UK ISP Freedom To Surf has released a VoIP service that works with Microsoft’s Windows Messenger (not not MSN Messenger). The version of Windows Messenger works either by making a system call on the SIP stack resident in the Windows XP OS or uses h.323, an older, yet still stable way to make VoIP calls.
While the call quality will be fine for most people who already do voice chats, and who want PSTN termination, the softphone is still an evolving technology and really not ready for prime time once the call leaves the enterprise. There are just too many unresolved issues between carriers, service providers surrounding peering, QoS and SLA’s.
GloPhone, from VoiceGlo is hoping to be in this space, and the bulk of their customers are using GloPhone vs. their Telephone Adapter based service. But their approach is different. No client needed. Just a web browser. In many ways, that’s a smart solution. They are also working with Global Crossing, as one of their lead carriers. With their extension oriented service, they have demonstrated a proof of concept of having a virtual PBX, the service they want to really be selling.
hyuhu