Users and service providers around the world are now able to depend on the mature service capability, VoIP. Widespread adoption of IP-based video communications is therefore one of the next big milestones on the global communications horizon.

By agreeing on SIP, service providers, equipment manufacturers and exchanges were able to deliver consistently high-quality voice services across the world fairly quickly. However, achieving broad, global interconnectivity of video calling of acceptable quality has proved to be challenging for conducting business anywhere in the world at any time

Secure and multi-protocol interconnection and interworking between disparate video communities, networks and devices have been enabled by XConnect. Service providers, and ultimately their users are therefore provided a solution from XConnect (News - Alert) among the bewildering available choices. Regardless of network, video service or device; video calling has been made as simple and ubiquitous as traditional voice calling by XConnect’s services. The need for any prerequisite knowledge on the part of call participants has also been removed.

The world's first neutral clearinghouse for exchanging video traffic between network and video service providers is provided by the XConnect Video Interconnection Exchange or VIE. Video-enabled operators are provided immediate multilateral interconnection to each other with a single connection to VIE. XConnect is providing these interconnection services in collaboration with five service providers and operators.

XConnect's ENUM-based registry may be also used by video service providers and exchanges separately from VIE to route video traffic. The routing of video sessions between video endpoints reached by any network is streamlined by the ENUM-based registry.

In a release, Eli Katz (News - Alert), CEO of XConnect, said, "With voice, we have shown that a federation approach holds many benefits for service providers and users. Now we're applying the same concept to raise video calling to the next level. Users get the ability to conduct business-quality video calls more quickly, while service providers save on their investments in facilities. Clearly, the federation and ENUM registry solutions provide a win-win scenario for all concerned."

XConnect's VIE is primarily focused on enabling cross-network service provider video calling. Worldwide adoption of video calling and conferencing can be dramatically accelerated by service providers, enterprises and consumers with XConnect's VIE.