Brix , Linksys, SunRocket join for automatic VoIP quality monitoring

Brix Networks today announced it is collaborating with Linksys and SunRocket to deliver automated endpoint monitoring for improved quality of experience (QoE) for SunRocket’s customers.

Brix has integrated its service assurance technology with various Linksys SIP-based home networking devices to provide SunRocket with a scalable, real-time service assurance product. The combined solution automates periodic SIP media loopback testing across the entire network, groups, or single subscribers, and also collects, correlates, and analyzes the results to produce actionable information reports. Quality metrics generated include mean opinion score (MOS), latency, jitter, and packet loss.

This automated Brix-Linksys SIP media loopback testing solution continuously verifies the performance and quality of deployed Linksys equipment, and can quickly identify issues that may be occurring between SunRocket’s infrastructure and its members.

Skype moves beyond voice with biz guide and paid advice services

Skype today announced Skype 3.1 for Windows which includes two new services that move Skype into applications beyond voice, video and text communications.

SkypeFind is a new, user-generated guide that lets the worldwide Skype community share, rate and review businesses. Users can add businesses along with a review and rating, search for businesses and place Skype calls to found businesses with the click of a button. Initially, SkypeFind will not allow for paid-for listings.

Skype Prime is a new way for people to sell their expertise, answers and advice to other Skype users. The service consists of Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and includes a "convenient" payment feature. Skype Prime is in Beta and is described as "in the very early stages of its lifecycle". Skype Prime fees are paid using PayPal and subject to a 30% charge by Skype.

Panasonic adds business-focused Wi-Fi Skype phone kit

Panasonic Communications yesterday entered the Skype phone market with a standalone Wi-Fi phone kit aimed at business travelers.

The Panasonic KX-WP1050 Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype is said to be one in a series of planned Skype Certified products.

Vonage calls Verizon's patent suit "frivolous"

Vonage is saying that Verizon's patent lawsuit against the VoIP-telephony giant is "frivolous". The Holmdel, New Jersey-based company vowed to defend itself and added that the lawsuit will not affect operations, no matter what happens.

Apparently Vonage has a large legal warchest and its CEO, Mike Snyder, said that the suit will not hurt the company financially and adds, "Our financial reserves would allow us to continue normal operations regardless of the outcome. In addition, we are confident that regardless of how this litigation is ultimately decided, Vonage's customers will see no change whatsoever to any aspect of their phone service."

Full story on TG Daily.

Gizmo Project adds Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live free calling

SIPphone today announced the launch of its latest desktop VoIP product. Gizmo Project 3.0 adds "meta-voice" capabilities, which enable free calling to Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live users.

The new capabilities allow users to call four of the most popular voice and IM networks with one client for the first time. All calls to Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live, Google Talk, Jabber, and Gizmo Project users are free. Gizmo Project 3.0 users can also call international Yahoo Messenger users for free in France, Spain, and many other countries.

Skype and Symantec partner to offer online security

Skype and Symantec have partnered to offer Norton Internet Security and other security products. The products have been "Skype Certified" and will be available through Skype's website at a "special promotion" price.

Full Story on TG Daily.

Trendnet ClearSky Bluetooth VoIP Conference Phone Kit: Cool looks but lukewarm sound

SIPphone launches free browser-based calling service

SIPphone, the makers of Gizmo Project, today announced the launch of its web-based VoIP product Gizmo Call, which lets people call any type of landline or mobile phone, anywhere in the world, from any web browser, for free.

No registration or account setup is required for five minutes of calling per day. Users can double the time if they register with an email address. Additional calling time is available by purchasing "Call Out" minutes in $10 increments.

Actiontec intros next-gen PBX/Skype gateways

Actiontec Electronics today announced a new generation of VoSKY Exchange, its Skype Certified family of PBX-to-Skype gateways.

VoSKY Exchange is a rack-mountable, PBX voice gateway that adds up to eight outgoing Skype lines to an office PBX without changes to existing PBX or phone equipment.

Vonage launches V-Access

Vonage today announced a new calling option that provides inbound calling to Vonage subscribers for the price of a local call.

V-Access provides an access number that enables anyone to call any Vonage phone number (or an 800-number) without paying long distance or international fees. Vonage subscribers simply need to select a V-Access number to enable the service. Callers then dial the local access number followed by the Vonage subscriber number to complete a call. Callers pay only for the local call.

This service is currently available in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK at no additional charge to Vonage subscribers.