Source: alanweinkrantz.typepad.com

I got home last night and was going through my iTunes library only to discover that when I opened iTunes, it went back to the original menu Now Playing menu at Starbucks.

Notice how you can still get previews of the music that was playing in the store, and even buy them-  after you have left the store.

Source: alanweinkrantz.typepad.com

This video illustrates the process of logging on to the AT&T WiFi network at Starbucks, logging on the browser, going to iTunes and seeing the slightly different user experience of buying iTunes music in a Starbucks, as well as seeing what is currently playing and having the option to buy on the spot if you like the song you are hearing.

In simple terms, AT&T does the infrastructure; Starbucks does the physical plant; Apple sells the content.

Media:  OK to call me over the weekend:

Media can call me this weekend on my cell at 210-410-3075. 

Please, no calls on Saturday or Sunday after 7:00 PM CST because of Passover. 

All day Saturday and Sunday is cool, but up until 7:00 PM.

Email is alan at weinkrantz dot com.

Source: blog.voipsupply.com

Aastra Telecom’s first SIP-based IP PBX

Aastra Telecom has announced that it will be releasing its first SIP-based IP PBX in early May; the AastraLink Pro 160. I recently had the option of attending a technical webinar on this product, and I have to say, I’m very pleased by its offerings in its initial deployment. The AastraLink Pro 160 is designed and targeted at applications for 25 users or less, but allows for up to 9 AastraLink Pro units to be interconnected via IAX trunks to accompany remote offices, multiple locations, and larger applications with more users. The unit is strictly hardware based, and blankets Asterisk, however there is no access to the root command line interface–there’s simply no need to. The AastraLink Pro 160 is accompanied by a user-friendly Web GUI interface where all configurations such as the configuration of IP endpoints, PSTN trunks, SIP trunks, and call feature functionalities, can all be performed. The AastraLink Pro 160 is designed specifically for LAN environments, and works best with Aastra SIP-based units such as the 51i, 53i, 55i, 57i, 57i CT, and the newly released models, 9143, 9480i, 9480i CT, because the PBX has built-in auto-provisioning features that will auto-seek any of the units mentioned above on the same LAN and provision the units for inter-office voice connectivity. Simply plug the Aastra IP Phones into the LAN, and let the AastraLink Pro 160 do the rest.

AastraLink Pro 160

-Support for up to 50 extensions when SIP Trunking is facilitated.

-Expandability to link up to 9 AastraLink Pro units via IAX trunking for your remote and multiple location applications.

-No user or application license fees.

-Auto-provisioning tool that allows the system to work seamlessly with Aastra IP Phones. Simply plug the phones into the LAN, and let the AastraLink Pro 160 do the rest.

-A built-in Auto Attendant that configures on initial setup.

-Ability to support open-sourced SIP IP endpoints other than Aastra phones, with phone configuration back to the AastraLink Pro 160 appliance.

The AastraLink Pro 160 is a pure hardware-based solution, no messing around with Asterisk root configuration files, and zaptel configurations for those in-house installers. There’s simply no need to! The unit contains the following hardware specifications that are designed to facilitate all of the feature functionalities of the product:

-6 analog RJ-11 FXO connections for PSTN and POTS connectivity with G.168 echo cancellation on board.

-2 analog RJ-11 FXS Connections to directly connect a fax or analog telephone up to. A cool feature with this is that the hardware has the ability to auto-switch FXO connectivity from Port 1 FXO to Port 1 FXS device in times when the network may be down. This is most noted as PSTN failover or emergency backup services, so you still have a way to communicate with the outside world in times where your network may be down.

-1 LAN port for connectivity to the LAN. This is strictly a LAN device and is recommended always that your LAN is segmented for voice or data in some way to reduce possible QOS issues. The LAN connectivity is also used to facilitate SIP trunking and IAX trunking between multiple AastraLink Pro 160 appliances. In these types of instances, ensure your LAN connectivity has access to your WAN to facilitate this. Aastra recommends the user of Netgear switches, and Netgear/Linksys routers specifically supporting UPnP.

-1 WAN port, which is designed for future use.

-2 audio stereo input jacks to allow for in and out circuitry for Music on Hold (MOH) and external paging.

Look for this product to become available on Voipsupply.com in early May of this year. This is a perfect application for small to medium sized deployments, and is an in-house installer’s dream regarding setup procedures. More information on the upcoming release and more feature specifications can found here:Aastra Telecom

I am looking for forward to testing this product when it becomes available and providing you with hands-on feedback. If you have any questions on this product, please do not hesitate to give us at a call at 800-398-8647, we will be glad to answer any of your pre-sale, pre-release questions you may have on this up-and-coming appliance.

Source: alanweinkrantz.typepad.com

Now you can buy music on your PC (or iPhone) from iTunes at the first Starbucks in the U.S. at 5321 Broadway in San Antonio with AT&T WiFi. Yup, it works.
 

Source: asteriskblog.com

VOIP services target both individual users and business entities. Though these two groups may have different needs and preferences, VOIP can be a solution to their telecommunication needs. As more and more people are seeing VOIP as a feasible alternative to traditional telephone lines, the industry continues to grow and prosper despite the plunging economic situations in different countries all over the world.

Take, for example, the action that is being taken by the Federation of Small Businesses in the UK. The FSB is considered to be Britain’s largest business organization. Here’s a bit of background information on the FSB and the depth of its operations:

The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 210,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches. On the member benefits side, it offers assistance and support 24 hours a day, while its lobbying arm - led by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office - applies pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall, lobbies politicians in their constituencies and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the media.

One of the major benefits is the FSB’s legal helpline which operates 24 hours a day. Last year, the helpline received over 100,000 calls, the majority of calls on employment matters but also dealing with issues such as commercial contract, landlord and tenant and consumer affairs.

Recently, the FSB released an announcement that they are providing free VOIP services to their members. Here is the press release:

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is making free access to VoIP services available to its 210,000 members.

The FSB has teamed up with VoIP provider Coms PLC to offer members a free high-quality telephony service.

Members will be given a unique telephone number that will be added to the FSB contacts directory.

Sandy Harris, the Federation’s director of member services, said: “FSB VoIP will be a valuable addition to the business networking opportunities available to our members through our online directory.”

Terry Martin, chief executive of Coms PLC, added: “This is further evidence that hosted VoIP has come of age.”

Members can declare their interest in the service by visiting the members section of the FSB website.

They will also be able to upgrade to a full VoIP account, which will give them a free additional line. The only costs incurred will be for calls made outside the FSB members’ directory.