NewStep Networks has introduced service control software for connecting private IP voice communications applications over diverse public networks.

Calling Service Node (CSN) makes it possible, for example, for a business voice-conferencing application running on a company PC to connect with other PCs across a carrier network, NewStep claims. These connections would typically be restricted to a LAN or WAN.

Using APIs supplied by software vendors, NewStep's CSN interprets the application signaling to make the necessary connections across carrier networks whether they are IP or traditional TDM networks. So if a conferencing application had a drag-and-drop screen to add a party to a call, CSN would interpret that action and execute it within the carrier network.

To do this, CSN software references databases either integrated in CSN or by dipping into external databases to locate the party being added.

NewStep's software can convert signaling from one protocol to another, such as SS7 to SIP, for instance. CSN differs from a signaling gateway in that it doesn't simply translate the signaling; it monitors the state of connections and keeps control of the call. 

So far, CSN supports IBM Websphere and Microsoft .Net, but NewStep plans to add other applications. CSN also keeps call detail records for billing purposes, and runs on Sun Netra servers.

NewStep is also introducing Office Anywhere later this year, a business suite of communications software that can link users regardless of how they are connected to a public network - via TDM phone, IP softphone or wireless.

NewStep was founded in 2003 as a spinout from Bell Canada to commercialize technology that was developed for specific Bell Canada needs. Bell Canada is using CSN to support an IP call center service.