What is the difference between Hosted PBX, Managed PBX and Virtual PBX?

This is a short and sweet answer to the question. Feel free to expound as a comment if you'd like.

Hosted PBX: You hire a service and don't have to worry about a thing other than paying.

Managed PBX: You have the actual equipment at your location but someone else mantains it for you.

Virtual PBX: Similar to hosted but you don't need any hardware. The service is managed through a web interface.

If you're looking for any of the above 3 services for your business .... you can get free assistance here -

Business VoIP Solution

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What Is Unified Communications?

Wikipedia gives good definition .....


"Unified communications (UC) is the integration of real-time communication services such as instant messaging (chat), presence information, telephony (including IP telephony), video conferencing, data sharing (including web connected electronic whiteboards aka IWB's or Interactive White Boards), call control and speech recognition with non-real-time communication services such as unified messaging (integrated voicemail, e-mail, SMS and fax). UC is not a single product, but a set of products that provides a consistent unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types".

UC goes beyond integrating real-time communications with non-real-time communications to integrating business processes and applications, such as databases.

For example, customer data or the kind of things the likes of SAP offers - or it should - such that businesses gets a fundamental benefit from all aspects of communications being "joined up". It's about being able to communicate with pertinent information at your fingertips, when and where you need it.

Unified Communications is a set of infrastructure and application technology components that work in a connected eco-system - to enable people to give and receive messages and information in a manner of their choosing .... on a platform of their choosing.

It's people centric! All we're doing is helping people have conversations and exchange information in different ways.

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Advice For Managing Remote And Offsite Employees

For remote workers (control, communications, reporting), you would probably need ....

1. Data connectivity for applications:

- Go for remote login for your corporate network and applications

- Make some relevent part of your application web enabled

- Get them GPRS/DCMA1X/3G wireless data plan

2. Voice Connectivity:

- CUG for corporate mobile connections

- In corporate voice plan and pbx, look for features like remote extensions, mobile extensions and find/follow me

- VoIP support is helpful

3. UC features like unified directory, messenger, net meeting will be helful

4. Applications:

- Subscribe/ put remote users on applications like Webex or gotomeetings.com for conducting meetings; otherwise make use of tele audioconferencing/video conferencing

- Give them balckberry/nokia/samsung smartphones with constant email connectivity

- choose clients apps. which can sync. with central apps/database at the end of the day incase remote employee do not have regular internet connectivity

5. Banking:

- choose bank with max. no. of ATM

- Get them to subscribe to mobile banking and ticketing

You'll find options for some of the technology based solutions here ...

Technology For Offsite Employees

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Telecom Provider News For December

Here's the news for December from the Telecommunications industry. Get the latest from vendors such as AboveNet, Comcast, Level 3, Telx, Time Warner Cable, and Windstream.

AboveNet - announced that its Core Wave services are now available to enterprise customers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Comcast - is on the verge of selling wireless phone service thanks to a partnership with the nation's largest mobile operator (Verizon).

Level 3 - announced it has expanded its network capacity and suite of services in Mexico.

Telx ....

* Telx announced a major expansion in Silicon Valley, where the company has leased 32,000 square feet of in a new data center being built by Vantage Data Centers in Santa Clara, Calif.

* Telx announced plans for its first "greenfield" data center project, a 215,000 square foot facility it is building in Clifton, New Jersey adjacent to its existing site at the Mountain Technology Center at 100 Delawanna Avenue.

Time Warner Cable Business Class - has been awarded a multi-year services contract from the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), for providing advanced network and internet services to all state agencies.

Windstream - The Federal Communications Commission has approved Windstream Corp.'s acquisition of PAETEC.

To learn more and take advantage of any of the services mentioned above, simply request a free quote here ....

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, Cloud Computing, and More

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Cloud Solution Providers Matrix

With more than 35 carriers in our stable, it's hard to keep track of who does what, which is why we have created a cloud product matrix below. Expect to see this grow as more and more carriers build/purchase new cloud solutions.

* AireSpring ....

SasS - Hosted PBX

* Broadview Networks ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Security, Antivirus, Firewall, Hosted Exchange, MS Office, SharePoint

IaaS - Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

* Century Link ....

SasS - Security, Antivirus, CRM, e-Learning, Healthcare, Firewall, Antivirus, HR, Web Conferencing

IaaS - Storage, Virtual Private Data Center, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Symphony Database (Oracle or MS SQL), Private/Public Cloud, Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

* Comcast Business Class ....

SasS - Hosted Exchange, SharePoint

* Earthlink Business ....

IasS - Security, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Private/Public Cloud (Windows and Linux OS), Backup & Recovery

* Integra Telecom ....

SasS - Firewall, Hosted PBX, Managed PBX

* Megapath ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Security, Antivirus, Firewall

* Paetec ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Hosted Exchange

IaaS - Storage, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Disaster Recovery (SAN), Enterprise Cloud Security

* Smoothsone IP Communications ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Unified Communications (Cloud)

* TelePacific Communications ....

SasS - Security, Firewall

IaaS - Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Backup & Recovery

* Telx ....

IasS - Cloud Connection Centers

* Time Warner Cable Business Class ....

Note: TWCBC Cloud solutions will be available soon via their latest acquisition of Navisite

SasS - Oracle E-Business, PeopleSoft, Siebel, Hyperion, Microsoft Dynamics, Hosted Exchange, SharePoint, IBM Lotus Notes

IaaS - Storage, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Private/Public Cloud, Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

* Vocal IP Networx ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Hosted Exchange, SharePoint, Spam Filtering, Content Filtering, Network Monitoring & Management

IaaS - Storage, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Private/Public Cloud, Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

* Windstream ....

SasS - Hosted PBX, Firewall

IaaS - Storage, Virtual & Dedicated Servers, Private/Public Cloud, Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

* XO ....

SasS - Security, Hosted PBX, Spam Filtering, Unified Communications (Cloud)

IaaS - Backup & Recovery, Enterprise Cloud Security

If you'd like to take advantage of any of the services from the providers above ... simply ask for a free quote here:

Cloud Services Quotes

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More On Cloud Computing ... Cloud Service Advantages

Cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption, and delivery model for IT services based on Internet protocols, and it typically involves provisioning of dynamically scalable and often virtualised resources. It is a byproduct and consequence of the ease-of-access to remote computing sites provided by the Internet. This may take the form of web-based tools or applications that users can access and use through a web browser as if the programs were installed locally on their own computers.

Cloud computing providers deliver applications via the internet, which are accessed from web browsers and desktop and mobile apps, while the business software and data are stored on servers at a remote location. In some cases, legacy applications (line of business applications that until now have been prevalent in thin client Windows computing) are delivered via a screen-sharing technology, while the computing resources are consolidated at a remote data center location; in other cases, entire business applications have been coded using web-based technologies such as AJAX.

The advantages of Cloud Service include .....

* Reduced Cost: Cloud technology is paid incrementally, saving organizations money.
Increased Storage: Organizations can store more data than on private computer systems.

* Highly Automated: No longer do IT personnel need to worry about keeping software up to date.

* Flexibility: Cloud computing offers much more flexibility than past computing methods.

* More Mobility: Employees can access information wherever they are, rather than having to remain at their desks.

