Avaya's IP Telephony Product Blitz targets VoIP Security Issues

The product rollout includes the latest version of the vendor's Communication Manager, new media gateways and servers, and new IP and wireless IP phones.

Communication Manager 2.0 adds support for the Advanced Encryption Standard, an open security standard, to encrypt voice traffic. Version 2.0 also adds IP signaling encryption, which protects the call setup process between a headquarters and branch office and helps fend off malicious hackers who might try to intercept phone conversations or make free phone calls, said Lawrence Byrd, convergence strategist at Avaya, Basking Ridge, N.J.

"Security is the No. 1 thing customers ask about when they move to VoIP," Byrd said.

Avaya is also rolling out the G350 Media Gateway for small branch offices. Designed as an all-in-one device for offices with up to 40 users, the new gateway combines an IP WAN router and a 24-port LAN switch with power over Ethernet into the same chassis.

"It's designed for much smaller offices, so it gives us a great opportunity to start looking at more customers with retail locations and sales offices," said Neal Stanton, president and CEO of Consultedge, a solution provider based in New York.

Pricing for the G350 starts at $2,800.

Avaya's new G650 Media Gateway is aimed at medium and large enterprises with more than 450 users. The new gateway includes dual power supplies and a duplicate control path to the server to provide high availability.

Pricing for the G650 starts at $3,900.

The vendor's new lineup also includes the S8500 Media Server for midsize to large enterprises with up to 2,400 end points, priced at $6,000.

Avaya is also filling out its IP handset offerings with the new low-end 4601 and midrange 4610SW phones, as well as the 4690 IP speakerphone for conference rooms.

New wireless IP phones include the 3616 compact handset and the 3626 rugged phone for industrial environments.

The new products are available now.