While Avaya dominated media attention with its recent peer-to-peer SIP voice system Siemens quietly released its own P2P SIP solution.
Like Avaya's one-X Quick Edition, the Siemens HiPath BizIP phones connect to an Ethernet network, locate one another, and configure themselves via integrated software. Up to 16 BizIP phones can form a single workgroup. The phones come with an integrated answering machine and support all the usual enhanced features, such as three-way conferences, that one would expect from a business phone. Up to two analog devices, such as fax machines or door intercoms, can connect to the network through analog ports in Siemen's low-end gateway, the BizIP Access Device. (Note: HiPath BizIP won't be available in the U.S.)
BUYER BEWARE
The big difference lies in the edge. While Avaya focused on single-site deployments, the BizIP Access Device contains a VoIP-enabled router and firewall for connecting to a SIP trunk provided by a service provider or two ISDN lines.
While it may be commendable that Siemens is embracing VoIP services, business owners will want to think very carefully about buying into such services with the BizIP phones. Security concerns should be on the top most of their minds because they will have to allow anonymous VoIP sessions past the firewall.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
