VocalTec Ltd, desperately hoping telephony over the Internet will take off eventually, has version 2.1 of its Telephony Gateway Server eight-line system. It combines the company’s own Internet telephony with Dialogic Inc’s voice processing board that enables the connection of Private Branch Exchanges, PBXs or regular phone lines, but using the Internet as the link. Each gateway holds up to four boards, carrying two lines each, hence eight lines. The idea of course with telephony-over-the-Internet is that you only pay a local call to connect and the rest is free. The potential effect on major telecommunications firms’ pricing models would be immense if the sound quality was good enough – although VocalTec claims its full duplex echo-canceling algorithms keep it clear and connections are fast and reliable enough. Both parties do require the software, but it’s free at the companies’ site. New this time is a delay management system that enables users to select whatever setting suits them, depending on their network connection; security to only allow people in or out with authorized extensions or numbers – area or country codes can also be blocked; system monitoring and call tracking; best-route algorithms and volume level control. Users dial the gateway server and the call is connected. Out now, an eight-line gateway server requires a Pentium 200MHz box or faster with 48Mb RAM and four expansion slots for the Dialogic boards; it costs $1,250 per line. Further details can be found at www.vocaltec.com.
