The Suretec Blog - Asterisk

Facebook, Instagram and Microsoft. Some big numbers and scary implications for mobile, VoIP and web future!

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:29 +0100

Those of you on Twitter would have seen the news first, but in case you didn't:

Facebook buys Instagram photo sharing network for $1bn

Why Microsoft spent $1 billion on AOL's patents

The first one is cool and shows you how the social media sector can pay for itself when an app is released free. Instagram allows you to takes pics and automatically upload them up to Twitter, Facebook and do fancy effects on them. The native Facebook iPhone app was clunky to use with pics.

There are also 13 guys in Instagram now all worth almost $100m (CEO got most). The general comment is that the Android release last week had a big impact on the deal and also their powerful RESTful API and OAuth 2 (just like the SureVoIP API, but we weren't first ). Oh, and they also run a massive PostgreSQL cluster

The scary news is that the newly owned Microsoft patents are so powerful. They just bought one for SSL, you know, the thing that allows you to go to https:// for your bank and the whole web.

There's a lot of other mobile patents in that list too. Food for thought as to what damage they can do in the future like create a Microsoft tax for many things and kill a lot of mobile innovation and there's even some in there about VoIP!

SureVoIP Launches Innovative API

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:43:20 +0000

Aberdeen-based communications company SureVoIP has just launched an innovative API (application programming interface) which will provide an even better service for customers and partners and allow 100% self-service and interaction with the SureVoIP suite of products and services.

To ensure communications with other products and services, the company has just launched what is believed to be UK VoIP’s first publicly available and documented Application Programming Interface (API) beta of this kind.

Commenting on the move, SureVoIP managing director Gavin Henry said: “It is vital for us to remain at the forefront of technology and it is anticipated that this API will further enhance our ability to provide the broadest possible spectrum to all customers and partners, existing or potential.

“The SureVoIP API can be used to send SMS messages, faxes, generate telephone calls, manage accounts and telephone numbers, subscribe to event notifications and use a feature called OAuth 2.0 which allows third parties to create Apps like those for Twitter and Facebook.

“Various partnerships have been put in place to maximise adoption and many of our existing customers are already incorporating this API into their Mobile App strategy. Because of this, SureVoIP has also started development work on its own mobile app for customers and partners as well as a long list of exciting new ways to make a telephone call.”

SureVoIP is regulated by Ofcom, is a member of the Internet Telephony Service Providers Association (ITSPA) and is a finalist in that organisation’s 2012 awards. The company is also the holder of an ITSPA Quality Mark accreditation. For further information visit www.surevoip.co.uk or call 01224 900123 or email sales@surevoip.co.uk

Notes to Editors

SureVoIP is a leading Internet Telephone Service Provider and is part of the Suretec Group. Based at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen the company has worked in locations as diverse as Canada, Nepal, the Netherlands and the Seychelles. The company is a member of the Internet Telephony Service Providers Association (ITSPA) and is regulated by Ofcom. For further information visit www.surevoip.co.uk or call 01224 900123.

Staff required

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:59:04 +0000

Please see our Careers page.

Thanks.

Telephones for the professional

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:34:04 +0000

The innovative application of broadband internet technology to traditional telephony is set to radically change the world of business

TO ESTABLISH and maintain a successful business operation, modern-day professionals require an ever-growing arsenal of technology and tools at their disposal.

Topping the list of non-negotiable requirements are a computer, an internet connection, a mobile phone and, of course, a fixed phone line.

The digital age has brought a multitude of advancements to traditional telephony, which now uses a combination of fibre optic cables, microwave transmission links, cellular networks and communication satellites to send voice communications across the world.

However, the fact remains that traditional analogue systems such as wire circuitry are still used to connect that vital last mile from the exchange to the telephone.

Despite a global outlook, the modern-day professional is still very much tied to local-level restraints of limited flexibility and costliness.

Today, innovative application of broadband internet technology to traditional telephony is abolishing the need for this last mile of copper wiring, and is consequently bringing the modern-day professional into the global community.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) transmits voice and multimedia communication through the internet as opposed to the traditional phone line – essentially combining the flexibility and cost efficiency of the internet with the main functions of traditional telephony.

http://www.surevoip.co.uk/news-events/telephones-professional

SureVoIP January Sale - 50% off for 3 weeks only

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:26:41 +0000

We hope you are now rested and ready for 2011.

To celebrate the start of 2011 SureVoIP is having its first January sale. We're reducing the price of our memorable numbers by 50%!

To take advantage of this, from the 5th of January for 3 weeks (until 26th January) simply go to our front page and select your VoIP enabled UK telephone number or go straight to our sign up page (don't forget you can get international VoIP numbers too).

