The First Windows Phone SIP Client Hits Marketplace: MobileVoip App IS Tied To Service, But Voip is on Wp7

It appears that the first Voip over GSM/Wifi has made its way onto Windows Phone. I haven’t tested the product and it IS only available to use with select service providers. Also it is specifically notated as BETA. But what is interesting is that a SIP softphone app is now on Windows Phone, so we know its possible. And I expect other vendors are some where nearby hatching plans to release their own SIP/VoIP client. (perhaps even an open SIP client?) Here is what MobileVoip says about app:

MobileVoip offers free 3G or WiFi calls for Windows Phone 7, Android, Symbian and iPhone users!

If I am incorrect that this is the first VoIP over 3G/Wifi, please let me know via a comment or @matthewlandis on twitter.

Sources:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/4b71bdeb-8df6-444f-a611-33b58e205efd
http://www.mobilevoip.com/help/

Quality Level: Hobbyist.

Jitsi (aka SIP Communicator) Makes Strides: Video, IM, Desktop Sharing & Conferece

Last night I spent a little time revisiting SIP Communicator (now renamed Jitsi). This is a multiplatform, opensource SIP client. I'm impressed at the progress it has made since my last visit! I did only the most basic tests but it seems to work! And it has some impressive features:

• Video Calls (263/264)
• SIP Instant Message
• Desktop Sharing
• Voice Conference
• Multiplatform IM Support (Gmail/Yahoo/Etc)

I did some tests using snom ONE SIP pbx and was surprised what all worked! Video call, SIP instant message and desktop sharing seemed to work with out much fiddling. (all media needs to be started after call in progress) I wasn't quite sure how to get SIP presence going in my quick test.

http://www.jitsi.org/index.php/Main/HomePage
http://www.jitsi.org/index.php/Development/Roadmap

Tip: Use the Polycom CX300/ Plantronics P540 USB Handset With Your Favorite IP PBX

An alert reader brought my attention to the fact that the Polycom CX300/Plantronics P540 can be used used with Counterpath's Bria softphone as a USB/PC/Softphone combination. You get both the benefits of a softphone (tight pc integration like click to dial) with the ability to just pick-up a phone call. Very interesting.

Below are comments:

I am not using the unit in combination with OCS but with Bria from Counterpath. In Bria all buttons are functional and the device is a good alternative to a hardphone. I use it in combination with an open-source SIP server.

Also, consider replacing the Polycom CX300 by Plantronics P540 because the Plantronics does Echo Cancellation, the Polycom relies on software to do it. I understood from Counterpath that the equal Plantronics P540, running firmware 01.10.6.12 has no echo problems.

One of the problems with a hardware based-phone is that it is still a bit hard to interact with the desk phone from your PC. Too hard/complex in my opinion. For example click to dial and smoothly discovering phone features (phone system and phone handset features). I think something like the Plantronics P540 combined with Counterpath's Bria may help to improve this. But the problem of a rebooting PC making the phone inoperable still exists.

I think perhaps the best solution would be a computer based "desk phone helper" application that brings a layer that makes the desk phone & phone system easier to use. Also, with this method the deskphone keeps working if there is no PC running--it just looses a layer of ease of use.

We are currently working on a desk phone helper application for snom phones that makes finding and using a lot of the cool features in your IP phone system easier for all users. For example: with snom ONE IP PBX to transfer a call to another extension's voicemail you need to dial on the phone, then prefix the extension the call is headed to with <8>, then dial the extension # and finally hit . With our helper application this becomes: select extension call is going to and click . This is much easier, requires no manual to figure out the star code and ANY user from day one can remember how to do it. This is just one example: most IP PBX's have a lot of star codes combinations you need to remember that no normal phone user can remember. This project is currently a research project but if you have interest your welcome to email us. (click on contact above)

Below is my quick video review of the Polycom CX300/Plantronics P540 I did a while back:
 

Do you think phone handset makers need to do better at making phone system features discoverable? I'd like to hear you input!

Free 3CX SIP SoftPhone for Windows Gets New Features & Fixes in RC1

3CX has update their free SIP soft phone for Windows. The 3CX phone is a dial pad centric SIP soft phone that works with any standard SIP PBX as well as 3CX's own IP PBX. Since it is free there is no G729 but otherwise it has a nice set of features.

One of the interesting feature adds is BLF. They have also added the ability to copy and paste phone number into the soft phone. It also appears that Jabra headsets will now work with the 3CX phone. There are also some bug fixes and usability enhancements. Take a look at this soft phone.

