VoIP News: March 2008

Polycom has launched a new WiFi phone intended for the small-to-medium business (SMB) market. Introducing the SpectraLink 8002 Wireless Telephone, Polycom said it will allow users the freedom of movement whilst also being able to wirelessly take and receive calls. The company also said that the phone will deliver enterprise-grade voice connectivity to SMBs over a wireless LAN.

Digium today released Switchvox SMB 3. 5 software and AA60 Switchvox Appliance hardware, both based on the Asterisk communication system. Switchvox IP PBX technologies enable users to easily integrate telephone systems with internet applications, even if users have limited programming knowledge.

VoIP telephone manufacturer snom technology has announced the launch of its new IP DECT phone, the snom m3. The phone is snom's first cordless offering, the snom m3 provides an optimal VoIP communication system for the home office, SMB or enterprise, according to Michael Knieling. The CFO and executive vice president of marketing and sales for snom, said: "Despite the fact that the trend in VoIP is increasing movement toward mobility, the supply of IP DECT phones is fairly limited,""With the new snom m3, we will be able to provide all VoIP users with the latest in mobility and design, without having to forgo premium audio quality.

Nokia has announced the introduction of its new 6300i phone which benefits from both GSM and VoIP connectivity. The new mobile phone can make calls via the mobile internet or Wi-Fi networks and allows up to two thousand VoIP, home and mobile numbers to be stored. Dedicated WLAN and VoIP symbols show the connection status and type of phone call, whether it is using GSM network or VoIP.

Businesses and consumers in the UK could find that paying a little extra for their broadband service is worth it in the long-run. Michael Phillips, product director from Broadband Choices, said that the industry tends to compete on the basis of cutting prices to very low levels. "One of the results is that ISPs will cut back on service levels to try and make those very low cost levels profitable," he said.