SIPCENTER EXCLUSIVE!   Interview with Nortel and SIPquest about Extending SIP to Mobile Devices!

Nortel and SIPquest announced in March 2005 that they are working together to deliver SIP services to smart mobile devices.  SIPCenter caught up with Steve Brock who leads Nortel’s Carrier VoIP and Multimedia Services Marketing team, and Helene Joncas, VP of SIPquest Marketing and Business Development, to get the latest on this joint initiative.

SIPCenter:  Could you provide our readers with a brief overview of the solution that is delivering multimedia services to today’s mobile devices?

Steve:  The Wireless Handheld Multimedia Solution is comprised of a Nortel Multimedia Communication Server (MCS) – either the MCS 5100 for enterprises or the MCS 5200 for service providers – working in conjunction with SIPquest client software running on the mobile device.  We have added a wireless client manager module to the MCS portfolio that allows the MCS SIP-based multimedia capabilities – such as instant messaging, presence, and personalized call control – to be extended to handheld devices.

SIPCenter:  So, today’s mobile devices can handle multimedia?

Helene:  With the right software they can.  When the SIPquest Wireless Multimedia Client is loaded onto the mobile device – leveraging the fact that most smart mobile devices today allow for third-party applications – the user of the device can take full advantage of the kinds of capabilities Steve mentioned.  The “Wireless Multimedia Client” will initially be available for certain devices using the RIM Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Smartphone, and Nokia Series 60 operating systems.

SIPCenter:  What are the services that will be available on these devices?

Helene:  The services are designed to be an extension of the MCS-based office services – allowing information workers to continue to realize the increased productivity of SIP-based multimedia services when away from the office.  Services include corporate instant messaging and presence in the form of contact availability status as well as instant broadcast of your status.  Real-time remote notification and logging of incoming calls to your office phone and voice mail notification are also included.  We also allow personalized call control settings to be accessed and changed.

SIPCenter:  Why was SIP chosen over other protocols?
 

Steve:  SIP has become the industry standard for the delivery of multimedia services – both for IP networks today, and for future networks as part of the 3GPP IMS architecture.   Many enterprises are already benefiting from SIP in the form of increased productivity and personalized services.

SIPCenter:  When should we expect to see this solution in use, and what is the business model?

Steve:  Service providers are anxious to add mobility to their managed and hosted enterprise offerings.  Over eighty percent of employees today are not located at headquarters, and analysts predict that two-thirds of workers will travel for business by the end of 2006.  Service providers are planning to offer these services as an optional addition to their multimedia business service offerings.  We have completed successful trials with service providers and expect some of these providers to launch commercially by the end of 2005.

Helene:  These services have substantial value to both the worker and the business.  For the worker, they increase availability (and ultimately your value to your business), while allowing for more flexibility in managing both work and personal interests.  For the business, these services can lower operational costs, accelerate decision-making, and improve customer response time.

SIPCenter:  Thank you both very much for this information and we look forward to seeing these services in action in the marketplace!

Editorial Note:  Nortel and SIPquest will demonstrate this solution at the Fall VON 2005 conference in Boston, MA from Sept 19 – 22.