* Allows IT to Shift Focus: Organizations no longer have to worry about constant server updates and other computing issues; they are free to concentrate on innovation.

For more on the advantages of cloud computing, including Pros and Cons, read this article from the Cloud Computing Journal ....

The Advantages Of Using Cloud Computing

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DataCenter Demand in New Jersey is Growing

According to the panelists at the Greater New York Data Center Summit held on November 29th in NYC, northern New Jersey and suburban industrial spaces are expected to see new development in the next 5-10 years as the need for data centers continues to grow. There is a blatant demand for secure, customized data center facilities to meet the needs of information technology businesses The telecom industry is expanding beyond traditional borders.

“We need space!”

This message was very clear throughout the event. Needs for reliable and secure data storage continue to climb for businesses of all sizes, and New Jersey is a place business can flourish. Furthermore, flexible, expandable space were hot topics indeed.

It is the state of NJ that is setting the trend for national data center development. As inventory of space remains an issue throughout the US, there is an estimated 800,000 square feet of industrial space in the state of New Jersey, with more than 16 different data center providers.

But there are solutions.

FiberMedia provides superior cloud networking solutions for your growing business with 5 data centers throughout NY/NJ Tri-state area. Furthermore, FiberMedia is a key player helping to bolster New Jersey’s emerging economic rise in this technology space. While many companies are just discovering the opportunities here, FiberMedia is firmly rooted as a provider of choice offering enterprise class resources on-demand.

To learn more about FiberMedia’s New Jersey data centers you can checkout their Jersey City (http://www.fibermedia.net/locations/jersey-city-nj/) facility or visit their marquee site in Secaucus, NJ (http://www.fibermedia.net/locations/secaucus-nj/)

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Who Is Broadview Networks?

Broadview Networks provides advanced communications services and support for businesses of all sizes in the northeast, New England and mid-Atlantic regions.

What You Should Know About Broadview Networks

Broadview Networks is a network-based electronically integrated communications provider (e-ICP) serving small and medium-sized businesses in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The Company offers integrated communications solutions, including local, long-distance and international voice services; data services that encompass VPN and MPLS enabled offerings; hosted and premises-based VOIP systems; traditional telephone systems; and high-speed Internet services using DSL, T1 and T3 technologies.

Broadview Networks is a total solutions provider serving over 70,000 businesses customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States. Broadview makes it easy for organizations to implement technologies that solve their infrastructure, security, and productivity challenges. Broadview customers benefit from award-winning customer service including a web-based account management tool and a primary point-of-contact for real-time, personal customer care.

For Broadview Networks the biggest advantage of its Metaswitch platform is more efficient use of the T1 bandwidth that is a mainstay of small business services. It allows Broadview to sell voice over IP without requiring major changes in customer behavior while improving the customer experience.

Broadview Networks Business Products:

* Business DSL
* Data T1
* Bonded T1
* Ethernet over Copper
* Integrated (SIP Handoff)
* Integrated (PRI Handoff)
* Integrated (Analog Handoff)
* Hosted PBX (SMB)
* IP-PBX Equipment (SMB)
* Local Voice
* Dedicated LD (In/Out)
* SIP (Local/LD Trunks)
* SIP (LD Buckets)
* Point to Point
* MPLS
* Colocation
* Managed Firewall
* POTS
* Metro Fiber Ethernet
* Gigabit Ethernet

For more information on any of the above services from Broadview Networks simply request a free quote here:

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, And Much More

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Who Is Windstream Communications?

Windstream Communications, formerly known as NuVox, delivers customized managed communications services, information technology, data, security, and voice solutions designed specifically for business customers. NuVox serves approximately 90,000 customers in the Southeast and Midwest, and provides select services throughout the United States. NuVox delivers services via its industry-leading MPLS-based wide area private IP network.

What You Should Know About Windstream Communications

Windstream Communications, formerly known as NuVox, headquartered in Greenville, SC, delivers voice, data, business apps, and IT security designed specifically for business customers in the Southeast and Midwest. Today, NuVox is one of the largest Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) in the United States.

Windstream Products:

* Business DSL
* Data T1
* Bonded T1
* Frac/Full DS3
* Frac/Full OC3/12/48
* Ethernet over Copper
* Ethernet over DS1/DS3
* Metro Fiber Ethernet
* Integrated (SIP Handoff)
* Integrated (PRI Handoff)
* Integrated (Analog Handoff)
* POTS Lines
* Local Voice
* MPLS
* Ethernet WAN
* Google Apps for Business
* Colocation

If you are interested in any of the services from Windstream listed above, simply request a free quote here:

DS3 Bandwdith, Business Ethernet, And Much More

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Cloud Computing Overview

Cloud computing enables you to access remote files and applications over the Internet.

Cloud services are divided into two main categories:

* Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

* Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Cloud services are different from traditional hosting in three ways:

* It is sold incrementally on-demand, typically by the minute, hour, or CPU cycles

* It is elastic -- a user can have as much or as little of a service as they want at any given time

* The service is fully managed by the provider (the consumer needs nothing but a personal computer and Internet access)

Cloud solutions can be private or public. Public clouds share a single resource (such as a server) among multiple users where a private cloud is used by a single user.

SaaS provides the capability for the for the consumer to access applications running on a cloud infrastructure. Applications can be accessed through a thin client interface such as a web browser, hand set, etc.

IaaS is the "computing" of "cloud computing" and the engine behind Saas. IaaS gives customers access to computer processing, storage, networks, and other computing resources that are hosted by the IaaS service provider.

For more information watch this video "What Is Cloud Computing" ....

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Cloud Computing Is Our Future

The cloud computing market is expected to generate between $100 billion and $150 billion in annual revenue by 2015. As of today, the global data network switching and routing market is around $40 billion.

A solid majority of technology experts and stakeholders expect that by 2020 most people will access software applications online and share and access information through the use of remote server networks, rather than depending primarily on tools and information housed on their individual, personal computers. They say that cloud computing will become more dominant than the desktop in the next decade. In other words, most users will perform most computing and communicating activities through connections to servers operated by outside firms.



To learn more about the value of Cloud Computing from an IT professional standpoint, read this article from InfoWorld ....

What Cloud Computing Really Means

To learn more about the future of Cloud Computing read this article from Pew research ....

The Future Of Cloud Computing

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Who Is USA Digital Communications?

USA Digital Communications serves the needs of large volume, inbound and outbound telecommunication clients. USAD and its affiliated companies provide competitive global wholesale long distance for both TDM, VoIP, high speed internet, data transport services and enhanced services that help clients remain competitive and grow their businesses.

What You Should Know About USA Digital Communications

USA Digital specializes in low Long Distant rates for clients especially with TDM and VoIP products. USAD offers a TDM product with eight tier one providers and a Voice over IP product that goes over their switch located in Las Vegas. This strategic switch placement allows for companies to enjoy the lowest tax rate possible for telecom. The VoIP product is a month to month term in order to remain flexible to companies who are new to this next generation of technology.

Using network and telecom services from USA Digital Communications lets business customers enjoy all the technological advantages provided by telecom industry leaders and all the benefits of responsive service from a nimble, customer-focused organization. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s at the lowest monthly cost available. Unlike many VoIP providers, USA Digital does not apply a per session charge.