Just a plug for those who may not know that I've co-written a book on the 3CX phone system. You can take a look and order it here. Also at our company we do phone system consulting so if your looking for assistance give us a call by the contact information at the top of this blog.

Read More on 3CX's Blog:
http://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/new-3cxphone-5-rc1/

Blink: Free, High Quality, Multi-Platform SIP Client to be Released for Windows

If you are looking for a free, multi-platform, multi-modal, contact-centric SIP client with a solid SIP stack and refined user interface--look no further than Blink.

Blink also does conference calls, multiple simultaneous conferences, excellent multiple call handing, HD voice and Google contacts integration. Blink has a features call "bonjour" that allows people on the same network to communicate without a SIP server involved! (simple in house survivability?) Oh, I almost forgot that is has client call recording. To top everything off Blink has a very refined UI and even the sounds are very elegant and provide excellent feedback.

Here is my quick look at the beta of Blink for Windows:



There have also been hints by a Blink insider that there may be a mobile edition on the roadmap. No promises there.

The Blink SIP client combined with snom ONE small business phone system can make an entirely free and extremely high quality phone system. AG Projects (maker of Blink) will also host the back end SIP server for you.

Watch for the soon coming release of Blink for Windows:
www.icanblink.com

Twitter Blink for Windows Announcement:
http://twitter.com/agprojects/status/26938254867

RFID, SIP Phone, XML & Windows PBX Makes Interesting Mashups Possible!

I think the integration of phone systems and business managment software is still WAY too seperated. In the quick video below cingusoft show an interesting possibilty using a $80 RFID reader, an XML enabled SIP phone and a Windows PC. (ignore the corny introduction)

Let this example get your creative side pondering.



I know a while back I talked to a 3CX VAR who was working on a hospital phone system that would locate personnel via RFID and ring the nearest extension to them! Interesting possibilities with these kind of mashups.

Where to get RFID stuff:
http://www.phidgets.com/index.php
http://intelleflex.com/Products.DevelopersKit.asp

Windows Phone System pbxnsip Now Integrates with Exchange, OCS & SQL: Partner Introduces CDR to Microsoft SQL

I've said it before on this blog: a Windows communication solution should integrate well with the Microsoft stack of solutions: Exchange, SQL & Office Communication Server (aka Communication Server). A pbxnsip partner has added MS SQL integration so that  now integrates pbxnsip with Microsoft's big three server products. That is an accomplishment.

Why is Microsoft SQL integration so important to a Windows communication solution?

#1 Windows experts implementing Windows communication soltution are very likely to already be familiar with MS SQL to a lesser or greater degree. We, for example, are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and already find ourselves needing MS SQL proficiency for other products like Dynamics and customer line of business applications so we have Microsoft SQL certified individuals on staff.

#2 reason is that Microsoft SQL Express is free! That is right. Many people have this mistaken idea that a solution based on MS SQL will be expensive and require licensing. For most small business SQL Express will be a fine solution. If you have high demand and requirements full SQL is waiting in the wings.

#3 reason is that Microsoft SQL includes an incredible, free report designer and engine that is just--phenomenal. Create meaniful charts, simple drill-downs and have them viewable using a browser.

Some people may not want to worry about the rest of the Microsoft "stack". Don't worry-- pbxnsip will run just fine by itself. In fact it will run just fine and consume minimum resources on your physical or virtual server: a 15 user systems can run on 50MB of RAM!

The pbxnsip to Microsoft SQL option can be had for approx. $200/yr USD. Talk to Top Systems at:

http://www.topsystem.be/fr/pbxnsip.press.en.aspx

To read more:
http://forum.pbxnsip.com/index.php?showtopic=3645&hl=

Blink: The Best SIP Client in the World?--First Screenshots of Windows Version!

Blink is a SIP client you shouldn't miss! Refined, Opensource, great features and FREE! Currently there is a Mac version and a Windows version is due "soon".

To see more screenshots:

http://icanblink.com/screenshots-ms.phtml

Running on Win7:
http://twitpic.com/202j52

Read my interview with AG Projects/Blink CEO:
http://windowspbx.blogspot.com/2010/06/blink-sip-client-for-masses-that-takes.html

Blink: A SIP Client for the Masses? (That Takes Out Communicator and Skype With One Swipe?)

