I’m not talking about my Maytag. I’m talking about the product that today is about as pervasive in the open source telephony space as voice itself.

The year was 2004 and I was fresh off a brow-beating from a relative who proudly proclaimed that the Dell tower (Asterisk loaded) I offered up as their new phone system, “was not a phone system” but a PC.

Well that was then. Today appliances are the way most in the open source game are delivering their systems.
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Rhino Debuts Ceros Desktop Telephony Appliance

Distance often makes it difficult to stay in touch. Let alone enjoy some quality “face time” with loved ones.

Heck, with many still hampered financially seeing everyone during over the holiday’s is no sure thing. Flights aren’t getting any cheaper.

But for every problem there’s a solution.

For those who find themselves far away from “home” it’s video calling. The next best thing to being there.

And today video calling got a whole lot cheaper thanks to Grandstream Networks.

Best known for their line of VoIP phones and adapters, Grandstream has announced a new video calling offering that combines two GXV3140 video phones and their built-in IPVideoTalk video calling service to deliver unlimited two-way and three-way video calling.

All for only $499 USD.

No activation fees. No monthly services fees.

Plus the Grandstream GXV3140’s can also be used as a standard VoIP phone, as it’s compatible with most SIP service providers.

It really is a great solution for those who want to see their family, but just can’t get there.

For more information on the Grandstream GXV3i40 video calling bundle drop me a line. Or purchase it directly at VoIP Supply.

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Video call your relatives (for free)

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New Polycom 335 brings HD voice to SMB’s

I doesn’t matter what you call it. It’s here and it’s here to stay.

But where did wideband telephony first emerge? Where are we really at with HD calling today? And most importantly, what does the future for High Definition calling hold for us?

And with Phone.com’s recent announcement of the first ever Hosted HD voice phone network, I thought who better to talk about the past, present and future of wideband telephony than their EVP and CTO Alon Cohen. And I mean that because Alon’s no slouch.

He co-founder VocalTec and is the inventor of the Audio Transceiver that enabled the creation of Voice Over Networks products and eventually the VoIP industry. Told you he’s no slouch

Without further…
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From potential to promise: high definition calling today and tomorrow

Earlier today at the BroadSoft Connections executive conference Aastra formally announced the 6739i, a SIP based color touch screen. The latest desktop VoIP phone to hit the market touting a color touch screen.
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Aastra debuts color touchscreen VoIP phone

Typically when I see news like this I pass. But when I read through the release, I became much more interested.

I became interested in 8×8’s new patent because it could potential impact other VoIP providers and VoIP equipment manufacturers in a major way. I say this because the patent touches upon a commonly used method for setting-up VoIP phones and adapters fro use with their service - auto-provisioning.
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Providers should look into 8×8’s new patent

Announced last week at Astricon, Sangoma’s new B601 series cards are based off the Sangoma B600 series. The B601 series cards feature one T1/E1/J1 digital port, along with four analog FXO ports and one analog FXS port.
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Sangoma releases B601 series connectivity card

Nextiva launches vFAX online fax service

Emerging hosted VoIP provider Nextiva broadened their service portfolio with the announcement of their vFAX online fax service. Online fax services are a great compliment to hosted VoIP, especially in small and distributed office environments.

vFAX is similar to other online fax services like MyFax and eFax.com, but does have a few unique aspects like the ability to use an existing fax machine and Microsoft Outlook Integration. Plus they’re offering lower monthly and per minute charges than competitors.

Recently I reviewed Nextiva’s service after having used it for a few months. It was solid and suspect the same holds true with vFAX. Check out more here.

Vocalocity lowers upfront investment costs for new customers

Fresh off the launch of a new website, Vocalocity has announced some insane price discounts on Linksys phones for new sign-ups on Twitter. With prices starting at just $69.99 new customers can save more than $30 a phone.

That’s some really great savings on a really great line of VoIP phones. Check out their Tweet for more details.

Telesphere nabs another $7M

Okay it’s not a new offering or promotion, but it’s notable that Phoenix based Telesphere secured another $7M in venture financing earlier this month. This brings their total funding to $32 million.

One can definitely take this as an indicator that there’s healthy demand for hosted services from businesses small and large.

Expect this to continue for quite some time. Buyers are starting to spend again, but their still very cautious and price conscience. That fits right into a hosted offering,s value proposition.

Note: Vocalocity is a site sponsor. Seriously though. It’s a great promotion.

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Some quick hosted VoIP notables

The answer was always the same, “Well, you can’t really. Some times it works. And most of the time it seems it doesn’t.”

That was over six years ago.
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Reliable Fax over IP

Wow. Thanks for the kind words Tshai.

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“Garrett Smith’s blog should be mandatory reading for those interested in VoIP”