News wrap-up: Brix, Lucent and Vonage

Today, three more highlights from our stack of news briefs.

Brix Networks recently announced Version 2.0 of TestYourVoIP.com, the company’s free VoIP quality-testing portal that lets users independently measure the quality of their residential VoIP connections via a quick, user-initiated test call. The company notes its test system has had more than a million hits since the launch of the portal less than two months ago.

TestYourVoIP.com now reports call setup and signaling quality statistics, including post-dial delay, post-pickup delay, call setup time, and media delay.

Other enhancements let users:

* Identify firewalls or other environmental configurations that may restrict their ability to run VoIP.

* E-mail a copy of their VoIP performance test results to themselves or to their broadband service provider.

* Compare how their test scores stack up against other users.

Next, Lucent has recently agreed to acquire Telica, a privately held provider of VoIP communications systems for service providers. Telica will become part of Lucent’s Integrated Network Solutions business. Telica’s open, standards-based products and network management systems allow carriers to deliver a wide range of wireless, Class 5, and long-distance Class 4 services, from both VoIP and PSTN/circuit-switched networks. Telica switches reliably carry an estimated 4 billion minutes per month.

Finally, Vonage continues to turn up the heat on VoIP competition. The company recently announced its “start-up kit” for a suggested retail price of $80. Customers also receive a $50 mail-in-rebate, making the total price only $30.

Vonage’s retail package includes: a MotorolaVT1005v voice terminal adapter (for plugging in a phone), an Ethernet cable and a 5V-DC power adapter. Customers purchasing Vonage at a retail outlet are free to choose one of several calling plans.