Frank,
I'm still here, just enjoying the ride.
Check this out:
Fastcomm Introduces Enhanced Feature Set for the Voice Over Packet Marketplace
DULLES, Va. and LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1999--
Features Will Be Available in the Company's Data Networking Products
Starting in January 2000
FastComm Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: FSCX), a leading developer of networking technologies and products for voice, data and video integration, today announced significant new software features in its Packet Voice product line.
The software release, scheduled for January 2000, includes the following features:
Integrated Call Detail Recording (iCDR), for billing by usage;
G.723.1 standard Voice Compression, for bandwidth efficiency; and
Expanded Voice Signaling Transport, to support custom features between PBXs.
These features will be included in the Company's data networking products, including the MetroLAN(TM) and GlobalStack(TM) products. The enhancements will be previewed at the Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) Expo this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where FastComm is exhibiting at Booth 948.
According to Peter Madsen, president and chief executive officer of FastComm, "We believe these product enhancements continue to set us apart from competition and add more robust capabilities to an already strong feature set. These features should continue to enhance our reputation with current and potential customers."
Integrated Call Detail Recording
The Integrated Call Detail Recording (iCDR) enhancement captures call activity details from each site on the network. After a call is terminated, the MetroLAN(TM) or GlobalStack(TM) packet voice router will generate a message that contains the call details. The captured data includes calling and called parties, call duration (to the second), call routing information (whether routed over FR or IP), and disconnection reason.
The iCDR message is routed as an IP packet through the network to a central server. The information is collected and stored for later processing, at any time, for client billing, expense allocation by departments, or activity analysis at various levels of an organization. Collecting all of the network data at a centralized point allows integration with existing management and billing systems.
By centralizing and automating the collection of call detail records, the FastComm network equipment avoids expensive multiple CDR recording systems typically required for each location. Since the call record information is forwarded only after call completion, the result is that no measurable bandwidth is consumed in the network.
G.723.1 Voice Compression
The G.723.1 voice encoding is an additional option for voice compression (e.g., encoding in digital form at a lower bit rate than on the public network). It is a form of CELP (Code Excited Linear Prediction), which is similar to the widely deployed G.729 standard but uses less bandwidth (5.3 kb/s or 6.3 kb/s versus 8 kb/s).
"FastComm included this version of highly compressed voice encoding so that our customers have the choice of placing additional calls over a fixed amount of bandwidth," notes Madsen. "Toll bypass carriers can benefit as well, because this feature allows as many as 30 percent more calls per trunk."
Customers who do not want the bandwidth savings of G.723.1 also have the option of several less compressed encoding methods.
Facsimile machines attempting to use a trunk configured for G.723.1 will not be affected by this encoding. When the FastComm MetroLAN or GlobalSTACK packet voice router detects a fax at the start of a call, the port is converted, via software, from voice compression to fax relay, with transmission proceeding at 9600 bit/s--the same as most dialed connections on the public voice network.
Expanded Voice Signaling Transport
The addition of transparent signaling transport for both Common Channel Signaling (CCS) and FXS/FXO Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) to FastComm's product line extends the full set of PBX and deskset features across the network--the same as if using a leased T1/E1 line. All the soft keys, displays, message lights, and programmable features work as if they're being handled from a single PBX. Modern PBXs utilize proprietary signaling for these features, not typically handled well by voice equipment designed for data networks. FastComm, however, takes advantage of the highly efficient voice encoding, while retaining full functionality of proprietary features and phones.
The Transparent CCS function supports the transparent transmission of proprietary signaling protocols, the same as a leased line. This allows the connection of PBXs across a data network, allowing voice channels to be compressed while the associated signaling is transported without change.
This feature may also be configured to connect PBXs using FXS/FXO CAS ("robbed-bit") signaling. Transport for these signaling bits is available both for T-1, where the signaling bits are in the same channel, and for E-1, where all signaling bits appear in time slot 16.
For more information, or to request a data sheet of any FastComm product, please contact the company via phone (703) 318-7750; fax (703) 787-4625; email info@fastcomm.com; or visit FastComm on the World Wide Web at fastcomm.com .
FastComm products include the WEB Router(TM), GlobalView(TM), EtherFRAD(TM), RingFRAD , MetroLan(TM), QUICK II(TM), ChanlComm and GlobalStack(TM). These products provide routed and switched Voice/Data and Video access solutions for bandwidths ranging from 9.6kbps to full T1/E1 over Leased Line, Frame Relay, X.25 and digital and analog networks.
FastComm, WEB.router, GlobalView, MetroLan, MonoFRAD, EtherFRAD, RingFRAD, QUICK II, GlobalStack and SuperView are all trademarks of FastComm Communications Corp. ChanlComm is a registered trademark of FastComm Communications Corp. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
FastComm Communications, Dulles
Mark Rafferty, 703/318-4303
mrafferty@fastcomm.com
or
The Poretz Group
Doug Poretz or Karen Vahouny, 703/506-1778
doug@poretz.com or karen@poretz.com
KEYWORD: VIRGINIA NEVADA
BW1331 DEC 08,1999
8:53 PACIFIC
11:53 EASTERN
Have fun,
Phil |