USA Digital offers 6/6 billing, no surcharge, low cost - 100% termination routing, and ancillary services along with relevant and timely data approach are the hallmarks of the USA Digital business model.

USA Digital Communications' Products:

* Data T1
* Bonded T1
* Frac/Full DS3
* Frac/Full OC3/12/48
* Dedicated LD (In/Out)
* Dedicated Voice
* SIP (Local/LD Trunks)
* Voice over MPLS
* Point to Point
* MPLS
* VPLS
* Colocation

If you are interested in more information on any of the services from USA Digital listed above, simply request a free quote here:

Business VoIP Solution

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Who Is Century Link?

CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company provides broadband, voice and wireless services to businesses across the country. In addition, the company provides data, voice and managed services to business, government and wholesale customers in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers.

What You Should Know About CenturyLink

CenturyLink has recently acquired Embarq, Savis, and Qwest. Thanks to these recent mergers, CenturyLink is now the third-largest telecommunications company in the United States.

CenturyLink owns and operates more than 173,000 network miles and 17 data centers.

CenturyLink Business Products:

* Data T1
* Bonded T1
* Frac/Full DS3
* Frac/Full OC3/12/48
* Ethernet over Copper
* Ethernet over DS1/DS3
* VPLS
* Metro Fiber Ethernet
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Integrated (SIP Handoff)
* Integrated (PRI Handoff)
* Integrated (Analog Handoff)
* POTS Lines
* Colocation
* Local Voice
* Dedicated LD (In/Out)
* SIP (Local/LD Trunks)
* Point to Point
* MPLS
* Ethernet WAN

If you are interested in learning more about any of the services from Century Link listed above, simply request a free quote here:

DS3 bandwidth, Business Ethernet, And Much More

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November Telecom Industry News

Here's the news for November from the Telecommunications industry. Get the latest from vendors such as AboveNet, EarthLink, Integra Telecom, TelePacific, Telnes, RealLinx, and Windstream.

AboveNet - AboveNet is looking to make acquisitions to grow its business, a reversal from its previous stance to grow organically, Chief Executive William LaPerch said in an interview with Reuters.

EarthLink ....

* EarthLink has signed an agreement to purchase the IT Solution Center and hosted application business from Synergy Global Solutions, a provider of hosted IT products, services and solutions based in Western, NY. This acquisition will provide EarthLink with scalable 24x7x365 IT service support capabilities to allow customers to outsource critical IT services in a cost efficient manner.

* EarthLink, Inc. ELNK +1.66% a leading IP infrastructure and services company, announced plans to expand and enhance its state-of-the-art network infrastructure. Additional network routes and equipment will be added to EarthLink's network to provide incremental growth capacity and scalability, support new nationwide leading edge product offerings, and ensure that EarthLink's strong, diverse network remains a significant differentiator.

Integra Telecom - didn't have to look far to find a new executive chairman. Kevin O�Hara replaces CEO Tom Casey, who has resigned to take the reins at Tronox Inc. - a producer and marketer of titanium dioxide pigment where he was previously the chairman of the board.

TelePacific ....

* TelePacific has recently completed the acquisition of Tel West Network Services Corporation. The Austin, Texas-based company brings more than 3600 business accounts and a fiber optic network linking the top five metropolitan areas in Texas, as well as a portfolio of business communications services, to the growing TelePacific family.

* TelePacific has slashed their Fixed Wireless turn-up times. The standard provisioning interval for Ethernet over Fixed Wireless (EoFW) broadband Internet access has been reduced from 30 days to just 8 days!

Telnes - Telnes Broadband has announced a revolutionary technology, Telnes Intelligent Bandwidth, that is designed to enable Class of Service (COS) for SIP, VoIP, and other cloud based critical applications over the public Internet. This new innovation will enable VoIP, SIP and Cloud providers that require customers to bring their own bandwidth, to finally achieve CoS over a public Internet connection. Telnes Intelligent Bandwidth is a single circuit that allows prioritization of critical traffic over all other traffic at the carrier network level. This allows Telnes customers to dynamically shape their traffic--ensuring performance for mission critical applications.

RealLinx - Managed IP services provider RealLinx has launched VideoLinx, a hosted, multi-party video conferencing service.

Windstream - announced the launch of its second-generation cloud platform. Designed to meet the strong, continually growing demand for cloud computing services, the platform incorporates significant technology enhancements to Windstream Hosted Solutions' existing cloud services offering, including solutions from industry leaders such as VMware, NetApp, EMC and more to provide a comprehensive solution that can serve businesses' production and disaster recovery requirements.

To learn more and take advantage of any of the services mentioned above, simply request a free quote here ....

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, Cloud Computing, and More

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ACC Business Opens Up EaMIS Market To All 48 Mainland States

Effective October 7, 2011 the EaMIS II Promotion being offered by bread-and-butter carrier, ACC Business, is now available for Out-of-Region opportunities. Previously EaMIS I, utilizing a 65% MIS port discount, was allowed for Out-of-Region EaMIS. Now EaMIS II, which provides an 88% MIS Port discount, can be utilized with pricing as low as $221 for Unmanaged Service and $326 for Managed Service.

As an example...10mg Ethernet used to be $1879 with router...NOW ITS $1244!

You can learn more as well as request a free quote here .....

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, And Much More

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Texas Opens Government Opportunities to TWCBC

Texas state agencies, local governments, and other organizations who qualify are now able to utilize Time Warner Cable's Texas DIR contracts for Tex-AN and cable modem services. In most instances, the Texas DIR bypasses the RFP and bidding process thus allowing the state agencies to quickly make decisions (relatively speaking).

Services Available:

* MetroE point-to-point, point-to-multi-point and VPLS/ any-to-any services
* Dedicated Internet Access: 5 Mb to 10 Gb

Services Not Available (yet):

* Voice services (business class phones)
* PRI voice trunks

To take advantage of this opportunity simply request a free quote here:

Dedicated Voice and Data Networks

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Telnes Develops New QoS Technology

Telnes has developed a new technology to enable QoS over public Internet circuits, enabling prioritization of SIP, VoIP, SaaS, Etc. type products to function properly when using a public Internet.



Without using Telnes, mission critical applications can achieve QOS on their local LAN but once it reaches the public Internet, these tags are lost and so is the QoS. By utilizing Telnes' latest technology, QoS tags can follow data packets to their final destination, and ensuring each packet arrives on-time and in the right order.

To learn more about this technology and how it can help you grow your business, please request more information here ...

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, and More

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FCC Makes Neutrality Rules Official .... Cue The Lawsuits, Renewed Hysteria

The push for any meaningful network neutrality consumer protections is essentially dead, with the remaining partisan bickering over killing off already fairly-hollow and loophole-filled FCC rules being little more than twitching and showmanship for constituents. The neutrality rules the FCC has been cooking up have countless, intentional glaring holes including a failure to cover wireless networks, and were effectively crafted with little serious consumer input.

Read more from Karl Bode here ....


FCC Makes Neutrality Rules Official

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Sidera Networks - In their Own Voice

I recently met with Sidera Networks' Maura Mahoney at COMPTEL Plus in Orlando.  They had a great presence at the event with a booth and prime sponsorship of the conference bags (which I personally love!)  Here’s a recap of my interview with Maura, VP of Business Development and Marketing for Sidera Networks.

