TMCnet SIP Phones Week in Review

It’s time for another TMCNet Week in Review. In the SIP Phones space this week, we saw some partnerships, some new services and one TMCnet Contributor examines whether or not Ferntel IP phones are the answer to industrial plant safety.

First up, Sify Technologies, partnered with Vidyo (News - Alert), announced the launch of a new generation of Video Conferencing-as-a-Service for enterprises and emerging businesses: Sify videomeet. This new service allows for high definition, multi-point video collaboration without the need for dedicated networks, allowing for mobile use (Android (News - Alert) and iOS).

"Sify videomeet, the Video Conferencing-as-a-Service is a rich addition to our converged ICT services portfolio bringing competitive advantage to our customer's business,” said Daniel Alex, senior vice president of network services, Sify technologies.

In other news, Panasonic (News - Alert) joined BroadSoft's Premier Access Solutions program with the aim of increasing interoperability between the two companies' products. Furthermore, this will allow Panasonic and Broadsoft to pre-integrate SIP telephony solutions for hosted VoIP applications.

"Panasonic offers flexible, reliable and cost-effective communication solutions to fill a business' communication needs," said Marketing Manager for Business Communication Solutions at Panasonic, Bill Savino. "By working with BroadSoft to create simplified service solutions, Panasonic is providing outstanding SIP telephony solutions to fit the needs of businesses, both large and small, across the nation."

Hong Kong Broadband Network (HKBN) announced this week that it will use the GENBAND (News - Alert) GENiUS all-IP platform to modernize its communications network. GENBAND will update HKBN's network by migrating TDM and first generation VoIP switches and SIP servers to its GENiUS-powered IP solution.

GENiUS is considered as the industry's top unified IP Switching and networking platform that supports multipurpose IP solutions. It will make it easier for HKBN to deploy and operate its network, increasing revenue and reducing total cost of ownership.

Next up, FHF Safety Products released Ferntel IP, the world's first UL-approved VoIP telephone. Capable of overcoming the barriers of harsh and corrosive environments, Ferntel IP is considered ideal for improving plant safety without compromising productivity.

Ferntel IP phones can be easily identified during emergencies due to their bright red and yellow color; they are installed using the existing network in a plant. Because they use universal protocols, Ferntel IP phones offer seamless integration into any major VoIP system.

Lastly, GreatAmerica Leasing Company announced a strategic alliance with Telanetix (News - Alert) this week. This partnership will allow GreatAmerica to bill and collect AccessLine SIP trunking charges bundled with business phone equipment.

“We look forward to helping the telecom dealers and agents that sell AccessLine Voice Services to be able to offer their customers a complete communications solution that is easy to understand and conveniently billed in a single invoice,” said Greg VanDeWalker, senior vice president and General Manager at GreatAmerica.

That's all for this Week in Review. Check back to the SIP Phones channel for more coverage.