TotallyFreeConferenceCalls Selects Vapps SIP-Based Platform to Deliver Next Generation Conferencing Services in MetaSwitch-Powered Network

Provider to Leverage Hybrid Conferencing Technology and MetaSwitch's IMS Switching Architecture for Simplified Delivery of Voice Calls, Reaching New Markets in the Process

 

Hoboken, NJ: December 16, 2005. Vapps, a leading global provider of audio conferencing systems, today announced that TotallyFreeConferenceCalls, a large conference call service provider, has chosen the Conference Bridge 1000 (CB1000) platform as the foundation for delivering next-generation conferencing services. Together with MetaSwitch's fault-tolerant Class 4/5 softswitch architecture for bridging legacy circuit switched and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks, TotallyFreeConferenceCalls can now integrate service across multiple network types to reach new markets and expand its customer base.

A VoIP-native IMS application server (AS) network element, the CB1000 is a SIP-enabled, carrier-grade conferencing platform that delivers robust, seamless reservation-less conference calls on both legacy and IP-based telecom systems. CB1000 supports up to 18,000 total conference participants in multiple simultaneous conferences and offers both standard and advanced calling features including: participant lists, volume control, mute, multiple languages, call detail records and web-based on-demand feature control.

"CB1000 was selected based on the platform's rich features, SIP interoperability and carrier grade reliability," said Todd Zweig, General Manager of TotallyFreeConferenceCalls. "By allowing us to bridge traditional PSTN calls with the ubiquity and flexibility of IP communications, we are able to offer customers exciting new services with lower associated operation costs."

Bridging traditional circuit-switched calls with IP-based communications is a familiar task for MetaSwitch. A key component of TotallyFreeConferenceCalls' next-generation deployment was the ability to integrate with an existing MetaSwitch installation via Ethernet/IP. Calls initiated on standard phones traverse the PSTN to the MetaSwitch softswitch, which translates them from TDM to IP and then routes the calls to the CB1000 for final delivery.

MetaSwitch's suite of IMS-ready softswitch and applications solutions works within a broad range of carrier networks, from compact single-chassis systems to distributed networks with millions of subscribers. With more than 170 deployments, including that supporting the TotallyFreeConferenceCalls application, MetaSwitch offers the leading deployed IMS migration platform for Class 5 switching in North America. Support for key IMS protocols, including SIP and H.248, enables easy integration with a range of third party application servers including Vapps' CB1000.

"Voice and data conferencing is one of the most assured ways providers can quickly and effectively increase revenue streams," stated Andy Randall, vice president of marketing at MetaSwitch. "The ability to deliver those services using an all-IP architecture built on IMS standards, with seamless interoperability between the switching and application server elements, is critical to a rapid return-on-investment for service providers operating in an increasingly competitive world."

"TotallyFreeConferenceCalls is yet another testimony to the importance of choosing a cross-functional IP/TDM architecture for communication service rollouts," added Ben Lilienthal, CEO and co-founder of Vapps. "CB1000's support of leading softswitch vendors like MetaSwitch is critical for protecting equipment investments and future-proofing the network."

About TotallyFreeConferenceCalls

With over 50 years of combined experience in conferencing, TOTALLY FREE conference calls delivers reliable, free conferencing services to affiliates and customers. For more information, please visit http://www.totallyfreeconferencecalls.com.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is an industry-leading vendor of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) switching and applications solutions for both packet and circuit-switched networks. Its widely deployed call agent, media/signaling gateway and application server platform supports a full range of legacy Class 4/5 capabilities and hosted unified communications services, and scales from a few hundred to millions of subscribers in both integrated and distributed configurations. Customers include incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers, as well as operators of broadband wireless, cable and fiber networks.

MetaSwitch is a division of established telecom technology provider Data Connection. The company is consistently profitable and privately held, with main US offices in California and Virginia, and European headquarters in London, UK.

About Vapps

Vapps develops, licenses and supports enhanced services products for converged network providers. The company's flagship product, the CB1000 conferencing bridge, is a scalable, fault-tolerant conference calling platform for converged networks being used by service providers like Powwownow and Excel Conferencing and large enterprises like Amazon.com to reliably and continuously provision reservation-less conference calling. For more information, visit www.vapps.com or call 201-420-1155