Ilissa Miller - Managing Partner for Jaymie Scotto & Associates: (IM)  I remember hearing a lot about Sidera Networks last year at Comptel – that was exciting. 

Maura Mahoney, Sidera Networks

Maura Mahoney, VP of Business Development and Marketing for Sidera Networks (MM): It was  Last year we launched the re-branding of Sidera. Prior to that we were RCN Metro Optical Networks, which was a combination of three companies: ConEd Communications, Neon Communications, and RCN the cable company. Last year ABRY Partners, a private equity firm in Boston, purchased RCN in its entirety, separated the cable side from RCN Metro, and we re-launched as Sidera Networks.

IM:  So today, who is Sidera?

MM: Today, Sidera has about 2,800 locations on net and we continue to expand our capabilities.  For instance, in December of last year we announced two acquisitions, CrossConnect Solutions a colocation provider in 401 North Broad and Long Island Fiber Exchange - LIFE, a fiber provider on Long Island. In 2011 we’ve continued to expand our capabilities, including an announcement with Spread Networks, which allows us to have a long-haul, low-latency network that is attractive for our customers. In addition , we have a relationship with Allied Fiber, which allows us to very cost-effectively and quickly add key data centers to our network. We have a relationship with Exponential E that allowed us to expand internationally into London to be able to deliver traffic that’s originating in the United States on the Exponential E network in London.

IM:  What makes Sidera so unique?

MM: Being a product of multiple acquisitions, as well as organic growth certainly makes us unique.  Also, what helps is  how we integrate those acquisitions by not losing what they’re good at and special at, and continue to serve their customers and enable our customers to be able to benefit from those acquisitions and those assets.

IM:  Sidera is a great name, but what does it mean?

MM: The name Sidera is Latin for constellation of stars, which we believe represents our customers, our employees, and the markets that we serve. We stay true to who we are as a company and our acquisitions have a similar philosophy of high quality service and support, which is a testament of an award that we won today from Atlantic-ACM.  We won three best in class awards for service, for service representatives, for value, and our billing system.

IM:   With 2011 being such an exciting year, what’s the plan for 2012?

MM: I’m very proud of the team for their hard work. It's just the beginning so we continue to expand our network capabilities, the services that we offer, the vertical markets that we go after, and also look for those creative partnerships that we had success with in 2011, so that 1 + 1 is more than 2.

IM:  Thank you for your time.  I really enjoyed learning more about Sidera.

MM: Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

For more information about Sidera Networks, visit www.sidera.net.

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Who Is Smoothstone IP Communications?

Smoothstone IP Communications is a nationwide provider of unified IP communications services to mid-sized enterprises. Smoothstone delivers Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), IP trunking, unified threat management, MPLS networking, contact center solutions, messaging and advanced collaboration tools as a unified suite of managed services and cloud based applications. Smoothstone's scalable, on-demand applications & services can be integratedwith a customer's existing network and telecommunications infrastructure, operational processes and employee activities, enabling a customer to migrate to unified IP communications as their business requirements dictate.

What You Should Know About Smoothstone IP Communications

Smoothstone has built a nationwide private IP network for delivering voice, data, and video, and local dialtone. Smoothstone caters specifically to enterprises that need to extend IP communications to hundreds or thousands of employees, in multiple geographic locations.

Smoothstone was the first to introduce a converged voice and data service over an MPLS network. The Smoothstone platform as a whole has a distributed architecture, with different features being served from various facilities. Their MPLS services combine best-of-breed carrier networks to create a completely private, fast and flexible solution that lets you prioritize voice, video and data applications, while consolidating all traffic onto a single, easy–to–manage network infrastructure.

Smoothstone can integrate their services with an existing network, or help deploy and manage an MPLS network. Customers are spared the cost of purchasing, deploying, and maintaining the applications, and, to some degree, the infrastructure on which it runs. Second, all maintenance, management, and upgrades are handled by Smoothstone.

Smoothstone offers everything from TDM IP Trunking and SIP trunking to fully-hosted PBX and VoIP to the desktop. Their services include domestic and international calling plans with direct inward dialing (DID), unlimited local calling, four–digit on–net calling and E911. Smoothstone calls never touch the Internet—although they do offer their clients Internet access over the same circuit.

Smoothstone IP Communications Videos



To take advantage of what Smoothstone IP Communications offers .... simply request a free quote here:

Business Ethernet and More

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Telarus - Data, Voice, Cloud ... Mastered

Telarus specializes in telecom and managed service sourcing for enterprise sales organizations. Whatever your business needs for data, voice, or cloud managed services you'll find it with Telarus.

Below is a sampling of what they can offer any business ..... free quotes and low price guarantees from the listed providers on the following:

Mobility .....

* Expense Management - Advantix Solutions Group

* 3G Fixed Wireless - Accel Networks, Broad Sky Networks, EarthLink Business, Level 3 (Sprint 3G), MegaPath, XO Communications

* 3G Mobile Wireless - AT&T, EarthLink Business, TelePacific (Verizon)

* 4G WiMax - Accel Networks, Broad Sky Networks

Internet Access .....

* Business DSL - Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, MegaPath, NetWolves, PAETEC, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, Windstream Communications

* Cable Internet - Comcast Business, Time Warner Cable Business Class

* Data T1 - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, Mosaic NetworkX, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Satellite Fixed Wireless - Broad Sky Networks

* High BW Fixed Wireless(Mircowave) - Airband, PAETEC, TelePacific, XO Communications

* Bonded T1 - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Frac/Full DS3 - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, Mosaic NetworkX, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Frac/Full OC3/12/48 - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Ethernet over Copper (2M - 20M over copper) - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC (Cavalier Footprint), CenturyLink, Telnes Broadband, TelePacific, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Ethernet over DS1/DS3 (1.5M - 45M over serial) - AireSpring, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, PAETEC (Cavalier Footprint), PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Metro Fiber Ethernet (100M - 1G over fiber) - AboveNet, AT&T, ACC Business, Broadview Networks, Integra Telecom, Level 3, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, TelePacific, Time Warner Cable Business Class, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Gigabit Ethernet (1G-40G over fiber) - AboveNet, AT&T, ACC Business, Broadview Networks, Level 3, PAETEC (Cavalier Footprint), PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, Time Warner Cable Business Class

* International DIA - AboveNet, Accel Networks, Global Telecom and Technology, Level 3, CenturyLink, tw telecom, XO Communications

Integrated Products ....

* Integrated (SIP Handoff) - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Integrated (PRI Handoff) - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Comcast Business, Level 3, MegaPath, PAETEC, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Integrated (Analog Handoff) - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Comcast Business, Level 3, MegaPath, PAETEC, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

Voice Products .....

