CI Gear Tech Blog: VoIP, UC, Response Point, Asterisk, 3CX

In tough economic times, many businesses are looking to cut or delay big ticket purchases like a new phone system. Enabling an older phone system to integrate with Skype can breathe new life into old technology by delivering new features and cost savings without an expensive forklift replacement. Skype gateways can do just that by seamlessly connecting your existing phone system to Skype - the world’s largest free VoIP network.

Some benefits:

Check out our Skype Gateways page.

Tags: Gateways, PBX, Phone System, Skype, VoiceGear, VoIP, VoSky

The Sutus Business Central 200 or BC200 is way more than a phone system. It offers an integrated solution to small business IT and communications. The BC200 server includes: phone system, file server, email server, router, firewall, wireless access point, VPN remote access server, automated backups, VoIP and Standard phone line support and more. The BC200 is a complete IT and communication solution for up to 25 users.

Cost Savings: Compared to buying components separately, the BC200, being a single appliance, dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership including purchase, training, support, ongoing maintenance, and upgrade costs.

Simple and Easy to support: The BC200 delivers advanced management functionality for all the integrated applications in a single, workflow-based interface. The BC200 is secure and easy to support - with remote management and upgrades.

What’s required? The Business Central solution comes in a compact bundle consisting of the BC200 server/router and a PSTN gateway (The Gateway 310). The only other parts required are Polycom IP phones. The BC200 works with Windows, Mac and Linux environments. You can continue to use the email and file browsing applications you are familiar with.

Key Features

Here are some of the important features of the Business Central 200:

Phone Services

• Enterprise Class Telephone Support
• Voicemail to Email
• Auto Attendent
• Standard Phone Line Support
• VoIP Phone Line Support
• Shared Call Groups
• Custom Call Routing
• Hold, Transfer, Speed Dial, Conferencing
• Audio on Hold
• Program quick dial numbers for your Polycom phone through a web browser

Network Infrastructure

• WiFi Wireless Access Point 802.11 b/g
• 8 Port PoE 10/100 Router
• NAT + SPI Firewall
• VPN Remote Access
• Intelligent Fax Routing
• GigE 10/100/1000 Expansion Port
• Domain Controller
• Standards Based Infrastructure

Data Services

• File Server
• Email Server
• Robust, Journaled File System
• Secure file storage for users and groups
• Automated Backups
• RAID 1 (Disk Mirroring) Support
• 2 X 250Gb Hard Drives
• Intranet Server

Security

• NAT
• Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall
• Secure IMAP Client Support
• Secure SMTP Email Support
• Single Services Sign On
• Robust Reboot and Recovery

Here are some interesting product reviews to check out:

Dec 2008: ITBusinessEdge – Sutus Product Review

Nov 2008: GetConnected – Sutus Product Review

Nov 2008: ISP-Planet - A Small Business VoIP Box

Sutus Business Central BC200 is available through CI Gear. For more product information or to purchase a BC200, visit:

http://www.cigear.com/sutus-phonedatanetwork-system-c-156.html

Tags: Asterisk, Backup, BC200, Business Central, Email, File Server, Firewall, Gateway 310, PBX, Phone System, POE, Polycom, RAID, Router, Sutus, Switch, VoIP, VPN, Wi-Fi

3CX just announced the release of Version 7.1 of their software phone system for Windows. The main feature with v7.1 is the inclusion of 3CX Personal Phone Assistant for ALL users.

3CX Phone System for Windows 7.1 includes 3CX Assistant, a desktop utility that drastically improves phone usability and user productivity. 3CX Assistant offers extension users an easy way to transfer, divert, launch or park calls - via “drag and drop” rather then via a cryptic phone interface. In addition 3CX Assistant offers unified communications features such as extension status (presence) of other users and Call Queue information. It works in tandem with existing IP phones, soft phones and analog phones!

3CX Assistant features at a glance:

• Transfer, Divert or Park calls with a mouse click or via “Drag and Drop”
• See status of other extensions and avoid “Telephone Tag”
• Notification upon receiving a new voice mail message
• View number of callers in a Queue
• Pick – up calls waiting in the Queue
• See which agents are logged on or on a call
• Login/Logout to/from Queues
• Set user status to away/available

To get your 3CX license, go to our 3CX product page

Tags: 3CX, Drag and Drop, HUD, Microsoft, PBX, Phone Assistant, Phone System, Windows

I’m writing this in part with selfish motives since we get asked this question several times per week both by users of Aastra’s SIP standard IP Phones as well as by users of Aastra Response Point IP Phones. Hopefully, this information will make it easier for users to find a headset to work with their Aastra IP Phones.

