within a week of its launch due to confusion that Bobsled was actually an official Facebook program.

But, T-Mobile is expected to bring back the VoIP service early next week.  Thanks to FiecreMobileContent for the update and you can read more here and here.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Here are a few of the highlights:

• SIP 3.1.2 includes GA level support for SoundStation IP 7000 integration with Polycom HDX video systems. This feature requires that the SoundStation IP 7000 is running BootROM 4.1.2 or newer software.
• The SoundPoint IP/SoundStation IP XML API feature is now formally supported in this release. This feature was designated as a Beta in the SIP 3.1.0 and SIP 3.1.1 releases.
• SoundPoint IP 550, 560, 650 and 670 products require BootROM 4.1.0 or newer in order to load SIP firmware release 3.1.2

If you are considering upgrading, make sure you have the correct bootrom, depending upon the Polycom SoundPoint model you own, as follows:

• SoundPoint IP 301
  • Bootrom 2.6.1 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 320
  • Bootrom 3.2.3RevB or greater
• SoundPoint IP 330
  • Bootrom 3.2.3RevB or greater
• SoundPoint IP 430
  • Bootrom 3.1.3 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 450
  • Bootrom 4.1.2 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 501
  • Bootrom 2.6.1 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 550
  • Bootrom 4.1.0 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 560
  • Bootrom 4.1.0 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 600
  • Bootrom 2.6.1 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 601
  • Bootrom 3.1.0 or greater
• SoundPoint IP 650 SoundPoint IP 670
  • Bootrom 4.1.0 or greater 4.1.1 or greater
• SoundStation IP 4000
  • Bootrom 3.1.2 or greater
• SoundStation IP 6000
  • Bootrom 4.1.1 or greater
• SoundStation IP 7000
  • Bootrom 4.1.1 or greater
• SoundStation IP 7000 used with HDX video systems
  • Bootrom 4.1.2 or greater
• VVX 1500
  • Bootrom 4.1.2RevB or greater

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Asterisk is starting to look like a first generation IP PBX. It is apparent now that its dominance in the FOSS VoIP market may be seeing its first real challenges by real players. Asterisk is going to have to start from scratch. They wouldn’t listen to their community, and may now pay the price for that hubris. Can they fix an inherently flawed design? Time will tell.

When I started with Asterisk, the learning curve was awfully steep. I didn’t know that much about telephony, and when I started with FreeSwitch I had to learn an entire new syntax and way of doing things (see -> steep learning curve). A lot of the people that are hanging on to Asterisk are doing so because they really don’t want to have to relearn something all over again. They are comfortable. Others have gained status in a community and don’t relish the idea of having to start at the bottom of the food chain again as noobs. They are comfortable. Asterisk gave me my start with VoIP, and I will always have place for it in my heart. But, I also realize that times and technology change, and so must I. Asterisk isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but the writing is on the wall, and it reads “Niche Player.”

We here at VoIP Supply will have to react as the market changes or face the very real possibility that our competitors will do so first, and become the market leaders in doing so. To date, VoIP penetration has been limited by scalability. With new systems offering greater capacity the opportunity for growth is certainly there. The enterprise market that was previously cautious regarding VoIP may be a bit more open now. My point is not knocking Asterisk, simply categorizing it for what it is, a decent solution for the SMB/SOHO market. But, as my boss put it: “given the choice between a Mercedes and a Ford for the same price, I’ll take the Mercedes.” Others may feel the same.

UPDATE: The FreeSwitch group is getting ready to release version 1.0.1 soon that will improve the code’s stability and add Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) to the code.

A little background on what others think of SipXecs is also in order. From the hyper-connected enterprise blog on TMCNet: “Asterisk may be older but sipXecs is better” (a Nortel Guy).

For a little primer on design differences look here.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!