* POTS Lines - AT&T, Broadview Networks, Comcast Business*, Ernest, Integra Telecom, PAETEC (Cavalier Footprint), CenturyLink, TelePacific, Time Warner Cable Business Class*, Windstream Communications

* Hosted PBX (SMB) - Airband, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, MegaPath, PAETEC (Cavalier), RealLinx, Vocal IP Networx, Windstream Communications

* IP-PBX Equipment (SMB) - PAETEC (Allworx), Broadview Networks,

* Hosted PBX (Call Center/Enterprise) - Vocal IP Networx, Smoothstone IP Communications

* Local Voice - Airband, AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, TelePacific, tw telecom, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Dedicated LD (In/Out) - ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, NetWolves, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, USA Digital Communications, XO Communications

* Dedicated Voice (Call Center) - AireSpring, NetWolves, PowerNet Global, RealLinx, USA Digital Communications

* SIP (Local/LD Trunks) - Airband, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Level 3, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, USA Digital Communications, XO Communications

* SIP (LD Buckets) - AireSpring, Bandtel, Broadview Networks,

* Voice over MPLS - Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, USA Digital Communications 3 Days
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) XO Communications

* Audio/Web Conferencing - AccuConference, CenturyLink

Networks Carriers ....

* Point to Point USA Domestic (1.5MB - 1GB) - AboveNet, Airband, AT&T, ACC Business, Broad Sky Networks, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, Mosaic NetworkX, NetWolves, Nitel, PAETEC, PowerNet Global, CenturyLink, RealLinx, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, Time Warner Cable Business Class, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, XO Communications

* Point to Point (Microwave) - Airband, Broad Sky Networks

* Point to Point (International) - AboveNet, ACC Business, Level 3, CenturyLink, XO Communications

* MPLS - AT&T, ACC Business, AireSpring, Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, MegaPath, NetWolves, NetWolves, Nitel, PowerNet Global, PAETEC, CenturyLink, RealLinx, Smoothstone IP Communications, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Ethernet WAN - AboveNet, AT&T, ACC Business, EarthLink Business, Integra Telecom, Level 3, PAETEC, CenturyLink, Time Warner Cable Business Class, tw telecom, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* VPLS - AboveNet, AT&T, ACC Business, Level 3, PAETEC, CenturyLink, tw telecom, USA Digital Communications, XO Communications

* International VPLS - AboveNet,

* International WAN - Global Telecom and Technology, XO Communications

Managed Services ....

* Colocation - Broadview Networks, EarthLink Business, Level 3, Mosaic NetworkX, CenturyLink, TelePacific, Telx, USA Digital Communications, Windstream Communications, XO Communications

* Google Apps for Business - Windstream Communications

* Managed Firewall - Airband, Broadview Networks, MegaPath, NetWolves, TelePacific, Telnes Broadband, XO Communications

* Microsoft Exchange - XO Communications

* SSL VPN - MegaPath

Any business wanting more information on any of the services and providers listed above can request a free quote here: Telarus

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"Business Class" vs "Residential Class" Internet Connections

Why in the world would a business choose a T3 over much cheaper alternatives and what is the difference between "Residential" class and "Business" class?

This is a real question asked recently.

Here is how I think of it, when answering the reliability question...

T1 or T3 line is "powered" by the phone company, the phone company is very good about keeping all there equipment powered even when there is a disaster or major power outage because all their equipment is actually run by battery banks. These banks can run the equipment for 8+ hours, and are kept charging when line power is available. Because a T1 or T3 may carry voice traffic, such as 911 calls, up-time is important. Even if there are ground vaults or other devices that require power between the phone company's central office (datacenter) and your office, these are all treated with the same battery banks, and pre-terminated trailer generator connections. Phone tech's will tell you that T1 and other Hi-capacity lines usually get fixed first, POTS (or a single analog line with 1 number) will get fixed last. In many cases (but not all) you can consider a line from the phone company a "home run" to your location - as in, it's dedicated to you (your business) all the way from them (the phone company central office).

The cable company however (like Comcast) requires many, many, more powered amps and splitters along the coax line. Sometimes these are aerial (on the line up near the power pole) and sometimes these are on the ground, either way they require power usually taken from the nearest power pole, and only sometimes do these get a UPS system (usually a cabinet that says Alpha on it, at least in IL) and this UPS is only good for about 6 hours (at least in my area, IL) When a cabinet is run out of battery, that's it, there is no pre-terminated generator connection, nor do they think it important to bring one. On the rare case that they do, I've seen them take your standard construction site little gas generator, chain it to the power pole, and hard-wire it into the Alpha cabinet, leaving the front panel off so the cord will run in. :-/ Obviously if a large area is without power, they can't afford or keep doing this to the hundreds of Alpha cabinets in the area - they just "give up" and wait for power to be restored. Beyond the power issue is the "shared" issue, the coax line is shared by all customers off the local cable plant, when one splitter needs to be replaced, or put in-line, they don't think twice about cutting everyone's service out to do it. Similarly when one amp needs replacing, it cuts off everything else further down the line.

Supposedly, "Business class" cable modem service is supposed to get better throughput than Residential, and in most areas it's true, but you have to remember both are part of the same, single, coax cable run through your community, so one cannot really be considered more reliable, and any SLA is really only intended to make you "feel good" or give you better credits for downtime, there is nothing physically different about the service. The exception is when Comcast can offer you a fiber line, or their equivalent of Metro Ethernet, which is not coming into your building over coax - this is much pricier.

The actual data part, in terms of routing is pretty similar between the two - in both cases the routing and Internet redundancy is done back and the central office, not out at the street level.

Regardless of your connection type, within your company your should have the modem/router/CPE connected to your own, long lasting, UPS.

You need to decide how important your phone/data service is, and have a backup plan (call forwarding) if it goes down.

As an example, when major storms came through this summer, and many were without power for days...

- My customers on cable modem did OK for anywhere from 4 to 7 hours after the loss of power (Alpha boxes were still powering the line, but were then depleted) This is about the same as why traffic lights blink red for awhile after the power outage, but then eventually go dark)

- My customers on T1 or T3 lines never lost service however

...if your not concerned about such extreme cases, maybe paying significantly less for monthly service is acceptable - more often then not that's what small businesses choose.

For assistance with making the right choice on a bandwidth solution for your business .... at no cost to you ... simply request a free quote here:

DS3 Bandwidth

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Broadband Fiber vs Coax

Is "slow" fiber better than "fast" cable?

The cost of 5x5 Mbps fiber Internet is higher because of a few reasons:

[1] it's "dedicated" just for your use (not split off and shared with others nearby)

[2] it's symmetrical (which usually also connotates FULL duplex, instead of half duplex, ie: download and upload can occur simultaneously)

[3] bandwidth is truly UNLIMITED, no hidden caps

[4] includes a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which guarantees uptime/performance/throughput.

Generally speaking, symmetrical type bandwidth is considered "commercial grade" and tends to be used by the SMB/Enterprise market VS. consumer/residential end users. All because of the reasons I listed above, plus it lends itself to work better in a LAN environment- as the circuit is robust, efficient, and quite reliable, etc. You really get what you pay for. Finally, if you have applications that require real time traffic, such as: VoIP, SIP, and video conferencing + Citrix, VPN, heavy file transfer- commercial bandwidth (T1, DS3, Metro Fiber Ethernet) is essential.

Anyone else care to comment on the relative advantages of fiber vs coax?

In other words why would the much higher cost of fiber be worth it?

Weigh in with your thoughts .....