The source of this list is Aastra Telecom Inc. The general headset requirement for Aastra IP Phones is that they require non-amplified headsets with an RJ22 connector. Aastra has been kind enough to test some popular models and provide us with a list to make life easier. The list starts with a disclaimer so here it goes:

USING THIRD-PARTY HEADSETS WITH AASTRA IP PHONES

While Aastra does perform basic functional testing of the third-party headsets listed below, it is ultimately
the customer’s responsibility to test these devices in their own environment to determine suitable
performance.

Due to the many inherent environmental and hardware inconsistencies in the locations where these
phones can be used, there is not a single “best” headset that is optimal for all environments.

Before customers begin deploying any headsets, Aastra recommends thorough testing at the customer
site to check for acceptable voice quality in the specific deployment environment.

Recommended headsets for use with Aastra IP Phones

GN Netcom GN2110ST (P/N:01-0241)
GN Netcom GN2120NC (P/N: 01-0243)
GN Netcom GN 2127 NC (P/N: 01-0331)
GN Netcom GN9120 (P/N: 9120-28-05)
GN Netcom GN2120NC (P/N: 01-0243)
GN Netcom GN9350  (P/N: 9326-607-105)
Wired headsets require a Modular to GN Netcom quick disconnect cable (P/N: 1003945). Please
check the manufacturer website for detailed information.

Plantronics H251N (P/N: 27190-01)
Plantronics HW251 (P/N: 73838-01)
Plantronics P251-U10P (P/N: 64392-01)
Plantronics CS70N (P/N: 70450-06 )
Plantronics 510SL (P/N: 72273-01)
Wired headsets require a Modular to Plantronics quick disconnect A10 cable (P/N 66268-01).
Please check the manufacturer website for a full cable compatibility list.

Sennheiser SH330 (P/N: 5354)
Requires a Sennheiser quick disconnect CSTD01 Cable (P/N:5362)

Notes:

Netcom GN2120NC:
• Users must use switch positions 1 or 7 for this headset.  Using position 7 will increase the
microphone sensitivity by 6dB (louder to the far end person).

Plantronics H251N:
• Recommend users set the IP Phone headset microphone gain to “High” via the Options menu.
• This headset has a high receiving volume and requires users to use lower volume settings on
their IP Phone.

Plantronics HW251:
• Recommend users set the IP Phone headset microphone gain to “High” via the Options menu.
• This headset has a high receiving volume and requires users to use lower volume settings on
their IP Phone.

Plantronics P251N-U10P
• This headset has a high receiving volume and requires users to use lower volume settings on
their IP Phone.

Plantronics CS70N:
• Recommend users switch the base to setting B or C with the IP phone headset microphone gain
set to “High” or “Low” respectively.
• Users should also set the switch at base back to position 4 and adjusting the headset volume as
desired.

Plantronics 510/SL:
• Recommend users switch the base to setting B or C with the IP phone headset microphone gain
set to “High” or “Low” respectively.
• Users should also set the switch at base back to position 4 and adjusting the headset volume as
desired.

If you are looking for where to buy, most of these models are available on our online store. Here’s a link:

http://www.cigear.com/accessories-headsets-c-173_102.html

Tags: Aastra, Bluetooth, DECT, GN, Headsets, IP Phone, Jabra, Netcom, Plantronics, Response Point, Sennheiser, VoIP, Wired, Wireless

Microsoft Response Point SP2 Upgrade Procedure for Syspine base unit, IP Phone 310 and Aastra phones

(Please note that the procedure is available at http://www.syspine.com/download/sp2.html)

1. Download and install Microsoft Response Point 1.0 Service Pack 2 from Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/responsepoint/SP2/default.aspx
2. Start RP Administrator and upgrade the base unit.
3. Upgrade Syspine Base Unit OEM Firmware
4. Upgrade Syspine ATA Firmware
5. Upgrade Syspine Phones firmware
6. Upgrade Aastra Phones firmware

The base unit upgrade process can take approximately 30 minutes including RP2 installation, base unit, and ATA. It is recommended you do the upgrade after office hours. Phones can be upgrade even during office hours doing them one by one so all other phones keep on working.

