Like many folks here in the States, I took off for the holiday weekend to get a bit of R&R time. As a result, news and blogging was a bit light over the extended weekend. Here are a few news stories that caught my eye this morning and are worth some thought.

Microsoft and LG-Notel Team Up for Mobile VoIP
Written by Bryan Richard
Tuesday, 30 May 2006

Microsoft and LG-Notel have announced plans to collaborate on R&D and marketing for a broad ranged of WinCE 6-based applications, including voice over IP. WinCE 6 is Microsoft’s new integrated embedded development environment for the next generation of smart devices, code-named “Yamazaki.” LG-Nortel is a joint venture, created in November of 2005, between cell phone manufacturer LG Electronics and Nortel Networks.

“Through this partnership, we anticipate substantial sales of embedded solutions in the area of VoIP, as well as the establishment of a leading position in the IP phone and IP videophone market through WinCE 6,” said Jae Ryung Lee, CEO, LG-Nortel

Microsoft has long been on the peripheral edge of VoIP. Don't overlook their past experience with NetMeeting, which was one of the most H.323 compliant VoIP approaches available for quite some time., although long gone now. Microsoft's focus on mobility and the handheld platforms evolving today provides a glimpse of future innovations. That Nortel is in the play here makes this doubly interesting.

---

Network processor has Wi-Fi and VoIP support on-chip
Tuesday 30 May 2006

Conexant Systems is offering its first network processor devices with integrated Wi-Fi, ADSL2plus, and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) functionality.

The CX9461x product family is based on the second generation of an advanced DSL CPE gateway architecture that supports multiple xDSL standards-based designs.

The devices include an integrated analogue front end (AFE) and single-chip network processor with integrated 802.11a/b/g MAC and baseband functionality. Integrated VoIP with lifeline backup, USB 2.0, and Fast Ethernet enable the development of flexible, feature-rich DSL CPE platforms.

WiFi and VoIP on an integrated chipset signals the reality of fixed mobile convergence. Integrating ADSL technology takes this a step further and could signal new innovation in access point technologies.

---

Talking To Go – New VoIP Phones With Wi-Fi Capabilities
Written by Rene Tse
Tuesday, 30 May 2006
Many new VoIP phones are rolling out of production lines with built in Wi-Fi, which means that you can take your VoIP phone, and phone number to any free Wi-Fi hotspots and make calls. This conrtibution takes a closer look at several options you might consider - Skype, Kphone, x-lite, and Gnome meeting.

“VoIP really is about mobility,” William Stofega, a senior analyst for VoIP services at IDC said. On this same note, Craig Mathias, principal at Farpoint Group said in an interview with Jamie Lendino at Laptop Magazine, “Dual mode cell phones incorporating a wide area technology (GSM or CDMA) plus Wi-Fi is a killer combination. It allows the cellular companies to augment their voice and data offerings in high density areas inexpensively, and it will allow them to eventually displace the wire line incumbents in the enterprise as individuals use their cell phone as their only phone.”

And speaking of fixed mobile convergence, here an indication that mor devices may soon be integrating WiFi enabled VoIP services to a broad market.

---

VoIP Starter Kits for SMBs from Sphere and Adtech
By Cindy Waxer, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Migrating to VoIP can be a lengthy and complicated process, especially for a small business with limited IT resources. Adtech Global Solutions and Sphere Communications hope to address this issue by offering two starter kits for the Sphere Business Communications System (BCS)—an IP PBX optimized for small and medium businesses (SMBs).

“Many VARs [Value-Added Resellers] find that their existing PBX solutions are too complex, too costly, difficult to install, and simply don't do everything their customers demand,” said Graeme Robinson, president, Sphere Communications. “BCS Starter Kits break through those barriers by enabling our channel partners to provide superior IP PBX solutions that are preconfigured for easier installation, and offer better value for their customers.”

The 25-user BCS Starter Kit features the BCS Server, 25 BCS Desktops (including Sphere's communications software and Polycom (News - Alert) IP phones), and fully licensed T1/PRI BCS COHub Gateway. The 22-user mixed IP and analog BCS Starter Kit with analog trunk BCS BranchHub Gateway is also available now. Both kits include one-year hardware warranty and software support

Here's an example of how toolsets and hardware offerings are being combined to bring new VoIP integration tools the SMBs. Coupling the Sphere software wtih Polycom's great hardware offers SMBs a chance to migrate to VoIP without taking all on the major headaches of a complete do-it-yourself solution.



Technorati Tags: VoIP, fixed mobile convergence, Microsoft, mobility, Conexant, Adtech, Sphere, Polycom