Snap is a cutting edge dialer and call pop up application for Asterisk and other IP PBX's that is flexible and powerful.
Snap works by sending the phone number you wish to dial to your PBX and initiating a call back to your phone. Once your phone rings you pick it up and it will be connected to the number you dialed.
For Outlook users, the call pop-ups are tightly integrated.The flexibility comes from it's Multi-Connection technology. If you travel between work and home, or would like to have seperate settings for different situations then this feature will be extremely useful for you. You simply dial via a different connection by using the "arrow" to the right of the Dial button to access these connections.
The latest version of the product (0.7) adds TAPI (in the Pro version $29.95) and eyeBeam 1.5 integration.
Link to their web site: http://www.snapanumber.com/
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Paragon GSM / WiFi phone launched
Paragon Wireless launched a new GSM / WiFi called 'Hipi'. The new phone is a dual-mode phone that supports GSM (900, 1800 & 1900 MHz), GPRS and WiFi with SIP.
Paragon reports that the phone has been tested in the United States with some 30 different SIP infrastructures and providers.
The phone also sports PDA functionality with e-mail, calendar, a web browser and a camera (1.3 M pixel).
The software in the phone is based on Linux. At its core, the phone utilizes an Intel PXA271 processor.
Battery life was worked on extensively with the phone. Apparently 70 to 100 hours of standby time can be had, even with both radios turned on.
Here are the impressive published specs... http://www.parawireless.com/dmen.htm
Paragon has recently opened an office in Dallas with two employees and has approximately 40 employees in China. http://www.parawireless.com
Paragon reports that the phone has been tested in the United States with some 30 different SIP infrastructures and providers.
The phone also sports PDA functionality with e-mail, calendar, a web browser and a camera (1.3 M pixel).
The software in the phone is based on Linux. At its core, the phone utilizes an Intel PXA271 processor.
Battery life was worked on extensively with the phone. Apparently 70 to 100 hours of standby time can be had, even with both radios turned on.
Here are the impressive published specs... http://www.parawireless.com/dmen.htm
Paragon has recently opened an office in Dallas with two employees and has approximately 40 employees in China. http://www.parawireless.com
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Mitel launches two new phones
After getting beat up a bit in the market for not having any middle of the road 'DESI-less' IP phones, Mitel has introduced their new 5330 and 5340 IP phones. The new phones are attractively designed and will definately help Mitel stand out in the market.
Mitel phones have offered excellent sound quality in their previous models. Looking to raise the bar in audio quality, Mitel has added wide band audio support to both phones. The key is in the new handsets which can operate at 7 Khz.
As typical with all Mitel phones the new phones offer a high quality and solid feel.
Mitel 5330 - No backlight
Mitel 5340 - backlight
Both phones offer the following features:
Mitel phones have offered excellent sound quality in their previous models. Looking to raise the bar in audio quality, Mitel has added wide band audio support to both phones. The key is in the new handsets which can operate at 7 Khz.
As typical with all Mitel phones the new phones offer a high quality and solid feel.
Mitel 5330 - No backlight
Mitel 5340 - backlight
Both phones offer the following features:
- Large graphics display (160 x 320)
- 24 on 5330 and 48 on 5340 Programmable, multi-function, self-labeling keys, provided in three pages of 16 keys each (for one-touch access to speed calls, line appearances, features)
- Wideband Audio Support – ships with a wideband handset (7kz) standard
- Peripherals and modules support: Line Interface Module, IP Conference Unit, Wireless LAN Stand, Gigabit Ethernet Stand
- 13 fixed function keys: Hold, Settings, Message, Speaker, Mute, Transfer / Conference, Redial, Cancel, Volume/Ringing/Contrast Up & Down, Home Page, Previous Page, Next Page
- Six (5340) or Three (5330) context-sensitive softkeys for intuitive feature access
- HTML Desktop Toolkit included for Applications development
- PC Companion Application for easy user programming and key labeling
- Dual mode phone: support for SIP and MiNET protocols
- Handsfree speakerphone operation (full duplex)
- Dual port IP phone (10/100 Mb integrated Ethernet switch)
- Language Support: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch
- 802.3af power compliant (IEEE Standard)
- Supports IEEE 802.1p/q for Voice Quality of Service
- Designed for power conservation: reduces power consumption for overall energy savings
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Polycom Introduces new SoundPoint IP 430
Polycom full-duplex speakerphone and a robust feature set in a two-line phone
In what no doubt is the initial release in a new series of phones, Polycom has introduced the new SoundPoint IP 430. The 430 would be considered a replacement for the SoundPoint IP 300/301.