Assuming that you already have SP1 installed, the upgrading files and guide for No.2, No.3 and No.4 are available at:  http://www.syspine.com/download/sp2_step3.html

Aastra phones latest firmware can be downloaded from aastralinkrp.com or http://www.aastratelecom.com/cps/rde/xchg/03/hs.xsl/28250.htm

As of date, the current firmware file versions are:

Syspine Base Unit OEM/Web Version File:    OEM_OEMUpdate-01.01.02.bin
Syspine ATA Firmware File:    oem_ATA_1.2.14.binz.gz
Syspine Phone Firmware File:  1.1.2.5 (use ResponsePointUpgrade.rpu)
Aastra Phones Firmware File: ftp://216.94.98.106/Downloads/Firmware/RP_phones_71-001055-00_REV11_2.4.1_rp.1009.zip

If you have any kind of difficulty, you can contact us by email or phone (09:00-18:00 EST)

Tags: Aastra, firmware, IP Phone 310, Microsofto Response Point, MSRP, Response Point, RP, RP SP2, SP2, Syspine, Upgrade

Microsoft released SP2 for Microsoft Response Point today.

The New Feature of MSRP SP2 are listed below:

1. Intercom: Make 2-way intercom calls or send 1-way pages to individuals or groups using the intercom system.
2. Customizable After-Hours Schedule: Schedule the Automated Receptionist to handle calls afterhours, on holidays, and during business closures.
3. VPN Access: Enable VPN access so that people can use the phone system from remote networks.
4. Customizable URLs in Notification Windows: Integrate with 3rd-party applications to customize the links that appear inside incoming call notifications.
5. VoIP Gateway Device: Configure VoIP service with an on-premise gateway device that helps improve service quality.
6. Automatic Parked-Call Return: Have callers waiting in park for 3 minutes automatically returned to the person who originally handled the call.
7. Digital Service: Configure voice service with a digital service provider. Digital service is often referred to as “T1,” “E1,” “PRI,” or “ISDN” by some service providers and in different regions.
8. Call-Forwarding message: Turn on or off an announcement that notifies people when calls are forwarded.
9. Multi-Function Gateway Devices: Configure hybrid gateway devices that have both FXO and FXS ports, or can be used for either analog or digital service.
10. Improved DTMF Detection: Change the channel that detects touch tones to reduce speech misrecognition, often caused by background noise and variable service requirements.

Any questions regarding the upgrade may be forwarded to support@cigear.com

Tags: Administrator, Assistant, Microsoft, Microsoft Response Point, MSRP, MSRP SP2, Point, Response, SP1, SP2, SP2 Features

Last month, Sangoma launched the the NetBorder Express VoIP Gateway product line. NetBorder Express is a SIP to TDM Gateway on a card. It is a full-fledged VoIP Gateway to connect Legacy Networks to SIP and VoIP Networks.

NetBorder Express is a “ready to go” solution—much like an external gateway, but it also provides the flexibility of building your own gateway. It offers easy integration into your own application for installation, configuration and management, plus it can be installed in the same computer server.

Empowered by Sangoma’s NetBorder Express Software, NetBorder Express TDM to SIP Gateway Cards include G.168 Telco-Grade Echo Cancellation with 128 ms echo tails without call capacity reduction to provide optimum operating conditions for applications, such as Speech Recognition IVRs and International Toll Bypass. NetBorder Express cards also feature Sangoma’s award-winning field upgradeable crashproof firmware design.

NetBorder Express communicates with applications such as IP-PBXs, Speech Enabled IVRs, Conferencing Servers, Contact Center or Trunking Gateways directly with the ubiquitous SIP control protocol to reduce deployment time, complexity and cost for next generation network application deployments.

Available in one to eight ports of T1/E1, NetBorder Express Gateway Cards are an excellent value for installations ranging anywhere from 24 to 240 simultaneous calls. For larger systems, several gateway cards can be combined in the same server to support up to 960 simultaneous calls. (Analog and ISDN BRI Gateway cards are coming soon.)

Platforms
For now, this solution is for Windows only. Compatibility testing is currently being finalized with a number of industry-leading Windows-based IP PBX application developers. Watch for the news as it is released for compatibility.

A port to Linux is also being worked on so that it will also be Asterisk and other linux application compatible for those of you who are most comfortable in that market, but an ETA for this project has not been finalized.

Check out the NetBorder Express products page.

