November 07, 2007
By Erik Linask Associate Editor Internet Telephony magazine
The simplicity with which SIP-based VoIP systems are able to connect and tear down calls makes it easy to understand the growth of SIP endpoints, gateways, and other network elements — including the evolution of the SIP trunking space. By simplifying call connection and tear down, not only are businesses assured of a more reliable voice communications platform, but they will enjoy significant cost savings as well.
The benefits of SIP connectivity, however, do not come without challenges, though, as in order to be assured of the reliability of the SIP-based calling they are expecting, users must deploy equipment that has been proven compatible in order to ensure seamless connectivity. Which is why so many SIP communications vendors are undergoing interoperability certification with each other — to ensure their products are known to reliably connect with as many other vendors as possible.
Never has this been more significant than in today’s age of software-based communications. For instance, Voiceroute has developed its SIP-based Unified Communications software, called Druid Enterprise Server. It is an Asterisk-based open source telephony platform that embraces not only SIP, but the development benefits of open source as well.
Now, Voiceroute has announced its Unified Communications platform is interoperable with Aastra’ new 5i series of SIP telephones, meaning users, resellers, and integrators can confidently deploy the new Aastra handsets with their Druid installations to provide a complete application-based enterprise desktop and voice messaging system.
Druid ECS version 4.0 has now been enhanced for simple plug and play compatibility with Aastra’s five new phones (and two expansion modules), including automatically detecting and provisioning them for immediate use. Druid also supports Shared
Line Appearances on the Aastra 5i series, allowing high-end IP telephony features (like call recording, point click auto-attendant, Web interface, etc.) as well as traditional key system functionalities — all tied in with the benefits of open source telephony.
Druid’s Web interface enables network administrators to easily set up VoIP systems for mid-size and even large enterprises, including auto-config options and remote reboot of IP devices. In addition, individual users are able to use the Web user portal to manage voice mail, recordings, remote options, and time of day routing options.
“Druid Enterprise Communications server, together with Aastra’s 5i series SIP phones, will allow our telecom interconnect and IT VARs channels to easily deploy high end enterprise IP telephony solutions for the end enterprise telephony market,“ said Ming Yong, CEO at Voiceroute.
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY, IMS Magazine, and Unified Communications. Prior to joining TMC, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page
