IP (Internet Protocol) telephony generally describes the technologies that use the Internet Protocol`s packet-switched connections to exchange data and voice information that have traditionally been carried over the dedicated circuit-switched connections of the public-switched telephone network.
IP telephony has been relatively slow to find its feet in SA, largely due to the (perceived) high value of handset costs and lack of vendor-driven product interoperability.
However, the situation is changing as costs fall. By 2006, it is estimated that 90% of common corporate switchboard systems will be 100% IP compatible. This year alone, according to research group IDC, the market for IP PBXs is expected to grow by more than 60%, as users merge, funnel and exploit various communications services.
This transformation is happening because companies are realising that big business benefits are associated with converged voice and data networks and the new-generation services they will bring.
The transformation is significant and its effects in terms of an ability to empower users can be seen in the same light as the jump from "dumb" terminals in the mainframe age to the fully featured Windows workstations of today.
Gartner supports this, saying that, post 2005, the business case for most new IP telephony systems will be based on their ability to significantly change the way business communications take place.
One of the key benefits of IP telephony is user mobility as characterised by the advanced "find-me, follow-me" features associated with the technology.
Another is the cost advantage associated with voice and data packets being sent concurrently over a wide area network (WAN) via the "least cost" route.
SIP - The driver
Nevertheless, the key driver behind this quantum leap in technology is the industry standard SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
SIP is an emerging protocol that takes the focus off the device and puts it on the user.
An idea born in a computer science laboratory less than a decade ago, SIP is the first protocol to enable multi-user sessions regardless of media content and is now a specification of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
Keys to SIP`s abilities are advanced call and session initiation/ handshake/ login/tear down procedures and methodologies. Technically minded can relate SIP`s functionality to that of the "D" (signalling) channel in ISDN technology.
IP telephony and SIP are laying the foundation for communication freedom, flexibility and control for the end-user. SIP is enabling multi-vendor interoperability, giving customers a broad spectrum of choice when deploying handsets and systems.
Partnering with VCX
While SIP-enabled devices are in their infancy, its architecture allows it to be extended to provide a wide range of new features, including the handling of multiparty and third-party calls and transport servlets for Web-like calls.
SIP enables enterprises to precisely tailor their communications to deliver advanced functionality with cost-effective, centralised messaging.
Together with 3Com`s VCX and similar solutions, SIP will create significant new opportunities for IP telephony product offerings to improve business efficiencies for the corporate user.
VCX is, in essence, an enterprise backbone architecture solution based on original research conducted by AT&T. In its current evolution it is able to accommodate around 50 000 devices including servers, handsets and media gateways as well as associated software systems.
The results are enhanced call and voicemail control and reporting for increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved customer service with abilities to:
* Manage multiple locations from a scalable centralised location.
* Reduce operating costs of voice and associated applications by creating a network with a single point of management.
* Deliver new applications that improve employee productivity and responsiveness to customers.
Open doors
The growing thirst among communications providers, their partners and subscribers for SIP is evidenced by the increasing numbers of carriers, CLECs and ITSPs who are offering SIP-based services such as IP Centrex/Hosted PBX, voice messaging, push-to-talk, rich media conferencing, and more.
In addition, independent software vendors (ISVs) are creating new tools for developers to build SIP-based applications as well as SIP software for carriers` networks.
As SIP rises in usage and popularity, network equipment vendors will ramp up developments in hardware that support SIP signalling and services.
SIP IP phones, user agents, network proxy servers, VOIP gateways, media servers and application servers now entering the market will open doors to a new world of applications software and communications.
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