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October Telecom Industry News

Here's the news for October from the Telecommunications industry. Get the latest from vendors such as AboveNet, AT&T, Broadview Networks, Integra Networks, Megapath, XO Communications, PAETEC, Level 3 Telecommunications, Telx, and Time Warner Cable.

AboveNet - may not be offering cloud services in the classic sense, but its new agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to become an AWS Direct Connect Solution Provider illustrates how its fiber network can be an enabler for the cloud services market.

AT&T ....

* AT&T will officially launch its faster LTE wireless service on Sunday in five cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

* In a move to salvage its $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA, AT&T has reportedly approached smaller competitors to sell spectrum and subscribers.

* Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky has asked the FCC to hold off on its decision on the proposed AT&T-Mobile merger until the Justice Department's antitrust suit is settled, preferably a negotiated settlement with telecom companies.

Broadview Networks - rolled out key enhancements to its flagship cloud-based OfficeSuite(TM) hosted IP phone service. OfficeSuite(TM) is now even more user friendly, provides more ubiquitous access via mobile and web applications, and includes a new set of options and features that let companies realize faster the benefits of the system while lowering their total cost of ownership.

Integra Telecom - introduced a cloud security services suite of managed, networked-based security products for companies that rely on the Internet for their business and need to protect their network from unauthorized and malicious access and content. The first available product is Cloud Firewall Service, a network-based unified threat prevention service that provides secure inbound and outbound Internet access without the need for on-premise equipment or additional staff.

Level 3 ....

* Level 3 Communications, Inc. announced that it is now offering a new wide area networking (WAN) solution for enterprises. The solution offers a comprehensive approach to enterprise networking needs, including an integrated portfolio of Level 3's advanced services, to better enable enterprises to optimize the performance of critical business applications.

* Level 3 Communications Inc. said Tuesday it completed its acquisition of Global Crossing Ltd. in a stock swap valued at about $2 billion. Both companies operate long-distance telecommunications networks.

MegaPath - is expanding its use of Adtran Ethernet-over-copper gear to create a nationwide Ethernet footprint that will reach 680 Central Offices (COs) by June 2012.

PAETEC - PAETEC announced the nationwide launch of the cloud-based Advanced Application Reporting (AAR) solution as part of its comprehensive portfolio of data and cloud solutions for enterprise businesses, universities, and government institutions. Using the system, IT leaders and administrators can monitor IP-based traffic by application across their entire network to improve performance with near real-time reporting in five-minute intervals. IT management may then use that information to support their end users, troubleshoot network issues, and plan for future growth and new application deployment.

Telx - announced the successful completion of SSAE 16 compliance in 12 data centers.

Time Warner Cable - is pumping $15 million into a new Wi-Fi network in the Los Angeles area that all TWC high-speed data customers will be able to access for free. The New York City-based cable giant also plans to offer a pay-as-you-go, fee-based service to non-customers and visitors to L.A.

XO Communications ....

* XO Communications announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Laura W. Thomas, XO's Chief Financial Officer, to lead the company as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Thomas will also retain responsibility for the company's financial leadership as chief financial officer at this time.

* XO Holdings, the telecommunications provider backed by billionaire Carl Icahn, has become a private company.

To learn more and take advantage of any of the services mentioned above simply request a free quote here ....

DS3 Bandwidth, Business Ethernet, and More

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Cable Pulling Ahead of Telcos Globally .... IPTV Doing Well, Cable Broadband and VoIP Doing Better

TeleGeography directs your attention to their latest report, which notes that while phone companies are doing a good job luring users to new IPTV services, cable operators are doing a better job luring broadband and Internet voice customers. According to the research firm, global IPTV subscribers passed the 50 million mark, while cable operators now stake claim to 100 million broadband subscribers and over 65 million voice subscribers on their networks.

Read more from Karl Bode here ....

Cable Pulling Ahead of Telcos Globally

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National Broadband Map Updated ... Still Omits Real-World Speeds, Price

Back in February the government launched the nation's first ever national broadband map. Unfortunately, the map was met with significant criticism due the fact the data collected from ISPs drastically overstates speeds, doesn't include price, and the map often tells users ISPs serve their area when they don't. While the government insisted the $300 million map would improve given constant updates, the first update to the map since its February launch arrived this week. While the update increases the amount of data collected from 1,650 ISPs to 1,731, the map still appears to have a strong tendency to overstate speeds and hallucinate competitors.

Read more on this observation by Karl Bode here ....

National Broadband Map

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Comcast Metro Ethernet - Now Available!

Comcast is the owner of the country's largest Fiber network and has a large number of lit buildings, including most data centers.

Here are four products available to you (10MB to 10GB):

* Ethernet Dedicated Internet (EDI)

* Ethernet Private Line (EPL)

* Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL)

* Ethernet Data Network / Meshed Network (EDN)

All products are regular, business-grade, symmetric, fiber products built specifically for Enterprise. None of their enterprise traffic touches any piece of their residential network - the two are completely and totally separate. In fact, the Enterprise network is less than 2 years old and has the BEST, NEWEST networking equipment on the market. Their prices are unbelievably inexpensive - in the few quotes we've already run we've seen 1GB pipes go for $5000. Talk about "disruptive"!

To request a fiber quote, simply do so from this website:

Business Ethernet

Comcast can also deliver PRI service over Fiber (customers receive a $100 MRC discount for every PRI over Fiber). Comcast pulls more Fiber than any other carrier in the country, creating new opportunities for your business to save every day.

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Hosted PBX - Good Business Choice?

A hosted PBX solution may not be right for every business application. But if you do your due diligence you may find it's a good business choice for you.

One key is that when you talk about hosted PBX (VoIP) .... it can mean different things to different people.

The intent of hosted PBX / VOIP is to provide the service at a fixed monthly cost rather than taking in the capital cost of a purchased solution. It can also be used to invest in a more feature rich solution than would otherwise be affordable (renting a piece of a very expensive system vs buying a lesser system)

There are two types of hosted providers out there - on premise and off premise. On premise providers bring in the equipment to YOUR site and install it - you just pay for it monthly (think fully managed lease).

Off site providers use private WAN or Internet connections to provide phone services for your organization.

One of the biggest problems you will face with the number of users and simultaneous phone calls will be in the connection between you and the hosted datacenter. With say 200 - 300 phones .... and an average use of 10% for normal businesses .... that's 20-30 phone calls. Depending on the codec in use that's between 900 Kb/s and 2Mb/s. That would only cover 1-2 T1s of usage. Depending on the platform interoffice calls may also be routed via the hosted platform - so that should be a consideration as well. If cost savings is your primary concern - then this could be an issue (depending on the price of bandwidth in your area and whether its on premise or not).

Many organizations can see benefits from hosted including reduced capex, organizational efficiencies, productivity enhancement and much lower maintenance and management costs. However I would caution you to avoid platforms that do not provide QoS throughout the network. There's a big difference between the soho / smb product lines and an enterprise grade service; and QoS over the network (not just the LAN or at the edge) is one of the biggest. Additionally, you should have a consultant perform a LAN assessment to determine the ability of your LAN to handle the VoIP traffic without degradation. It may require upgrades, adding to the expense.

I'll be the first to say that this solution is NOT right for every customer application.

