Many enterprises have already deployed OCS 2007. I’ve tested it and it’s a great product, I like the proprietary codec that offers excellent voice quality, the ease of voice/video conferencing and one platform that delivers IM, audio and video.The only thing that was missing from OCS 2007 that was stopping us from deploying it internally was the requirement of a VoIP gateway to connect to the phone company. This is no longer an issue! OCS 2007 R2 supports SIP trunks along with a host of other features:

• Dial-in audio conferencing
• Desktop sharing
• Persistent group chat
• Attendant console and delegation
• Response group
• Mobility and single number reach

OCS 2007 R2, like most Microsoft products, offers ease of access from any device, any where. Clients can be connected via hard phones, software clients on PCs, software clients on handhelds, there is even a web based client software to use without installation.So what is holding back most of the other enterprises that have not deployed OCS? I think it’s the heavy resource requirements that OCS has. Microsoft documentation says a dual core CPU is recommended, this says a lot. In addition to the hardware, OCS requires several other software modules to be in place like IIS, .Net framework, in some cases SQL. 

If you’ve read this thread http://www.voipwonders.com/2008/04/24/configuring-3cx-phone-system-with-cbeyond-sipconnect.html/trackback you’ll see my comment about needing to disable RFC2833 and SIPInfo for DTMF.

This is very easy in 3CX client, you simply uncheck the option under DTMF under connections. for Xlite client, it is hidden away in the advance menu. First you need to access the advanced menu, you can do this by dialing ***7469. Now filter for 2833, the first option should be rtp:2833:enabled, change the value to 0 (default is 1). Also while in advanced menu, filter for DTMF and make sure system:dtmf:force_send_in_band is set to the default of 1.

This will set Xlite to use INBand DTMF and your touch tones should now work.

You probably haven’t tried to configure 3CX with Cbeyond’s SIPConnect service, as it’s not publicly supported yet. I’m testing a 3CX connection to Cbeyond’s SIPConnect  as a trial and here are my findings so far;

First of all, it was the simplest easiest SIP Conversion I’ve ever done. We were done in about an hour from start to finish. Keep in mind my 3CX system was already running, extensions were already setup, the only thing I didn’t have was a connection to the PSTN.

In 3CX you should see Cbeyond as a VOIP provider, if you don’t see this option, then first thing you should do is upgrade your 3CX to the latest version. Once you do that, you can use the wizard to add Cbeyond VOIP.

You’ll notice that the wizard auto fills in the SIP proxy addresses, these may be different for your area. Since this option is dimmed out, you need to leave the default addresses, click Next, then click Back, now you’ll notice they are not dimmed anymore! You can now enter the addresses you got from Cbeyond.

Follow the wizard providing your primary phone number as the authentication ID and username along with your Cbeyond provided password. Once configured, go back into the SIP settings for the connection you just created and make sure you have g.711 Ulaw codec selected.

At this point you should be able to register with Cbeyond. Once registered, if you are not able to make outbound calls but your call rules are setup correctly, go into VOIP provder settings and go into Gateway/Provider Outbound Parameters. Now change the “from: user part” to “LineNumber” external number of line. You should now be good to make outbound calls. Reasoning for this is, by default 3CX sends you extension to Cbeyond as the number trying to make the call, and as Cbeyond does not know or care about your local extensions, it denies access. Changing it to the external number lets the call go through.

I will be testing the system over the next few days and will report back. On a side note, sound quality is impeccable over SIPConnect.

If you are in any way involved with telecom, then you must have heard of SIPConnect. SIPConnect is the culmination of the effort by SIP Forum to leverage interactive IP communication services and solutions.

SIPConnect is the methodology and architecture specifications to deliver direct SIP connectivity with VoIP service providers to ensure consistent quality of service, low cost and enhanced feature set.

Companies like Cbeyond have utilized this methodology to provide consistent and enhanced services to Small to Medium Business’s (SMBs) while reducing costs.

When shopping for companies providing SIPConnect service, always look for SIPConnect Compliant certification mark . This mark can only be used by companies that use solutions and services that comply with the mandatory requirements of SIPConnect specification as published by the SIP Forum.