Sonus Networks, Inc. has introduced new software updates to the Sonus SBC 1000 and Sonus SBC 2000 Session Border Controllers (SBCs), designed to deliver key Skype for Business functionality as well as strategic enhancements devoted to simplify use, improve call support and bolster security during real time Internet Protocol (IP) communications.
Sonus is focused on helping enterprises optimise Microsoft Skype for Business Enterprise Voice deployments by securing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking services at the network border and providing a more seamless flow of real time communications.
Increased Skype for Business functionality
Sonus — a Microsoft Gold Communications Partner — continues to provide the same no compromise support that it has delivered for Microsoft Lync Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business Enterprise Voice, by providing features to further simplify, enable and secure real time communications within Skype for Business environments.
Previously, users did not have the ability to view presence of non Lync phones within their contacts list. With Release 5.0, the SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 report presence information for clients using non Skype for Business endpoints. This functionality generates greater productivity and time savings by allowing users to see if their desired contact is engaged in a call or available. Release 5.0 also provides clarity to the dialing party during call setup with the delivery of the connected party’s name, enabling users to easily identify the employee or group they are speaking to within an enterprise.
Additionally, Sonus provides Skype for Business Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA) support ensuring that real time communications are delivered even if the wide area network (WAN) goes down. The SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 update includes wizard enhancements that simplify configuration to further streamline the provisioning of real time communication services between Skype for Business, common SIP trunking solutions, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), IP Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and Foreign eXchange Office (FXO) clients.
The SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 are designed to interoperate with Sonus IQ for Skype for Business — an intelligent, scalable, vendor agnostic solution architected to enable and secure Microsoft Skype for Business Enterprise Voice deployments — whether Office 365 hybrid or on premise.
Simple, secure real time communications
With the advent of SIP based Unified Communications (UC) and the increasing number of remote workers, management and security for communications network have become increasingly complex. Sonus’ software update provides augmentations to the SBC 1000 and SBC 2000 devoted to simplify the deliverance of secure real time communications for medium sized business and branch offices, globally.
By offering WebUI simplifications, end users can now quickly identify and manage SIP registered users. Additionally, with NAT Traversal/RTP Latching, calls are supported between enterprise parties and remote users using home routers and gateways to allow employees the flexibility to communicate securely — anywhere, anytime. Release 5.0 also offers direct media between call parties to optimise network bandwidth when media requires no SBC manipulation, helping the enterprise reduce network infrastructure costs.
