Allows Redundant, Path-Optimized Broadband Links to be used for Commercial Voice Service Deployments with Higher Availability and Lower Cost than Traditional Carrier Networks
FOR MORE INFORMATION
John Gates, Elevate Communications, (617) 861-3651
PORTSMOUTH, NH, JUNE 19, 2007 - Whaleback Systems™ today announced new technology for connecting commercial voice service customers to the Whaleback Network using a Redundant Array of Independent Links (RAIL). With the integration of RAIL technology into Whaleback’s CrystalBlue Voice service, multiple broadband links sourced from cable operators and other broadband service providers can be easily combined to form a single high-availability network connection.
RAIL-based IP telephony connections are more scalable than individual cable or DSL links, more cost-effective than T-carrier bandwidth and more reliable than all of them. Inspired by the use of disk arrays in the storage industry for increasing the capacity and reliability of storage systems, RAIL brings a similar concept to the delivery of commercial voice service by utilizing standard broadband links to expand the network bandwidth while optimizing its cost, availability and performance.
A RAIL system includes new hardware and software elements incorporated into Whaleback’s premises-based IP telephony solution. A RAIL-enabled router provided by Whaleback is used to interface multiple broadband links to a Whaleback IP-PBX server located at the customer premise. RAIL software embedded in both the router and the server work together to monitor changes in call volume and link quality over the end-to-end path taken on one or more IP networks. The RAIL system dynamically adjusts to changing conditions by selecting the optimum path for the customer’s calls based on traffic levels, service quality or link status.
Whaleback Systems is leveraging Sonus Networks’ industry-leading IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-ready architecture to support the Whaleback CrystalBlue Voice Service™. By deploying the Sonus infrastructure in conjunction with its new RAIL system, Whaleback Systems can provide small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with state-of-the-art, feature-rich Voice over Broadband service, with superior end-to-end quality and reliability. Whaleback Systems deploys a suite of Sonus' solutions, including the GSX9000™ "Open Services Switch, PSX™ "Call Routing Server, SGX "Signaling Gateway” and the “Sonus Insight" Management System™.
“Whaleback’s RAIL technology works seamlessly with Sonus’ media gateway infrastructure and provides businesses with carrier-grade reliability and crystal clear voice quality with assured performance at scale,” said Hassan Ahmed, CEO and Chairman of Sonus Networks. “This new technology highlights Whaleback’s leadership position in delivering pioneering enterprise-class managed IP PBX voice services to the SMB market, while enabling them to scale to address a broader range of customer environments.”
Using RAIL technology, small to mid-sized business environments with large end-user populations (5 to 1500 phones) or those requiring high-availability telephone services can make use of standard broadband cable or DSL connections to supply scalable bandwidth at a lower cost than a comparable T-carrier service. At the same time, the use of multiple broadband links provides network redundancy to safeguard against a disruption in service. In the event of a network outage, unusual traffic congestion or unexpected service level degradation, the RAIL system will automatically re-route voice traffic to an alternate link. When normal service levels are restored, the traffic will be re-balanced across the available links. Because the system continuously provides performance optimization, voice traffic will always follow the path offering the highest call quality.
As part of Whalebacks all-inclusive managed service offering, RAIL technology is included by Whaleback as a standard feature. All system elements used for the CrystalBlue Voice Service, including the PBX enabled with RAIL technology and the telephone handsets, are centrally monitored and managed by Whaleback on a continuous basis. RAIL technology is available with two levels of redundancy. RAIL Level 1 is intended for customers who only require a single dedicated broadband voice link to support their user population and wish to utilize their broadband data connection as a hot-standby connection. RAIL Level 2 is for customers who require multiple dedicated broadband voice links to support their user community and who want to ensure redundancy, load balancing and service level optimization.
RAIL-based connections for CrystalBlue Voice will be available in mid-July 2007 for both new and existing Whaleback customers. RAIL technology will be included as part of Whaleback’s standard pricing which starts at $49.95 per station (plus activation fee) for unlimited local and long distance calling anywhere in the United States and Canada. The number of broadband links using RAIL technology provisioned by Whaleback on behalf of the customer is determined by the number of stations and call volume per location. Customers can activate their existing broadband data link as a hot standby connection for their voice connection (RAIL Level 1) for an activation fee of $145.00. Customers can activate additional RAIL Level 2 links beyond Whaleback’s bandwidth provisioning guidelines for an activation fee of $245.00 and a monthly subscription fee of $245.00.
Whaleback Systems is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and the pioneering developer of the first business phone solution built from the ground up for broadband. Unlike traditional systems, the Whaleback CrystalBlue Voice Service is 100 percent premises-based and software-driven. It includes the only IP PBX with Key System Unit features and Road Warrior Functionality. Whaleback's all-inclusive, unlimited nationwide calling package makes the most advanced technology immediately affordable for companies that need between 5 and 1,500 phone stations. The Whaleback service is available through partnerships with channel partners and VARs.
