Today we'll continue with news made in connection with last week's VoiceCon 2009 conference held in Orlando: Acme Packet announced a "right-sized" session border controller (SBC) for the smaller enterprise; ShoreTel released mobile and desktop enhancements; and 8x8 launched a new enterprise version of its hosted IP-PBX.

ShoreTel last week released the newest version of its unified communications software with the introduction of ShoreTel 9. The company has added personalized communications features like location-based services and individualized call handling so users can create custom call-routing for their priority callers. ShoreTel 9 enhancements also includes Microsoft Active Directory integration; new switch failover capabilities; security and call privacy upgrades; expanded workgroup capacity for contact centers; and support for a broader range of mobile devices.

Service provider 8x8 already offers broadband and hosted VoIP to the SMB market, last week the company rolled out an enterprise version of its hosted IP PBX phone service. The 8x8 Virtual Office Enterprise “offers the high availability, quality and redundancy large enterprises demand,” according to the company’s statement. In preparation for the market expansion, 8x8 recently upgraded its service infrastructure with a new triple redundant architecture so that failure of any component or data center would not affect service to the end customer. The new service is designed for larger organizations in single buildings, a campus environment, or in multiple locations.

Finally, Acme Packet recently introduced the Net-Net® 3800, a low-end session border controller (SBC) designed for small enterprise sites, contact centers and service providers. The device controls up to 500 simultaneous VoIP/unified communications sessions. Acme Packet has reduced the entry-level prices by up to 50% compared to their company’s larger systems while offering the same SBC functions and features on other Net-Net products.

Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. Larry Hettick is a principal analyst at Current Analysis.