Westell, a provider of convergence gateways and broadband access solutions, has today announced the introduction of an innovative extension to its range of InterChange iQ DPNSS converters and gateways. The IiQ 2030CS (Convergence Switch) will offer large enterprise companies, running DPNSS on TDM PBXs, the ability to use a VoIP network as a core transmission network whilst also integrating a new IP telephony (IPT) system.
Until now, enterprises looking to migrate to IP have been able to purchase Westell products that either allow DPNSS-based PBXs to connect transparently over an IP network (rather than leased lines) or to connect those traditional PBXs to a new IP telephony system. From today, with the 2030CS, enterprises can do both, simultaneously, from a single PBX port. The PBX’s continue to create DPNSS voice traffic as if connected to a leased line and the 2030CS routes that traffic dynamically either over an IP network (as H323) to other DPNSS PBXs or to a QSIG gateway (such as Westell’s IiQ3000) and into an IP telephony system.
“The benefits that this new product offers are both obvious and subtle – but both add up to savings for the customer on the migration path to IP,” said David McKeigue, Managing Director, Westell Ltd. “At the highest level it means that DPNSS-based customer can do ‘both’ VoIP and IPT – rather than ‘either/or’ – without having to make any additional investment in their legacy PBXs.”
Westell pressed ahead with this development following a detailed research project into the UK Public Sector where a large majority of DPNSS PBXs are operated. In the survey 300 of the 400 respondents indicated that they are actively considering migration to IP. Only 5% however wanted to “rip and replace” voice networks with 40% electing to take a migration approach and a further 20% exploring hybrid solutions.
Westell have had a very positive response from existing channels, which think that the 2030CS will solve many headaches for their customers wishing to add IP telephony to large enterprise networks. These channels know first hand that enterprises are moving away from traditional telephony networks, and not investing more in them. For those pushing convergence solutions, this switching solution from Westell means there is one less barrier to introducing IP telephony into an enterprise whilst still maintaining all PBX-to-PBX functionality that the organisations have come to depend upon. In their portfolios, the 2030CS will give huge flexibility at minimal cost.
“Migration to IP will be a controlled, evolutionary approach in order to maintain business efficiency. Westell continue to provide flexible options in this area that have their own self-contained business justifications.” concluded David McKeigue.