It was a busy week in the SIP Trunking sector. Here are some of the major stories from TMCnet.

Mandira Srivastava reported that to provide scalable, reliable and improved SIP Trunking solutions for enterprise communications, Edgewater Networks has updated its EdgeMarc series with the introduction of two new enterprise session border controllers: the EdgeMarc 4604 and the EdgeMarc 4576. These SIP trunking solutions now include enterprise session border controllers, and capable of connecting PBXs with Ethernet, dual PRI or up to 24 FXS analog interfaces.

In another story, IP telephony and unified communications provider Vertical Communications has released software enhancements for its flagship business communications system Wave IP. The enhancements are aimed at helping Vertical customers improve total cost of ownership, lower ongoing maintenance costs and streamline provisioning of users.

In addition, Polycom, Inc., a provider of standards-based unified communications, has announced that its additional Polycom (News - Alert) SIP-based wired and wireless voice products will now be interoperable with Microsoft Lync. The company has also launched a new solution named Polycom CX7000, a room video collaboration solution that can be integrated with Microsoft (News - Alert) Lync, the UC platform that unites voice communications, instant messaging, audio, video and Web conferencing.

It was also reported that Appia Communications, a provider of managed communication and network services, now offers new SIP trunking bundles for business VoIP. While the basic bundles include 48,000 minutes of local and long distance calling, a toll- free number and unlimited call paths, the enhanced bundles include free audio conferencing and 100,000 minutes of usage in its largest package. Both the bundles come packaged with 911, directory listing and caller name service.

And XO Communications, which specializes in VoIP and SIP trunking services, was given the 2011 North American Competitive Strategy Leadership Award for VoIP Access and SIP Trunking Services by Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert). It is receiving the award for the second consecutive year in recognition of its strong growth in the market, significant market share and broad portfolio of services offered.