Tags: 3CX, BRI, E1, FXO, FXS, Gateway, PBX, pbxnsip, PCI, PCIx, Phone System, PRI, Sangoma, T1, Windows

Asterisk Channel Banks are often overlooked when considering a solution for adding telephony interfaces to an open source telephony deployment. Astribank is a good example of a Channel Bank designed specifically for Asterisk. The Astribank offers an interesting alternative to PCI cards. Below is a comparison put together by Xorcom, the company behind the Astribank.

Category/Feature	Astribank	PCI Card	Comments
Installation and Maintenance
Easy installation			USB connection vs. card assembly
Hot swappable			USB connection
Easy front panel access
Unit status indicators
Port status indicators
Communications cabinet compatibility			Industrial grade 19” 1U rack mountable design
RJ11 and Telco connector			Either RJ11 or Telco. Astribank offers both for high density FXS installs
Versatility
Mixing digital & analog modules
Fits any PC / Server			Half or full size vacant PCI slots needed for PCI solution
Input and output ports			For FXS modules
Simple unlimited scalability			Just add additional units. Not limited by PCI slots, no need to turn off the PC.
Message Waiting Indicator			MWI for analog telephones
Density
Slim 1U 19” chassis		N/A
Realistic 1,000 ports support			Typically limited to 48 analog ports if the PC supports 2 full size PCI slots

For more information on Astribank products, check out our Astribank page.

Tags: Asterisk, Astribank, BRI, Channel Banks, E1, Elastix, FXO, FXS, PBX in a Flash, PCI, PCIe, PRI, T1, Trixbox, USB, Xorcom

CI Gear is pleased to announce that the Elastix ELX-3000 Appliance is now available. The ELX-3000 is a scalable Elastix appliance that will now join its smaller sibling, the ELX-025 to provide broader market appeal.

The ELX-3000 line has been produced by taking into consideration the different needs of a wide range of companies. It can cover needs that range from a few extensions up to 400 extensions. As a result, the line ELX-3000 is a good platform to grow with.

Elastix is an appliance software that integrates the best tools available for Asterisk-based PBXs into a single, easy-to-use interface. It also adds its own set of utilities and allows for the creation of third party modules to make it the best software package available for open source telephony.

The goals of Elastix are reliability, modularity and ease-of-use. These characteristics added to the strong reporting capabilities make it the best choice for implementing an Asterisk-based PBX.

For more information and pricing, visit the Elastix page at CI Gear.

Tags: Appliance, Asterisk, BRI, E1, Elastix, ELX-025, ELX-3000, FXO, FXS, OpenVox, PBX, Phone System, PRI, Sangoma, T1, Trixbox

CI Gear is pleased to announce it is now an Authorized Distributor for OpenVox telephony hardware. OpenVox designs and manufactures a wide range of affordable analog and digital telephony cards that are fully compatible with leading open source telephony projects including Asterisk®, trixbox®, Elastix®, PBX in a Flash, AskoziaPBX®, Voyage-Linux.

Product Lines

A400 4-Port Analog Telephony Cards

A800 8-Port Analog Telephony Cards

A1200 12-Port Analog Telephony Cards

B-Series Digital BRI Cards

D-Series Digital T1/E1/J1 PRI Cards

Satisfaction Guarantee

OpenVox hardware products enjoy a 3-month “no questions asked” return policy! OpenVox hardware products are warranted for replacement for 5 years from the invoice date after being confirmed with quality defect.

Projects

OpenVox Sponsors the following projects:
AskoziaPBX	Elastix	Freeiris	ISDN4BSD
PBX in a Flash	trixbox	Voyage-Linux

For more information on OpenVox products, please visit the CI Gear store at http://www.cigear.com/

Tags: Asterisk, BRI, Digium, E1, EC, Elastix, FXO, FXS, J1, OpenVox, PBX in a Flash, PCI, PCIe, PCIx, PRI, Sangoma, T1, telephony card, Trixbox

Aastra Telecom announces the availability of a maintenance software release for Aastra’s Response Point™ phones.

Maintenance release 2.1.1.118 for Aastra’s Response Point™ phones is now available on the AastraLink RP™ website. This release offers a number operational enhancements including:

• Improved configuration options for the RP 6753i phone. Programming restrictions have been removed for the top two programmable keys to increase flexibility and configuration options
• Improved interoperability with Response Point™ Service providers
• A number of small fixes to software bugs based on both internal and external field reports

Please visit www.aastralinkrp.comand click on Software Downloads Area to obtain the new firmware.