One of the pieces always missing in the 30X line (and the 50X) was true Power Over Ethernet (802.3af). A special cable had to be purchased with the phone in order to support PoE. This finally has been addressed in the 430.
The IP 430 is an enterprise grade piece of equipment designed for a typical cubicle worker. It has the solid feel that businesses demand and we have come to expect from Polycom. A robust set of features is available on the phone including:
Read more here: http://www.polycom.com/products_services/0,1443,pw-34-182-15672,00.html
In what no doubt is the initial release in a new series of phones, Polycom has introduced the new SoundPoint IP 430. The 430 would be considered a replacement for the SoundPoint IP 300/301.
One of the pieces always missing in the 30X line (and the 50X) was true Power Over Ethernet (802.3af). A special cable had to be purchased with the phone in order to support PoE. This finally has been addressed in the 430.
The IP 430 is an enterprise grade piece of equipment designed for a typical cubicle worker. It has the solid feel that businesses demand and we have come to expect from Polycom. A robust set of features is available on the phone including:
- Full duplex speakerphone featuring Polycom Acoustic Clarity Technology
- Two 10/100 Ethernet Ports
- 2 Lines
- 3 Way Local Conference Calls
- Amplified headset RJ-9 jack
- SIP Protocol
- Call park
- Pick-up
- Hold and transfer
- Shared call / bridged line appearance
- Multiple call appearances
- Presence
- Instant Messaging
- Integration with Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005
- New secure provisioning capabilities
Read more here: http://www.polycom.com/products_services/0,1443,pw-34-182-15672,00.html
Mitel's New IP Phones Based on TI's VoIP Technology
IP-based technology provider Mitel announced on Wednesday that its new suite of IP phones is based on Texas Instruments (TI)'s VoIP technology. The companies' partnership allowed for the integration of TI's TNETV1050 IP phone system with Mitel's (News - Alert) new 5300 series IP phones to deliver real-time access to applications and services, including Web-bed browsing, contact lists, call history logs, amongst others.
Read More: Mitel's New IP Phones Based on TI's VoIP Technology
Read More: Mitel's New IP Phones Based on TI's VoIP Technology
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Hitachi WiFi IP Phones - WIP 5000
Hitachi WiFi IP Phones WIP 5000
I've had one of these for a while and tried it successfully on sipX and Asterisk systems.
The Hitachi WIP 5000 WiFi phone is a nice quality set. It feels solid to the hand and not just like a cheap piece of plastic.
Wireless network setup is not for a noob but not overly difficult. Only open and WEP 64/128 are supported for modes. It would be nice if WPA was also available... most people get turned off when only WEP is supported.
The screen is a monochrome LCD with a backlite. Very easy to read and a reasonable size.
There is a cool optional USB cable available for charging the unit while on the road. There are also extra batteries & carrying case to go with the phone. Batteries are easy to change but a single battery should last most users a full day.
There's also headset jack on the left side of the unit allowing for hands-free operation.
As with any WiFi phone you'll want to watch the number of sets per access point but you should be pretty safe with 5 to 6. If your users aren't that active you can probably get away with more.
I've had one of these for a while and tried it successfully on sipX and Asterisk systems.
The Hitachi WIP 5000 WiFi phone is a nice quality set. It feels solid to the hand and not just like a cheap piece of plastic.
Wireless network setup is not for a noob but not overly difficult. Only open and WEP 64/128 are supported for modes. It would be nice if WPA was also available... most people get turned off when only WEP is supported.The screen is a monochrome LCD with a backlite. Very easy to read and a reasonable size.
There is a cool optional USB cable available for charging the unit while on the road. There are also extra batteries & carrying case to go with the phone. Batteries are easy to change but a single battery should last most users a full day.
There's also headset jack on the left side of the unit allowing for hands-free operation.
As with any WiFi phone you'll want to watch the number of sets per access point but you should be pretty safe with 5 to 6. If your users aren't that active you can probably get away with more.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Counterpath eyeBeam 1.5.5
Counterpath has tweaked their successful eyeBeam 1.1 with a new version 1.5.
Version 1.1 of eyeBeam was a pretty solid product with good support for USB headsets... especially for the uber cool Plantronics CS-50 USB (can answer and hangup calls right from the wireless headset).
There were some minor annoyances however like when you double clicked on one of your contacts it would open up an instant message box instead of dialing the user. That is now a user selectable option in 1.5.5.
