Failed SunRocket passes off customers to other VoIP carriers

Optical Networking This newsletter is sponsored by SWSoft Templates for More Efficient Virtualization Management SWsoft Virtuozzo, an OS level server virtualization product, addresses the challenges faced by today's datacenters through its unique template-based approach to software provisioning. Using templates, administrators can consolidate OS and application management so that only a single instance of a software package is required and managed on a physical machine regardless of the number of virtual environments that use the software. Network World's Optical Networking Newsletter, 07/25/07 Failed SunRocket passes off customers to other VoIP carriers By Tim Greene SunRocket, the VoIP provider that went out of business last week without telling its customers ahead of time, has designated two other carriers to pick them up. Unified Communications and 8X8 have both agreed to pay the liquidators of SunRocket a fee for each of SunRocket’s 200,000 customers that they sign with. It’s not a smooth transition for customers, because they have to pay monthly fees to these other providers. Also, they may have to wait a long time to recoup money they paid SunRocket for the long-term contracts the company required. Network World LAN/WAN Buyer's Guide Find the right LAN/WAN products for your enterprise - fast. Our extensive database of detailed product information will help you quickly pinpoint what you need. With the side-by-side comparison tool you can evaluate product features and make the best decision for your enterprise. Click here to go to the Buyer's Guide now. SunRocket is obligated to pay off customers on equal footing with other creditors, but that might not cover 100% of what it owes. Other service providers are coming to the rescue as well, without official standing as part of the SunRocket liquidation. For example, IP5280 Communications in Englewood, Colo., says it will pick up whatever small-business customers SunRocket had. It will waive its $49 activation fee, and promises to have the business customers up and running within five days. SunRocket was primarily a residential service provider. VoIP competitor Nuvio announced that it would extend to SunRocket customers a $199-per-year, all-you-can-eat domestic calling plan called Safe Landing, similar to one of SunRocket’s plans. SunRocket started up business about three years ago and seemed to be well regarded in the venture capital community from which it drew a total of about $80 million, the last round coming last fall. After the company lost its founders in February, it had layoffs in June, indicating the company was in trouble. But it had been ranked No. 4 among VoIP providers Vonage, AT&T and Verizon, all household names. The final closure of the company came last week with no warning to customers. Many found out when their service failed and nobody answered the help line. Eventually SunRocket sent out e-mails notifying customers of the shutdown and alternative carriers that might pick up their service.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Tim Greene is a senior editor at Network World, covering network access control, virtual private networking gear, remote access, WAN acceleration and aspects of VoIP technology. You can reach him at tgreene@nww.com. This newsletter is sponsored by SWSoft Templates for More Efficient Virtualization Management SWsoft Virtuozzo, an OS level server virtualization product, addresses the challenges faced by today's datacenters through its unique template-based approach to software provisioning. Using templates, administrators can consolidate OS and application management so that only a single instance of a software package is required and managed on a physical machine regardless of the number of virtual environments that use the software. ARCHIVE Archive of the Optical Networking Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007