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It’s a given that with time VoIP will replace traditional voice technology in corporate networks. Sales of IP phone systems have surpassed those of traditional PBXs, and business VoIP will exceed traditional voice by 2010, according to IDC.
In the meantime, companies will need technology to make the transition smoothly and expand VoIP to wireless phones, handhelds, laptops and other devices. And they will expect to benefit from the new capabilities voice has when it is sent via IP; for example, it can be embedded in applications.
Here is a list of 6 companies that warrant attention as the business environment shifts its voice technology:
Cantata
Founded: 2006
CEO: Marc Zionts, who was instrumental in spinning off Excel Switching from Lucent, then merging it with Brooktrout Technology to form Cantata.
Headquarters: Needham, Mass.
Funding: Undisclosed investments from GreenView Associates, Oak Investment Partners and TowerBrook Capital Partners.
What it offers: Technology for core and peripheral support of IP communications, including media servers, speech recognition software, enhanced IP services software, and combination IP and TDM voice signaling.
Why company is worth watching: It can provide products that will become more sought-after, as large corporations and service providers adopt VoIP and need to revise their infrastructure.
How it got its start: The merger of Brooktrout Technology and Excel Switching.
Who uses the product: Alcoa, Bank of America, Comcast, Verizon.
DiVitas Networks
Founded: 2005
CEO: Vivek Khuller, formerly with Clearstone Venture Partners, Sycamore Networks and Verizon.
Headquarters: Mountain View, Calif.
Funding: US$23 million from Clearstone Venture Partners and private investors.
What it offers: Mobility Communication Platform, an appliance that combines VoIP, security, wireless LAN (WLAN) switching and cellular connectivity for Vo-Fi-to-cellular roaming. The product is not yet available.
Why company is worth watching: Now that IP telephony network convergence is mature, fixed-mobile convergence is being identified as the next big technology challenge for enterprises and carriers. DiVitas says its product someday could let businesses give employees a single device for all communications.
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