May 17, 1999 12:00 PM,

IP apps get running start

Vince Vittore

While most of the traditional networking vendors have been content for some time to let third parties handle applications, at last week's Networld + Interop show one traditional telecom vendor stepped out of character with an application that combines inbound call management with Internet buddy lists.

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Ericsson's IPulse application lets users not only chat with those on-line but also allows Internet surfers to place calls to those not on-line without knowing their phone numbers. When a user wants to contact a person on their list, they double click on the name and are given a set of options including sending an instant message, sending an e-mail or placing a call. On the receiving end, users that have signed up on an IPulse server can direct calls to any phone, including wireless handsets-something Ericsson is pointing to as a key differentiation.

"We've tried to pinpoint applications that use our strengths and a lot of that points to mobility," said Laura Howard, vice president of marketing for Ericsson Datacom.

Developed with Oz.com, IPulse is the first step in what could become a line of products that lets users manage incoming calls. Key to those plans is a thin client that can be ported to any device with an Internet protocol connection and keeping most of the routing logic on network-based servers.

In a separate announcement, White Pine Software announced a strategic relationship with visitalk.com that will give CU-SeeMe users access to directory services and a permanent global number that can be used for voice, video and data conferencing.

Under the deal, users of White Pine's CU-SeeMe software can register at visitalk's site and be assigned a 12-digit communication number, which can be used by others regardless of location or device. Among the biggest benefits is the ability to search for other CU-SeeMe users with similar interests.

"We think this partnership bridges the gap between people playing with the application and people using it in business," said Michael O'Donnell, president of visitalk.com.