_{AASTRA AND AASTRALINK RP ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES LTD. MICROSOFT AND RESPONSE POINT ARE TRADEMARKS OF THE MICROSOFT GROUP OF COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND/OR OTHER COUNTRIES.}

Tags: Aastra, Microsoft Response Point, Response Point

We’ve had an extremely busy first half of October. CI Gear hosted Syspine booths at the SOHO | SME Conference and Expo events in Toronto on October 1, 2008 and in Vancouver on October 15, 2008. These events were aimed at increasing awareness and generating leads from within the small business community.

The turnout was quite promising with enough booth traffic to keep us on our toes the whole day! Between the 2 events, almost 200 SOHO and Small Business leads were collected. We are actively following up on these leads and redirecting them to local VARs.

Thanks to all the VARs who participated both in the Toronto and Vancouver events. Your help in manning the booth and promoting Syspine is greatly appreciated.

Here’s are some pictures from the Toronto show:

SOHO-Toronto Oct 1 ,2008 Kashan and Tehseen clad in Syspine golf shirts posing for a quick shot before the opening of the floodgates!

SOHO Toronto Oct 1, 2008 - Farhan setting up a demo Syspine system just before the show

Tags: Microsoft, Response Point, SME, SOHO, Syspine, Toronto, Vancouver, VAR

Since most Syspine deployments do not take advantage of the built-in Security Gateway, Syspine has decided to remove the Security Gateway from the default hardware configuration of Syspine Base Units. This decision has helped to bring down the price of Syspine hardware.

Syspine Base Units with integrated Security Gateway can be ordered on special request. If you have an ongoing need for the integrated Security Gateway, please inquire for pricing and availability.

Tags: Base Unit, Response Point, Security Gateway, Syspine

We are participating in a number of marketing programs aimed at lead generation. Here are some the events to look out for in the weeks to come:

SOHO / SME Expo - Toronto and Vancouver
We had a great event at the recent SOHO / SME Conference and Expo in Toronto on October 1st. Thanks to those partners who showed up to support us. We picked up some great leads and will be sharing these with our RP partners.

We are planning to be at the upcoming SOHO / SME Conference and Expo in Vancouver on October 15th. Let us know if you will be in the area and can stop by. We would love to see you there! For a free pass, visit: https://www.mysohoworld.com/sohosme/soho-sme.aspx?pincode=SOHO-CIGEAR

Calgary Extreme Office Technology Makeover Contest
CI Gear and Syspine are participating in the Calgary Extreme Office Technology Makeover contest in conjunction with one of our local partners in Calgary. Through this contest, one lucky small business will win a free Syspine phone system! Visit http://www.extremetechmakeover.ca/ for more details.

Tags: Extreme Technology Makeover, Marketing, Microsoft Response Point, Response Point, SOHO, Syspine

We’re excited to announce the following new Response Point products are expected in the weeks to follow:

Quintum Response Point Analog VoIP Gateway - 4-Port FXS

The Quintum Response Point analog 4 Port FXS Gateway supports 4 simultaneous VoIP calls, and lets you connect Response Point phone system with your existing analog phones, fax machines and other modem-based devices.

Quintum Response Point Digital VoIP Gateway – T1 / E1 / PRI

The Quintum Response Point Digital VoIP Gateway supports T1, E1 or PRI connections. With a single telco T1 PRI interface, it can support up to 23 simultaneous voice calls. This flexibility makes these gateways the Perfect Fit for small and medium businesses with digital telephone networks.

ClearOne: Max IP Response Point Conference Phones

The industry’s first conference phone for the Microsoft® Response Point phone system, MAX IP™ Response Point™ brings high performance audio to the SMB. MAX IP™ Response Point™ contains HDConference™ audio processing technologies for unrivaled audio performance as well as the ability to daisy-chain up to four phones together, providing better room coverage and control.

We will announce as soon as these new products are available. Stay tuned!

Aastra Response Point Phones

In order to offer more variety in phone sets, we have also started carrying Aastra’s line of Response Point desk phones and wireless handsets. These phones work seamlessly with Syspine base units and enable you to deploy a wider variety of end users devices while continuing to enjoy the reliability and simplicity of the Syspine base unit.

Contact us for pricing.

Tags: Aastra, ClearOne, Conference phone, FXS, Gateway, Microsoft Response Point, Quintum, Response Point, RP Gateway, Syspine, T1