Convergence /

Interactive scorecard and NetResults: VoIP gateways

Network World Fusion, 06/05/00

Every network is unique. This calculator lets you change the weights given to scores from our review to see how these products might be best suited for your needs. Here's how it works: In each category, our reviewers rated the apps on a 1-10 basis. These ratings are then multiplied by the percentage weighting, and then added up to give an overall product score. Any score above 9 is considered "world class."

For each category below, assign the percentage weight you think is most appropriate. The percent-o-meter box on the right will keep track of your weightings to let you know when you've reached 100%. When you fill in the last box, hit your enter key, and you'll see how the apps rate (along with our final scores for comparison).

NetResults

ORCA GX-8
Version 6.0 (gateway) with SSC Softswitch (call agent) software, Version 6.0, running on HP-UX Version 11.x
RATING: 9.00
Nuera Communications
(858) 625-2400
Web site
COST: $67,000 for gateway ($349 to $698 per channel, depending on vocoder); $60,000 for SSC Softswitch hardware and software.
PROS: Maximum redundancy; easiest to set up; real-time monitoring.
CONS: System components are physically larger, take up more space.

AS 5300
AS 5300 (gateway) with Cisco 3620 Multimedia Conference Manager (gatekeeper), both running IOS Version 12.1 (1a)T
RATING: 8.55
Cisco
(408) 526-7208
Web site
COST: $47,100 for gateway ($491 per channel); $7,600 for gatekeeper; $9,995 for management software.
PROS: Based on common Cisco router platforms; IOS command line for management. CONS: Limited modem support; limited real-time monitoring.

Gateway 400
Version 3.1a (gateway) with Command Center (gatekeeper) Version 3.1
RATING: 8.55
Clarent
(650) 306-7511
Web site
RATING: 7.90
COST: $95,000 for gateway ($990 per channel); $32,000 for Command Center (gatekeeper) software, for four T-1s ($8,000 per T-1).
PROS: Real-time monitoring.
CONS: Must edit Windows NT registry to set up and configure; multiplicity of management applications and graphical user interfaces; longer latency, call setup times.