Microsoft Corporation, a U.S.-based multinational computer technology company, has reportedly certified Interoute as the first European service provider to supply Session Initiation Protocol, or “SIP” trunking solution for Microsoft (News - Alert) Office.

 

This move, according to Microsoft is aimed at enabling business-class unified communications to compete directly with Skype (News - Alert) for corporate users.

 

This certification will allow enterprises to now use Interoute One to make free computer to computer calls and cheaper telephone calls from and to virtually any communications device. Cost can also be saved in international roaming charges on all other calls, said the company.

 

SIP Trunking is the mechanism used to interconnect SIP-enabled PBXs and/or the iSip Virtual Offices to the PSTN. According to Angela Salmeron, research manager, European Telecoms Group, IDC (News - Alert), Interoute’s SIP Trunking solution for enterprises is unique in its ability to connect OCS users to the PSTN. Mentioning this as a flexible solution, Salmeron said that enterprises looking for a secure and cost effective way to migrate to VoIP should look to Interoute One as one of the best voice solutions available today.

 

Interoute launched a secure Skype without the Skypemares offering in Europe three years ago, and succeeded in its integration with the Microsoft Unified Communications (News - Alert) suite, integrating VoIP with Microsoft’s Live and Office Communications Servers and the company has been offering Direct Dial In in 47 Countries.

 

By connecting Microsoft Office Communicator Server R2 to Interoute’s pan-European network via SIP trunking, enterprises can move straight to unified communications and VoIP with Interoute One, without having to discard their previous investment in PBX (News - Alert) platforms or by embarking on expensive migration projects.

 

“The combination of Interoute One and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 provides a powerful new way for people to use OCS as an external telephony solution and offers customers a rich and integrated communications experience. Interoute is adding significant value to enterprise communications and enabling businesses to better connect people, information and business processes,” said Victor Schmedding, Communications Sector Lead at Microsoft.

 

“Microsoft’s certification of Interoute One is a clear endorsement of its capability to provide enterprises with a secure ‘Skype-like’ service. With this move Microsoft has opened the floodgates for enterprises wanting an advanced telephony system at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems,” said Gareth Williams, chief executive officer at Interoute.