VoIP in all forms is viable depending on the needs of the customer and how it is engineered. There's a difference between enterprise grade and consumer/smb/soho offerings. I suggest you spend some time with a qualified and objective consultant. For a relatively small investment of time they can educate you and help guide you to a decision. For this I suggest you take advantage of the no cost assistance offered through Business VoIP Solution.

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Who Is NetWolves?

NetWolves Corporation is a global telecommunications and Internet managed services providers offering single-source network solutions that provides multi-carrier and multi-vendor implementation to over 1,000 customers worldwide. The Company's principal activity is to design, manage and deliver products and services allowing people and networks to access the Internet and telecommunications networks, efficiently and cost effectively.



What You Should Know About NetWolves



NetWolves is an FCC-licensed and tariffed carrier in all 50 states, offering multiple services on a single invoice. NetWolves has strategic agreements with over 160+ underlying telecommunications providers, including Sprint, Level 3, AGSI, Verizon, Qwest, Covad, Road Runner, Cox, Charter, and Spacenet.



NetWolves provides network security solutions coupled with network management and communication services worldwide. NetWolves operates in three segments: Voice Services, Managed Services Charges, and Equipment and Consulting.



The Voice Services segment provides voice services, including voice over Internet protocol, switched and dedicated inbound/outbound long distance, travel cards, and conference calling data services; and data services comprising IP dedicated and dial-up services, broadband services, frame relay, and private line.



The Managed Services Charges segment provides network and security technology and various recurring managed data services. This segment provides system solutions to organizations needing network security features, such as firewall, virtual private networking, routing, intrusion detection, content filtering, and email.



The Equipment and Consulting segment engages in the design, development, marketing, and support of information delivery hardware products and software, as well as in the provision of consulting services.



To take advantage of what Netwolves has to offer .... simply request more information and a free quote here:



Network Security and Managed Services

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Who Is AccuConference?

AccuConference offers a broad array of tools to meet business needs, from audio conferencing to web and video.



What You Should Know About AccuConference



AccuConference hosts all of their services in house, from sales to technical support, as well as the conferencing products used on a daily basis.



AccuConference has been featured in Forbes Magazine as well as Businessweek and was the 2008 winner of the Telecom Association Member’s Choice for Overall Excellence in Conferencing.



AccuConference product features:



* Multiple Access Codes - Create customized moderator, speaker and participant codes for your conference.



* Multiple Conferences - Setup multiple "rooms" to host different conferences simultaneously and stay organized.



* Call Security/PIN options - Create custom pin codes to increase security and track caller ID's.



* Event Planning - We'll schedule your conference, create custom registration pages, and send email reminders.



* Recording - Digital recording with immediate download, including auto-record options.



* Live call screen - View callers and access moderator controls via the Internet.



* Pre-Conference/ Green Room - Review last-minute details in a private "green room" before starting your conference.



* Lecture Mode - This feature allows you to mute all participants on your call.



* Q & A Controls - Moderate a Question & Answer session when participants "raise their hand."



* Web Conferencing - Share PowerPoint, host a poll and text-chat with participants.



* Blast Dial / Web Out-dial - Invite callers from all over the world to join your call live.



To take advantage of all that AccuConfernce has to offer your business ... simply request more information here:



Audio, Web, and Video Conferencing

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The Basics Of How SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Drives Your VoIP System Design And Function

Hold on to your seat. Finally....here's an explanation of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) in laymans terms. It's pretty basic.... but should be just what you need to understand how this VoIP application fits into your VoIP system design plans and function. After all, not everyone in the business world can talk or understand "techie speak".



SIP - Session Initiation Protocol. It is exactly that - the main purpose of SIP is to set up and tear down media (audio/video/etc data) sessions, and also to manage endpoints and other things.



SIP devices communicate (usually) on UDP port 5060. When one device wants to start a call to another, it sends an INVITE message. Included in this is the SDP, session description protocol, which explains exactly what form the data will take (audio/video/etc, what codec, etc). When they agree and are ready to start exchanging media (data), RTP (realtime transport protocol) is used to actually exchange the data. RTP functions on any range of ports, which are assigned to each endpoint. The endpoints negotiate and choose acceptable ports on each side.



Sip also does a few other thing such as REGISTER. Register allows a SIP device with a dynamic IP to recieve calls. A common use is an ATA (vonage type box) - when you plug it in, it registers to its server, and renews the registration every XXX seconds to keep the server up to date (in case its IP changes).



SIP has a handful of other functions. For example NOTIFY can be used to pass assorted data to an endpoint (many IP phones will reboot when you NOTIFY them with the data 'check-sync'). NOTIFY is also used for MWI. There is also SUBSCRIBE, which allows an extension to subscribe to notifications of the status of a voice mail box (for MWI) or an extension/channel (for BLF....(busy lamp field, the thing which makes a guy's button light up when he is on the phone).



There are a handful of other SIP functions, for example REFER (transfer), BYE (hangup), etc.



SIP has three ways of dealing with DTMF signals sent while the call is in progress:



* Inband- Send the tones as audio in the media stream. Only works with G.711 ulaw/alaw codec, other codecs will distort the DTMF.



* RFC2833- Send the tones out of band but still attached to the audio stream via RTP.



* INFO- send the tones as SIP INFO packets along the control channel.



RFC2833 is probably the most common.



There is also a set of extensions called SIMPLE (Sip Instant Messaging, Presence, and Location Extensions). Put simply, this is a way to use SIP for instant messaging type uses.



SIP does not play nice with NAT routers, mostly because of RTP - the SDP includes the source and destination IP addresses where media should be sent to, which are not always correct.



For example - if you have an ATA behind NAT, it will use its own IP (192.168) when creating the SDP. NAT will correctly translate the header, so the packet is addressed from the network's external IP. However the contents of the packet still have a 192.168 IP as the destination, which the server cannot send media to. This commonly results in calls which work except one or both parties cannot hear each other.



There are two ways to solve this - media gateways (sip-aware router that rewrites the SDP) or more commonly, STUN (Sip Traversal Under NAT). STUN is a protocol which allows a SIP device to, with the help of a STUN server, discover its own external IP and what kind of NAT it is behind. It can then write the SDP correctly and negotiate the RTP session so the NAT will not bother it.



SIP shares many response codes with HTTP. IE- 404=extension not found, 401=unauthorized, etc.



Lastly in case you are ever looking at a SIP transcript - SIP performs authentication (where passwords are used) using digests. Thus, a typical authenticated session looks like this:



device tries to connect (INVITE)....



server responds trying....



server responds 401 unauthorized with some auth info....



device responds OK....



device tries to connect (INVITE) this time with hashed auth data....



server responds trying....



server responds ok (and other phone starts to ring)....



Hopefully the above gives you a basic understanding and arms you with enough to be able to ask the right questions....for the right reasons...at the right time.



For free help finding a SIP solution for your business simply request a no cost quote here: Business VoIP Solution

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Broadband Nation Message on 4G World Conference

For a limited time, DIDXchange invites its clients, vendors, industry friends and partners to attend the 3^rd Annual 4G World Conference and Expo, in Chicago, IL, USA from Oct. 24-27, 2011

Save up to $300 on a four-day conference package, but be sure to use PRIORITY CODE: 4GWMS39 to save an additional $100 off EARLY BIRD prices. Complimentary Expo Pass registration is also available.

