VoIP Phones Meet Market Demand
Many cable television and broadband providers are now offering VoIP as a package deal included with traditional cable television and broadband internet access. Big telecommunications players like Verizon and AT&T are incorporating VoIP into their offerings, and even AOL is getting involved. As the popularity of VoIP grows, providers will be forced to offer one pipeline to implement all these services.
Businesses are switching to VoIP from traditional phone systems for one reasonto save money, and lots of it. Companies with more than 500 employees can save approximately 40 percent on their monthly phone bills compared with traditional service, integrators said.
The IP-GW-G668 from Soyo and the Prestige 2000W from ZyXel Communications are two viable VoIP handsets evaluated by CRN Test Center engineers. The Soyo IP-GW-G668 is part of a complete solution that includes a hardware piece and bundled service. ZyXel's Prestige 2000W unit is a hardware device that can provide upsell opportunities for network integrators installing VoIP services or wireless networks since it is compatible with any standards-based network. The phone also offers integrators the opportunity to recommend and install wireless networks into companies that previously resisted the technology. By stressing the cost-savings and ease-of-use of VoIP solutions, integrators could significantly expand their client base and their revenue opportunities.
ZyXel's phone is a wireless VoIP handset that uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). It is not a dumb device, which engineers realized as soon as they saw the Web server and configuration utilities built into the unit.
The phone is compatible with the 802.11b and g Wi-Fi standards and will connect to any 802.11b or g access point or gateway. The benefit of this feature is that integrators do not need to set up a separate serverwireless access is all that's needed. Once that is accomplished, integrators can enter the information from the VoIP provider, and the user can begin making calls to other SIP phones or plain old telephone service (POTS) users.
Calls to other SIP phones don't need a service provider if users sign up for a free account from a company like Free World Dialup (FWD). FWD allows free phone calls using any broadband connection through devices that follow Internet standards. Compatible devices include a regular telephone connected to an analog telephone adapter, an IP Phone or any number of free softphones. The FWD service has over 50,000 subscribers from over 150 countries.
ZyXel currently does not partner with service prov-iders, but such partnerships are in the works. Because the Prestige phone is compatible with any VoIP service, such partnerships are not completely necessary. CRN Test Center engineers were able to configure and use the P2000W by using a Deltathree account provided by ZyXel.
ZyXel's two-tier channel program classifies partners based on purchasing commitments and sales volume. The company offers pre- and post-sales and technical support, as well as lead generation, cash incentives, product evaluation units and sales and marketing materials to all partners. Partners also receive free, lifetime-dedicated technical support. Solution providers in the upper tier have access to priority technical support and preferred placement on the vendor's partner locator Web site. The phone costs $249.00 including a one-year hardware warranty. ZyXel did not disclose average margin information.
In contrast to ZyXel's hardware-only approach, Soyo provides VoIP service to customers in addition to a handset via a partnership with a large worldwide carrier. Soyo executives were not at liberty to reveal that company's name. Soyo offers its VoIP services through a prepaid business model, which CRN Test Center engineers tested, and a monthly plan. The monthly plan is $29.99 and allows users to keep their current phone number. The plan includes free caller ID, call waiting, voice mail and geographic mobility. This allows users to take their phone anywhere, as long as broadband Internet access is available. No contract is required. Soyo's IP-GW-G668 phone costs $139.99 and has a built in LCD screen which indicates the status of the phone. The phone can be managed on the Web through a browser-based interface. Users simply type the phone number and a password into any browser and can view all activity in statement form. Users can track minutes and incoming and outgoing calls. Ring tones can also be changed using the Web-based management console.
Soyo's channel program is in its infancy, but the company plans to make the IP phone and service available to resellers in a single-tier program. Soyo currently allows resellers to earn a 10 percent quarterly residual income for one year and integrators can also resell refill minutes.
Resellers receive a 10 percent discount when purchasing minutes from Soyo. To qualify for residual income, a reseller must sell over 20 IP phones with service. Residuals begin accruing with the 21st IP Phone and service sold. CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Prestige 2000W
COMPANY: ZyXEL Communications
Anaheim, Calif.
800-255-4101
www.us.zyxel.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Sprint North Supply
TECH RATING:
CHANNEL RATING:
Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10
CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>IP Phone w/service
COMPANY: Soyo Inc.
Ontario, Calif.
909-292-2500
http://phone.soyo.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Direct from vendor
TECH RATING:
CHANNEL RATING:
Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10