Don't hold the phone: IP vendors offer handset alternatives

Internet telephony vendors VocalTec and Aplio are rolling out product upgrades that let callers dial out with PCs, dedicated appliances-anything other than a telephone.

VocalTec Communications is offering a free PC-to-phone software client to carriers and service providers. The Internet Phone Lite application features a desktop keypad that customers can use to dial up low-cost calls over the Internet to any phone or PC. A VocalTec gateway port enabled with IP Lite will cost an additional $150 per port.

Carriers can get the IP Lite software and the desktop to their end users in two ways. They can direct them to VocalTec's Web site, where they can download a generic version and get basic information about the companies that offer the service. Alternately, VocalTec will sell a customized version of the free application that will work only with the carrier's or ISP's service.

The customized version lets ISPs modify the keypad's look. ISPs also can embed their own URL to allow a quick click-through to customer service via the Web, and they can sell ad space on a banner or on any of three speed-dial buttons on the keypad. Those buttons could also send a user back to the carrier to add more minutes to a calling card.

"This is the beginning of the enhanced services that IP telephony will provide," said Scott Wharton, senior marketing manager for service providers with VocalTec. "This is branded service that providers can add to their existing phone-to-phone service-it's PC-to-phone telephony in a box."

VocalTec is also targeting service providers with its agreement to incorporate its Ensemble architecture into Excel Switching's open-network switching platform. The move will produce a carrier-grade programmable switch scalable to more than 10,000 voice-over-IP ports.

In a different take on IP, Aplio Inc.'s Aplio/Phone 1.5 is a stand-alone appliance that hooks up to a telephone like an answering machine. It has a suggested retail price of $199. After first configuring the Aplio/ Phone for a particular Internet service provider, a user dials the desired number and, once the call is connected, presses a button on the Aplio set to route the call over the Internet. Callers experience a 10-second delay, but that's a small price to pay for a small long-distance bill, says Shadi Mahassel, Aplio's director of business development.

Right now, an Aplio/Phone only can call another Aplio/Phone. However, the company plans to upgrade to H.323 standards, after which an Aplio/Phone will be able to connect with an IP-enabled PC-including one with IP Lite.

Nortel's acquisition of Bay Networks has forced Bay to cancel a previously agreed-to deal with Natural Microsystems.

Under a deal that was expected to be announced last week, Bay would use the NMS Fusion platform to develop IP voice applications for its Baystack line of remote access servers and routers. However, because of the merger, Bay's IP voice plans likely will be integrated with Nortel, which announced plans in June to pursue the IP voice market.