4G and the mobile Internet are together the fastest growing technology markets in the world. Tens of billions of dollars are now being invested by hundreds of operators around the globe to deliver next generation mobile networks and applications to billions of users. 4G World is the "must attend" 4G event of 2011.

Sign up to participate and get ready to ask questions, see the latest products, meet key people, and participate in important discussions. Hear from industry leaders - Alvarion, Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks, Sprint, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Intel, Juniper Networks, Qualcomm, Samsung, Verizon Wireless, KDDI, MetroPCS, TDC and others. View our full speaker line-up here: http://www.4gworld.com/4g-speakers/keynote-speakers/

Registration is available now with up to $300 on a four-day conference package, but be sure to use PRIORITY CODE: 4GWMS39 to save an additional $100 off EARLY BIRDprices.

- - Four-day conference program featuring more than 80 interactive sessions and 200+ speakers.

- - Four collocated summits: NFC Summit, 4G Backhaul Summit, Customer Experience Summit, WCAI Spectrum Summit – click here to learn more about the 4G World program: http://www.4gworld.com/program/4g-world-overview/

- - Real-world implementation strategies from more than 30 operators deploying 4G today, including Sprint, Cellcom, KDDI, MetroPCS, Telstra, Verizon Wireless and VIPnet - click here to view our Operator speakers line-up: http://www.4gworld.com/4g-speakers/operator-speakers/

- - 4G World is sponsored by more than 300 of the world's leading companies, associations, media channels and research firms and 100s of exhibitors such as Alvarion, Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks, Samsung, Sprint, Verizon, Acme Packet, Alcatel-Lucent, Ciena, Huawei, Intel, Juniper Networks, DIDXchange, Qualcomm, Airspan, Cavium, Continuous Computing, Exalt, NetLogic Microsystems, NetScout, Sequans Communications, AstraQom, Stoke, Symmetricom, Tekelec and many more!

- The largest global 4G Expo - click here to view 4G World exhibitors: http://www.4gworld.com/exhibitors/

- Best of 4G Awards, presented by Connected Planet- submit today – contest closes Aug. 31! http://www.4gworld.com/press/4g-world-awards/

- 4G World Solutions Theater is where all attendees can access more than 20 of today's leading solution providers every half hour during the expo to learn about the latest 4G and mobile Internet products and services that will drive the new mobile user experience. Click here to view all 4G World special events! http://www.4gworld.com/special-events/

- Internet Cafe and Executive Breakfast hosted by Alvarion and Acme Packet

- 4G Technology Training Programs from Award Solutions and IEEE Communication registration is ready now. 

An audio podcast interview is also available now between Suzanne Bowen, VP of AstraQom and Co-founder of DIDX with Andrew Mitchell, 4GWorld content and program director. Stream it or download it to an mp3 player such as tablets, laptops, iPhones, and more. Available also on iTunes. 

(Suzanne Bowen is also the guest contributor of this blog post. Many thanks to FreedomFire for making the Broadband Nation blog possible.)

Use PRIORITY CODE: 4GWMS39 when you sign up for 4GWorld to save, a limited time available. Complimentary Expo Pass registration is also available. 

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Mobility is here! VoIP for a Global, Mobile Workforce

If you missed the webinar presented by One Source Networks and Sonus Networks about VoIP and Mobility, no need to worry, the on-demand replay is now available! As leaders in the advancement of mobility solutions, One Source Networks and Sonus discuss the realities of today’s IP-based solutions and examin the key enablers of the VoIP movement for the enterprise market.

Now you can listen and view the presentations along with an interactive Q&A session with Gina Nomellini, CMO and  Jeff Betteker, COO of One Source Networks and Mykola Konrad, Director of Enterprise Product Management for Sonus Networks.

That’s not all, One Source Networks is also staying ahead of the game with the recently released White Paper, VoIP for a Global Mobile Workforce and continues to explore this trend. The white paper provides key insights into VoIP products and services that are mobilizing today’s worker.

Click here to receive the full playback of the webinar and click here to receive a copy of the White Paper download. For more information on One Source Networks visit, www.onesourcenetworks.com.

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September Telecom Provider News

Here's the Telecom Provider news for September .....

AboveNet - announced it has connected its fiber optic network into the new Latisys Ashburn Colocation Campus in Virginia, Options Data Centres in London, and the first carrier tenant to reside at TELEHOUSE's new, premium data center facility at 85 10th Avenue, in the Chelsea district of Manhattan.

AT&T - The Federal Communications Commission may continue to monitor AT&T even after the carrier's merger with T-Mobile, suggesting an approved purchase could come with certain conditions. The FCC and Justice Department have signaled they will increase regulation in the telecommunications industry if they approve the merger. The announcement may mean the government may force AT&T and Verizon Wireless to keep their prices from rising to help prevent a duopoly, or even make AT&T sell some of its acquired spectrum to Sprint to keep the underdog company competitive.

Comcast Business Class- Comcast has added Michigan to its list of states - including Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Illinois and Florida -- where the cable ISP is offering services that support the next-generation Internet standard known as IPv6.

Integra Telecom....

* Integra Telecom will leverage Palo Alto Networks' platform to deliver its upcoming Cloud Firewall Service offering, which will include a mix of new security services, including everything from application visibility and control to URL filtering, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), anti-virus, anti-spyware and file/data content filtering.

* Integra Telecom may be a fiber-rich service provider, but since it's not economically feasible to deliver fiber-based Ethernet to every building, it's complementing its fiber network with Ethernet over Copper (EoC).

Level 3 Communications....

* Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Global Crossing announced that, at separate special meetings, stockholders of both companies voted to approve Level 3's proposed acquisition of Global Crossing.

PAETEC - announced that it has successfully provisioned high-rate Ethernet services in excess of 200 megabits per second (Mbps) via its advanced Ethernet-over-Copper (EoC) network.

TelePacific....

* 360networks announced it has completed the deployment of capacity for TelePacific Communications into Chico, California. To support TelePacific's specific capacity and interface requirements, 360networks converted its Chico optical regeneration site into a point of presence (POP) site, able to support the needs of other customers as well.

* TelePacific Communications is launching national MPLS and managed services thanks to its acquisition of Telekenex, which is expected to close in the third quarter.

Time Warner Cable - will buy Insight Communications Co. for $3 billion in cash as it bolsters its presence in the Midwest, the company said Monday. The privately held cable operator serves more than 750,000 customers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. It has about 537,000 high-speed data subscribers, 679,000 video subscribers and 297,000 voice subscribers.

Windstream....

* As Windstream continues its transformation into a broadband and business service provider, it has found another way to give its SMB customers more for their services dollar by upping their respective bandwidth speeds. Under the new speed regime, SMB customers can get their choice of 10 Mbps/2 Mbps, 24 Mbps/2 Mbps, and 24 Mbps/4 Mbps speed tiers.

* Arunas Chesonis, chairman and CEO of Paetec, will exit the company following its planned acquisition by Windstream which, if all goes according to plan, will mean a dramatically expanded service provider led by Jeff Gardner, current Windstream president and CEO.

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