A little while ago I was looking for a SIP client that included desktop sharing ability along with voice. After using Microsoft Communicator's increadibly smooth-to-use desktop sharing feature for a couple weeks I was hooked on 1-click desktop sharing integrated into the client. Since we sell and implement a SIP based phone system (pbxnsip) I thought it would be great to have a Windows-base SIP client with features like Communicator. You know--there are not too many SIP clients that do desktop sharing? Well, in my search I stumbled across the Mac-based Blink. The website advertised "Windows version coming soon!" So I couldn't ignore! But I must admit I got sidetracked from the desktop sharing feature after looking at this impressive SIP client!  

What is so Impressive About Blink? 

The level of attention to detail is hard to miss: The GUI is crisp, clean, and works very naturally and intuitively. (The UI is very similar to Office Communicator but, If I remember correctly, Ag Projects CEO said he hasn't even seen Communicator!) Even the audio sounds and feedback is just elegant. Secondly you can just start using Blink and do quite complex things without a help file: such as start a multi-party voice conference using drag and drop! This ability to "surface" functionality is something that I think is so important-- and Blink seems to get that. Blink also has a bunch of distinctive features: HD Audio, multi-party audio conference (which lets you easily do things like mute a conference caller with a single click and more), handle multiple audio conferences at the same time, multi-party Instant Message, Desktop Sharing and more. Finally, Blink is a based on the very solid SIP Simple SDK so it is very stable and new features can easily be implemented. And remember all this comes for FREE. 

An Interview with Blink CEO, Adrian Georgescu  

I actually got a MacBook just to test Blink! (well actually, it was the last straw...I already had decided it was time to test a Mac!) After testing Blink I was as impressed with the actual product as I was with the website feature list and screen shots and had some more questions about the product. Adrian Georgescu the CEO of AG Projects, which is the maker of Blink, generously setup a demo and time to talk. 

Matt: What is the goal for Blink? 

Adrian: Ease of use is #1 goal. When my father can use it we achieved a major milestone...We are after a 1 click install experience. We aim to have a product that is easy to setup and use by regular consumers without knowledge in the underlying technology. The same software is however flexible enough to provide a powerful communication tool for the more advanced users. 

Matt: Blink Looks Like Office Communicator. Is that who you are after? 

Adrian: Actually I have never seen Communicator. No. We see Blink as a SIP based Skype alternative. Blink can be used as a SIP endpoint for any SIP based solution. Secondly, we have the whole back end SIP infrastructure to provide a fully blown service that scales to serve millions of users. We are able to provide a complete turn-key solution to operators who wish to provide a SIP service.

Matt: With all the buzz around social networking do you plan to add that into Blink? 

Adrian: Do what you do good. We don't see this as a differentiating feature, we wish to stick to our core competence and build the best SIP client in the world rather than an average, do it all general-purpose client. Others, can certainly contribute if they want and extend it. The Open Source code is available at http://icanblink.com/download.phtml.

Matt: Do you plan a mobile edition? 

Adrian: At this moment we study what option offers a future-proof path. Nothing decided yet, mobile world is right now going through major changes and APIs are changing very often. 

Matt: I understand Blink was started in Dec 1, 2009. Do you feel Blink is stable? 

Adrian:  We believe is very stable. There is a very strong foundation under Blink. It is based on a proven SDK. We have been in the SIP business since 2002 and we have been successful in writing code that resists time...no wasted code so far.

Matt: I'm interested in the Windows version of Blink. Will features like desktop sharing be taken out of Windows edition of Blink? 

Adrian: No worries. Desktop sharing in Blink is using VNC and it will be working in Windows too.

Matt: Video is currently not in Blink. Why not and will that be a big undertaking? 

Adrian: There is a very strong foundation under Blink...new features do not require a new foundation. Blink supports SIP in general-not just voice/voip. The ability to add media types is easy-- would estimate is little effort to add video. Our efforts now are directed to porting Blink to Windows and Linux, video will be added after this milestone is reached. It is also the right moment because of the VP8 royalty free codec provided by Google. This matches better the Blink DNA...

Matt: Any final comments? 

Adrian: We are making an easy to use client for the masses that will be a future proof product based on SIP. We will be presenting the product in the coming months. We expect it to increase uptake on Windows version. If you own a Mac I would suggest you head right over to http://icanblink.com and test drive Blink. If not, keep an eye on Blink's website.

ps-- Keep your eye on this SIP client because it is going places. The Windows edition is just around the corner. Also, did I hear somewhere that Blink is shooting for world domination? ;-) 

is-phone Videoconferencing SIP Softphone

Video of a SIP soft phone that appears to video conference pretty nicely. But can a mere mortal buy it? I'm not sure. ;-)

MSI in the Voip Deskphone Business?! Will Android Be Your Next Deskphone?!

