News grab bag: AudioCodes, ShoreTel, Polycom, CableLabs

Convergence & VoIP This newsletter is sponsored by NetApp Whitepaper: Server virtualization for SMBs Server virtualization is not only meant for the largest enterprise organizations. In this whitepaper, Server Virtualization for Small and Medium-size Businesses, learn how this technology is ideal for smaller IT shops. This whitepaper explains how simplifying hardware and server applications with virtualization software allows for key operational improvements. Network World's Convergence & VoIP Newsletter, 09/26/07 News grab bag: AudioCodes, ShoreTel, Polycom, CableLabs By Steve Taylor and Larry Hettick Last week, AudioCodes and Shoretel announced they are joining forces on unified communications. In the joint release, the companies disclosed that the AudioCodes Media Gateways will be used to enable ShoreTel customers to integrate Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 into their ShoreTel IP Telephony System for Exchange Unified Messaging. Steve Timmerman, VP of marketing at ShoreTel said: “ShoreTel’s distributed, switch-based architecture … combined with AudioCodes’ gateways … can seamlessly combine collaborative applications like Microsoft Exchange with world-class IP telephony.” The AudioCodes’ SIP-compliant MediaPack gateways enable connectivity to Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, legacy analog phones, fax machines and survivable remote branch offices, as to the PSTN. Polycom announced enhancements to its market-Leading VSX Line. According to Polycom, VSX Release 8.7 software adds “new capabilities including simplified use in mixed networks (H.323 and SIP switching), QoS enhancements, support for gatekeeper redundancy for mission critical video applications, enhanced remote management, and additional language support.” The release supports Polycom’s ongoing integration efforts within its unified collaboration partners’ environments, including the Avaya Video Telephony Solution, Polycom Unified Collaboration for IBM Lotus Sametime and Lotus Notes, and Polycom Unified Collaboration for Microsoft LCS 2005. Network World VoIP and Convergence Buyer's Guide Find the right products for your enterprise - fast. Our extensive database of detailed product information will quickly help you pinpoint the hardware or software you need to build out a converged voice and data network. 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. Finally, CableLabs announced earlier this month that it had successfully completed the first in a series of PacketCable 2.0 interoperability events. The inaugural event focused on pre-PacketCable 2.0 IMS core networks, voice application servers, and voice clients. According to CableLabs, the event demonstrated “an impressive level of interoperability for SIP based voice services across equipment combinations from 10 different manufacturers including Alcatel-Lucent, Broadcom, BroadSoft, Cedar Point, Gallery-IPT, IP Unity, Motorola, MetaSwitch, Sonus, and Sylantro.” Ed Miller, CableLabs VP of broadband network services said: “Having established a solid base of voice interoperability, we're looking forward to upcoming events when we begin exploring applications that extend beyond voice to cover areas such as cross-platform features, unified messaging, and presence."   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. For more detailed information on most of the topics discussed in this newsletter, connect to Webtorials, the premier site for Web-based educational presentations, white papers, and market research. Taylor can be reached at taylor@webtorials.com Larry Hettick is an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in voice and data. He is Vice President for Telecom Services and Infrastructure at Current Analysis, the leading competitive response solutions company. He can be reached at lhettick@currentanalysis.com This newsletter is sponsored by NetApp Whitepaper: Server virtualization for SMBs Server virtualization is not only meant for the largest enterprise organizations. In this whitepaper, Server Virtualization for Small and Medium-size Businesses, learn how this technology is ideal for smaller IT shops. This whitepaper explains how simplifying hardware and server applications with virtualization software allows for key operational improvements. ARCHIVE Archive of the Convergence & VoIP 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