The goal of
FMC is to provide seemless cellular/WiFi roaming so that dual-mode handsets can utilize WiFi-based VoIP communications when within range of a wireless "hot spot," and transparently switch to the cellular network when out of WiFi range.
According to ISR, businesses have been slow to move to FMC communications out of "fears of disrupting existing phone or data networks," and worries of becoming "tied to a project whose complexity could get out of control."
ISR says its PPPhone FMC Enabler Package counters these concerns by providing a "simple, modular, and low-cost" way for enterprises to deploy mobile VoIP within specific divisions or departments without disrupting enterprise-wide systems. Once deployed, the FMC installation can be scaled up to meet the needs of the entire organization, and can be modularly upgraded with additional features, such as mobile VoIP, according to the company.
Technology included within the Package lets employees within a company carry their phone extensions while away from their desk, ISR said. Additionally, by integrating desktop applications along with the company's phone system into a single device, the handset becomes "a powerful and essential business tool."
Typical FMC implementation
(Click to enlarge)ISR describes the components of its PPPhone FMC Enabler Package as follows:
- Softphone -- Creating mobile VoIP applications requires low-level integration on the mobile device to guarantee efficient power consumption, seamless operation, and high voice quality. PPPhone is optimized for best performance on mobile devices, and was created by ISR using the latest IETF SIP standards. It provides advanced mobile IP telephony capabilities on Windows Mobile handsets as well as Desktop and Notebook computers running Windows XP. PPPhone Softphone is a key component of the FMC package and is also available in volume licensing for carrier and enterprise VoIP deployments.
- VoIP Server -- connects the company's data network with the external telephone network (PSTN) and works much like an IP-PBX. The Technika X-Cube SIP Server or the ICOM SR-5200 wireless VoIP router may be selected depending on the customer requirements; they employ a full range of business telephony features with guaranteed interoperability with PPPhone Softphone.
- Terminals -- supports a variety of Windows Mobile handsets including models from HTC, Sharp, and Symbol. These devices allow the user to employ the preferred network, among cellular, PHS, or WiFi networks. Other terminals supported by the system include desktop and notebook computers, IP telephones, and analog telephones.
AvailabilityISR says it began delivery the PPPhone FMC Enabler Package to system integrators, network integrators, and telecommunications carriers in February. Pricing was not disclosed. An evaluation package is available, according to the company.
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