I just saw this while browsing around! MSI making a voip deskphone? Who next? ;-)

And Android?!

Application Perfectly Merges Deskphone and Computer: Flexor Onscreen

I don’t have a lot of time to write a lengthly article but here is the short version. What is unique about this tool is that whether you initiate a call from the deskphone or PC, the experience is the same.

Most pbx's (3cx, pbxnsip, others) do not provide a smooth way to show presence across several pbx servers. This solution solves that problem while adding other features as well.

Some of the features:

Excellent Dynamics CRM, MS Outlook & Salesforce Call Pop Integration

Multi-location presence without a server

Simple Instant Message between multiple locations

Drag and drop call transfer

Click to dial from website using SIP: embedding

This is the most natural integration of deskphone and PC I’ve ever seen to date at an affordable price without a lot of infrastructure. Approximate cost is $85 per pc.

Note: we are using snom deskphones which may have better integration than some other sip deskphones.

Windows Phone Systems and Mac: Making Them Co-Exist Peacefully

I have a huge confession and I'm just going to break the news and get it over with: I got a MacBook.

I just returned from Microsoft Convergence and had numerous people that saw me using my Macbook ask me: They let you in with that thing?! I'm telling everyone it is a research project--which it is. I wanted to get the Mac purchasing experience. (quite good) I wanted to see how hot this Mac stuff is. (answer=kind cool) What runs on it? (answer=lot of stuff) Do they crash? (answer=yes) Will they take over the world? (answer=no).

But what about Mac working with Windows based phone systems like 3CX, pbxnsip and Netvanta? Actually the story is pretty good. We'll look at several points:

• dial pad SIP phone for Mac
• contact list SIP client for Mac
• OCS and MSN client for Mac
• Attendent Console for Mac
• and...gasp...Phone System for Mac!

The first thing we need is a good SIP client or SIP phone. The industry standard X-lite works like a charm (like it always does). It provides a great traditional phone form factor softphone that does voice, video, presence and SMS instant message.



Another MAC SIP client that is more of a contact centric (communicator-esque) layout is a less know product called Blink. This is an incredibly well done product that you can NOT overlook. Attention to detail is incredible on this product. It also has very good multi-party voice conference which is the best I've seen anywhere. It also has screen sharing, file sharing, SMS and session Instant Messaging. The URL to this product you must see: http://www.icanblink.com/.



What about Microsoft Office Communication Server (aka Microsoft Communication Server) and Mac? Don't worry, you are covered and, incredibly, Microsoft Messenger for Mac even has some features not found on Windows!! Astoundingly, if not maddeningly, Microsoft Messenger not only works with OCS but also works with as a Live Messenger client...at the same time...effectively making federation to MSN much less important.



Boy, does everything just work on Mac?! SURELY there won't be an Attendant Console that works on Mac? Well, kinda. The Windows based pbxnsip IP PBX has an Attendant Console that is entirely a web page so it works on Mac Safari browser just as good as IE. Ahem. Drag and drop, click to dial, join a conference, see who is in a conference, see, listen, delete voicemail, set receptionist phone to Unavailable, and user presence. Wow.



Okay, now I need to pause and see if I can bring myself to say this next item. May I talk about a Mac based IP PBX on a Windows PBX blog? ;-) Okay here it goes: there is even a IP PBX that runs on Mac. pbxnsip is a cross platform Phone system that runs on Windows, Linux, PlugComputer, and, yes, even a Mac. I'm not a Mac guru but if you want a very good pbx that runs on Mac--pbxnsip da man. Here is the link: http://www.pbxnsip.com/phone-system/why-apple-mac-ip-pbx.php You can also click on pbxnsip on the categories of my blog.



Is there anything a Mac won't do? (yes, log into MS Small Business Server Remote Web Workplace, run MS Onenote...and more... )


3cx and Mac

snom Introduces Vision Product:

snom introduces a unique SIP device that has 16 programmable bi-color keys, 4.3” touch screen with 24bit color depth, and can be used in conjunction with a snom 8xx series phone or totally by itself as a IP control device!

The control device makes this a unique device. It could be used to do remote door controller, provide one-way video viewing for remote cameras and since it has a built-in Http it could provide control capabilities for all kinds of things. Think: Timeclock? Security system? Another interesting development.

Read More At:
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/03/22/4684430.htm

Opensource "SIP Communicator" to Bring OCS Like Features to SIP IP PBX World?

A couple months ago I took a look at the Opensource project called SIP Communicator. It's goals looked interesting but I couldn't even get the product to register to my SIP PBX so I moved on.