Speaking of contacts, the Calls and Contacts "wing" is now cleaned up a bit (call logs are on a separate tab rather than clogging up the Contacts page). Contacts can also now be importand from Outlook .pst files in addition to the .csv and vcard files.
There was also a bug in 1.1 now allowing for Consultative / Warm / Attended (I've seen it called all three) Transfer. This problem is now fixed in version 1.5.5.
The entire Options menu is now cleaned up. Device support seems simpler as does maintaining status messages for presence. Ringtones are now possible (.wav files only).
Another nice new feature is the ability to do Audio, Video & Signaling QOS usinging DSCP/TOS values. We usually setup HP gear in for QOS COS 6 (DSCP 48 is typically where COS6 maps in to by default) and Cisco gear for QOS COS 5 (DSCP 40, that's what Auto QOS does for Cisco phones so I usually just play along...).
One annoying change is that they swapped the buttons for pickup and handup. The green button is now on the left and the red 'hang-up' is now on the right... grrr....
All in all, I'd sait is's a worthwhile upgrade. If you're having issues with things like the Transfer function they'll probably even give you the upgrade for free.... nice folks that they are....
Version 1.1 of eyeBeam was a pretty solid product with good support for USB headsets... especially for the uber cool Plantronics CS-50 USB (can answer and hangup calls right from the wireless headset).
There were some minor annoyances however like when you double clicked on one of your contacts it would open up an instant message box instead of dialing the user. That is now a user selectable option in 1.5.5.
Speaking of contacts, the Calls and Contacts "wing" is now cleaned up a bit (call logs are on a separate tab rather than clogging up the Contacts page). Contacts can also now be importand from Outlook .pst files in addition to the .csv and vcard files.
There was also a bug in 1.1 now allowing for Consultative / Warm / Attended (I've seen it called all three) Transfer. This problem is now fixed in version 1.5.5.
The entire Options menu is now cleaned up. Device support seems simpler as does maintaining status messages for presence. Ringtones are now possible (.wav files only).
Another nice new feature is the ability to do Audio, Video & Signaling QOS usinging DSCP/TOS values. We usually setup HP gear in for QOS COS 6 (DSCP 48 is typically where COS6 maps in to by default) and Cisco gear for QOS COS 5 (DSCP 40, that's what Auto QOS does for Cisco phones so I usually just play along...).
One annoying change is that they swapped the buttons for pickup and handup. The green button is now on the left and the red 'hang-up' is now on the right... grrr....
All in all, I'd sait is's a worthwhile upgrade. If you're having issues with things like the Transfer function they'll probably even give you the upgrade for free.... nice folks that they are....
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Fonality Hud Lite on Trixbox
Finally got Hud Lite working this morning. It should be considered a companion for you desk phone.
It has its own web site at: www.hudlite.org
The trick to making it work is that your devices should all be named SIPx where 'x' is the extension. Also, use your deskphone's extension and SIP password.
The default HUD Lite server password is 'password'. To change it see this post: http://www.hudlite.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=14&forum=1
HUD Pro is only available if you have a Fonality PBX. Apparently it only works with Asterisk 1.09 at the moment. It would be nice if they allowed you to purchase just HUD Pro but I guess they are counting it as one of their PBX's competitive advantages. It is a nice looking product and seems to work very well.
It has its own web site at: www.hudlite.org
The trick to making it work is that your devices should all be named SIPx where 'x' is the extension. Also, use your deskphone's extension and SIP password.
The default HUD Lite server password is 'password'. To change it see this post: http://www.hudlite.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=14&forum=1
HUD Pro is only available if you have a Fonality PBX. Apparently it only works with Asterisk 1.09 at the moment. It would be nice if they allowed you to purchase just HUD Pro but I guess they are counting it as one of their PBX's competitive advantages. It is a nice looking product and seems to work very well.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
trixbox initial impressions
Downloaded trixbox 1.0 on 6/1 and finally had time to install and test it this morning.
The install was very simple on to a system I've had running A@H 1.28 and sipX.
Once the CD installation was complete, logged in as root and ran netconfig to setup an IP address on the system.
From there I was able to hit the box from a web browser on another machine and work with freePBX as in version 1.28 of A@H. Love the new updating options with trixbox and freePBX. Hopefully it is the end of full re-installs. This was one of the big issues I had with the product before. That and the hangup with the Asterisk At Home name.
I like the looks of the new Hud Lite application on the pbx. Still fighting with trying to get it to function as a softphone (not sure if it even can yet). One thing I don't like is that the extensions you want to see in hud lite must be entered in separately from the extensions when setup in freePBX.
