VocalTec tackles IP voice management

VocalTec Communications, Ltd. is taking the first steps toward managing voice-over-IP networks.

The company last week announced its VocalTec Gatekeeper server and VocalTec Network Manager 1.0 client, which will simplify management and enhance security on VocalTec Gateway-based IP voice networks. VocalTec Gatekeeper server acts like a traffic cop controlling who can and cannot access the VocalTec Gateways, said Francois-Eric de Repentigny, industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan Market Intelligence, a Mountain View, Calif.-based consulting firm. The Windows NT-based Gatekeeper server authenticates and authorizes users trying to access a voice network. Users must be employing devices that conform to the IETF's H.323 Version 2 specification for voice over IP. The H.323 Version 2 standard defines intelligent network service features such as call forwarding and call transfers over an IP network, de Repentigny said.

The server also supports least cost routing (LCR) intelligence, said Ido Ganor, director of product marketing at VocalTec. LCR is calculated by software running on the Gatekeeper, which searches for the most cost-effective way to deliver calls, he said.

VocalTec Network Manager 1.0 is an SNMP-based client that lets users monitor the status and performance of VocalTec Gateways on their networks (see graphic).

The client reports events such as failed links and identifies users on individual lines. Failed lines can be reconfigured directly from the client's console. Users also can integrate the client onto Hewlett-Packard Co.'s OpenView management platform, Ganor said. This enables users to control the IP data and voice networks from a single OpenView console. Analysts agree that VocalTec is ahead of the gateway vendor pack with its management features. "Most gateway vendors will have to start offering better management and gatekeeper support if they want to survive," de Repentigny said, adding that Ericsson and Lucent Technologies, Inc. also are developing gatekeepers.

The VocalTec Gatekeeper and VocalTec Network Manager are slated for availability by June. Pricing is not yet available. VocalTec: (201) 768-9400