Just this weekend in my effort to find a rich, collaboration oriented SIP client--I ran across the SIP Communicator product again--And this time it got my attention! First I could make a call and IM. (big strides there). It also has gotten some pretty impressive features: desktop streaming and computer audio call conferencing...and more. (see who is speaking, mute the noisy person with a click!). One last thing is the UI got totally refresh that looks more pleasing to me. (actually it has taken on similarities in design to the MS Office Communicator!)

Some of the computer based collaborative features is what makes OCS just shine and if the IP PBX's don't get moving will make them irrelevant. Some of the collaboration features that typicall PBX phone systems lack is:

-Desktop sharing
-Computer controlled audio/video conference (mute that loud breather)
-Rich Presence
-Video calling
-Multi-Person Video Conference
-Full featured Internal/Biz/Secure IM
-Public IM Interoperability (MSN, Gmail)
-Social Network Integration (facebook)

Most of the items on this list the SIP Communicator either has done or has it on the roadmap for not that distant future.

This project has made huge strides since I last looked at it. It is still "unstable" but looks like it is getting closer to version 1.0. SIP Communicator is not doing a great job of communicating what they are doing and there isn't even a basic User Manual. But if SIP Communicator " can deliver the goods", this product is one for Windows (or any! Linux, Mac, Android) phone system people to watch closely.

I don't think the PBX world should pooh-pooh Microsoft's Gurdeep's claim of no deskphone too loudly. The power of a rich PC Client app deeply integrating communication and collaboration activities is very powerful indeed.

Maybe the SIP based PBX can still close the "collaboration features" gap with OCS yet? If OCS gets more PBX features--PBX's sure better get more collaboration features. Maybe the OCS / PBX battle isn't over? ;-)

Click Here to Goto the SIP Communicator Website.
Click Here to Download SIP Communicator for Windows

ps-If you know of a commercial SIP client with the above features I would love to hear from you. Please email me or comment below.

The Favorite Free SIP Softphone Among Windows Admins Is the 3CX SoftPhone and Counterpath's X-Lite

The 3CX Softphone and X-lite ran neck to neck in this most popular-to-date survey we'ved run with 3CX inching just a little ahead in the end. All other softphone seems to have an inconsequential amount of votes. What do people like about these phones?

3CX
-Integrates tightly with the 3CX Phone System
-Integrates with the 3CX Call Assistant
-Incoming call pop capability
-The iPod like interface?

X-Lite
-Product has been around
-Video support
-SIP Instant Message client built right into the softphone
-Standard SIP Presence right on the softphone
-Conference call

Also here is an article about 20 Free SIP Softphones!
http://blog.voipsupply.com/free-sip-softphone-roundup

Thanks for all your input!

pbxnsip Releases Paging and Music on Hold Application

This application allows you to stream music on hold to your PBX that accepts RTP music input. I haven’t gotten the chance to look at it yet but here are the links.

Manual
https://www.pbxnsipsupport.com/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=viewdownload&downloaditemid=106

Application download:
http://pbxnsip.com/download/pagmoh/pagmohinstaller.zip

3CX VoIP Phone To Get Video Capability

Vali over at 3CX noted that development has begun on video functionality for the 3CX VoIP Phone. If you have good ideas for the engineers over 3CX browse over to:

http://www.3cx.com/forums/3cxphone-video-support-features-12890.html

If you need video conferencing right now the X-Lite version 3 (free) does do video right now with 3CX and pbxnsip. You do need to start the video call after the call is in progress.

Free Office Communicator Addon:5 Minute OCS Integration With Any SIP Based Based IP PBX!

Watch as I setup integration from snom SIP phone to OCS in 5 minutes.
I'm impressed!

(Note that while this version integrates to snom phones, in theory this type of integration could work with any SIP phone, according to addon maker SINC)



http://www.youtube.com/user/landiscomputer#p/a/u/0/FJM4LjuRdSA

OCS to SIP Phone Integration (OCS/PBX Integration Lite?)

Jan Boguslawski, over at http://ocsphoneguy.blogspot.com/, draws our attention to an incredible FREE OCS to SIP Phone integration. This integration allows you to connect Office Communicator to a SIP phone to make PBX calls directly from Communicator! While this integration is with snom phones something like this could be done with other standard SIP phones also.

Jan is very passionate and knowledgeable about OCS and I recommend you checkout his blog:
http://ocsphoneguy.blogspot.com/2009/10/scupa-remote-call-control-for-none.html

Here is the company website directly:
http://sinc.de/en/solutions/scupa/features.html