Business handsets 'should link to IP PBX'

Devices which use VoIP to make calls should also include features which allow them to link up to company IP PBX systems, even if they are for use outside of the office, an analyst has suggested.

This follows the launch of the new BlackBerry 8820 and 8800 personal organisers by manufacturer RIM, which allow users to make calls for cheaper costs over VoIP.

However, Mark Blowers, a senior research analyst at Butler Group, told IT Week that the device was flawed by the decision to leave out session initiation protocol (SIP), which would have allowed it to connect to IP PBX.

"It really needs to hook into an IP PBX. Businesses will be looking to attach it to back-end systems and turn the phone into an extension of their enterprise infrastructure," he said.

The decision by RIM to use the unlicensed mobile access (UMA) IP protocol means this integration will not be possible, meaning the BlackBerry device can only make calls over its own wireless internet connection rather than connect with the wider office PBX server.