I'm also fighting with some call quality issues with Counterpath's eyebeam 1.1 with Asterisk. I had this issue with A@H 1.28 and they continue. The hard phones seem to work fine and eyebeam works fine with the sipX / Pingtel pbx I'm working on.
The install was very simple on to a system I've had running A@H 1.28 and sipX.
Once the CD installation was complete, logged in as root and ran netconfig to setup an IP address on the system.
From there I was able to hit the box from a web browser on another machine and work with freePBX as in version 1.28 of A@H. Love the new updating options with trixbox and freePBX. Hopefully it is the end of full re-installs. This was one of the big issues I had with the product before. That and the hangup with the Asterisk At Home name.
I like the looks of the new Hud Lite application on the pbx. Still fighting with trying to get it to function as a softphone (not sure if it even can yet). One thing I don't like is that the extensions you want to see in hud lite must be entered in separately from the extensions when setup in freePBX.
I'm also fighting with some call quality issues with Counterpath's eyebeam 1.1 with Asterisk. I had this issue with A@H 1.28 and they continue. The hard phones seem to work fine and eyebeam works fine with the sipX / Pingtel pbx I'm working on.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
New Adtran 7000
Adtran rep came into the office to give us a demo on the new 7000 series IP PBX. Seems to be a nice little unit. Support for only up to 50 users but a larger unit for 150 ppl is due out next year.
They are selling re-labeld Polycom phones and Counterpath eyeBeam (no video) for their softphone. They have an Adtran phone they are working on.
The system definately needs some software updates and should be up to speed by the November patch (early December).
The GUI is typical of the entire Adtran switch/router line. Looks pretty nice and easy to use.
See more about it here: http://www.adtran.com/adtranpx/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial?Container=com.webridge.entity.Entity%5bOID%5b666DBE59D3CCEE4B9990879A34E02589
SIP Tapi
Had a customer the other day looking to do pops from Outlook. I found a couple cool products to do this.
Global IP has modified xten Pro a little bit to create a soft phone that has a Tapi driver. They call it X_TAPI Pro. Check it out here: http://www.xten.de/(3n3te155nucgdr2f4tmrcd45)/_Pages/NoFrames/PageBuilder.aspx?content=1aa9a817971e445ea0fe822aa6cebce8
It seems to be able to pop contacts from the user's contacts folder only.
A more interesting product that can work with any Tapi driver is Identapop. Check it out here: http://www.identafone.com/cidpop.html
Identapop can pull contacts no only from your local contacts folder but also from public folders. It also has the ability to log calls to Outlooks Journal for historical call information.
SIP Tapi is an open source TAPI driver that seems to allow outbound dialing only. It can dial any contact in outlook. http://sourceforge.net/projects/siptapi/
Here's a wiki entry on how to setup SIP Tapi with sipxpbx: http://sipx-wiki.calivia.com/index.php/Click-to-Dial_for_Outlook%2C_CardScan%2C_ACT%21_using_SIP_TAPI
Global IP has modified xten Pro a little bit to create a soft phone that has a Tapi driver. They call it X_TAPI Pro. Check it out here: http://www.xten.de/(3n3te155nucgdr2f4tmrcd45)/_Pages/NoFrames/PageBuilder.aspx?content=1aa9a817971e445ea0fe822aa6cebce8
It seems to be able to pop contacts from the user's contacts folder only.
A more interesting product that can work with any Tapi driver is Identapop. Check it out here: http://www.identafone.com/cidpop.html
Identapop can pull contacts no only from your local contacts folder but also from public folders. It also has the ability to log calls to Outlooks Journal for historical call information.
SIP Tapi is an open source TAPI driver that seems to allow outbound dialing only. It can dial any contact in outlook. http://sourceforge.net/projects/siptapi/
Here's a wiki entry on how to setup SIP Tapi with sipxpbx: http://sipx-wiki.calivia.com/index.php/Click-to-Dial_for_Outlook%2C_CardScan%2C_ACT%21_using_SIP_TAPI
Asterisk at Home Changes Name - Now trixbox
Asterisk at Home has changed its name!
The A@H project (formerly at http://asteriskathome.sourceforge.net) is now called trixbox. The new web site is www.trixbox.org.
For those not familliar, this project encompases CentOS Linux, Asterisk, FreePBX (formerly Asterisk Management Portal [AMP]) and a few other pieces of open source software.
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog.
I'll use this space to document my VoIP / IP Telephony research and rantings...
Mike
I'll use this space to document my VoIP / IP Telephony research and rantings...
Mike
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