Did you also know that SureVoIP was awarded the Internet Telephony Services Providers' Association Quality Mark? The ITSPA Quality Mark is formal recognition of what SureVoIP has always aimed to implement - a VoIP service that can be trusted to provide its customers with a fair and reliable service which is constantly striving for excellence.

There's never been a better time to use VoIP for your business if you aren't already. You don't need to lose your existing numbers as you can "port" your existing numbers to VoIP and VoIP enable them. Unlike traditional PSTN numbers, your numbers won't be tied to a telephone exchange so you never lose them (good for growing businesses that move office or open a new one)!

We can also move your existing VoIP numbers to SureVoIP and have had quite a few new customers that were with other business VoIP providers move to us.

If you have any questions about VoIP being suitable for your company or in general please call us on 01224 900123 or visit http://www.surevoip.co.uk/contact-surevoip

Original news item

Visit SureVoIP on Facebook!

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:53:17 +0000

Come visit SureVoIP, our UK VoIP service provider on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SureVoIP

SureVoIP Earns ITSPA Quality Mark

nospam@example.com (Suretec) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:57:45 +0000

ITSPA, The Internet Telephony Service Providers Association, have awarded SureVoIP the ITSPA Quality Mark. This mark is awarded to eligible ITSPA members who demonstrate clear defined customer service specifications and adhere to ITSPA's defined frameworks for:

Compliance with all ITSPA approved Best Common Practice documents
Porting numbers (in and out)
999 Calling
Membership of an industry standard Telecommunications dispute resolution scheme
Operate a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for liaison with other telecommunications operators and also the Home Office and other agencies.

SureVoIP is a VoIP business service provider in the UK and one of only a few that have been awarded this mark.

More information on the quality mark can be found here.

NORTH EAST IT COMPANY BECOMES COUNTRY’S FIRST DEDICATED INTERNET TELEPHONY SERVICE PROVIDER

nospam@example.com (Suretec) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:47:00 +0000

North-east IT and telecoms support specialist, the Suretec Group, has become the first dedicated internet telephony service provider in Scotland, with the launch of a new company division, SureVoIP.

The creation of SureVoIP – a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service provider – follows Suretec securing approval from UK communications industry regulatory body, Ofcom, to assign UK telephone numbers.

As an Ofcom regulated VoIP provider with its own telephone number allocations, SureVoIP has been approved to assign phone numbers to clients across the UK and Northern Ireland. The company can also supply global numbers for at least 60 countries.

This is a unique offer within the Scottish market, as other internet telephony specialists within the country must act as ‘middle-men’ between the client and an approved service provider. The result is that SureVoIP and its partners have higher control over costs and can offer preferential and transparent rates that are to the benefit of clients.

VoIP technology transmits voice and multimedia communication through the Internet as opposed to the fast-disappearing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has been the basic form of service connection to the telephone network in most parts of the world for the last century.

Heralded as the natural successor to its PSTN predecessor, VoIP offers significant improvements to the flexibility, speed and cost of global communication.

Top line advantages of this new technology include the ability to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world where a user has access to an internet connection, at a cheaper rate; make and receive as many calls as an internet connection can support; ensure the security and confidentiality of a communication; and rapid provision of telephone numbers and outbound calling.

SureVoIP has chosen to work in partnership with British Telecom (BT) by way of a VoIP Interconnect, which offers clients a range of additional advantages such as further cost-effectiveness by accessing BT’s UK and global networks.

SureVoIP has also chosen to partner with Xconnect on their Global Alliance program, as well as two other UK VoIP carriers. The Global Alliance interconnection hub allows VoIP service providers to bypass the PSTN to exchange VoIP traffic with over 100 networks worldwide under the policies and settlement terms they choose.

The division has also taken the extra – and equally unique - step to provide clients with 24/7 emergency telephone support.

Gavin Henry, Managing Director of SureVoIP, and founding member of the Suretec Group, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Suretec. Our journey to securing the approval from Ofcom has been long and complex, involving the submission of detailed business plans, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the Communications Act 2003, various legal requirements, documentation and a significant investment in equipment throughout the UK.

“It is predicted that VoIP will fully replace its predecessor in the next five to ten years. As such, to have received this approval at such a critical period in this global development is a fantastic result for us.

“Our position as an Ofcom regulated service provider will make us a preferred supplier, as we are ideally placed to offer a holistic and competitive service to clients within the North-east of Scotland and beyond.

“The applications of VoIP technology are clear and we see it being of particular interest to the oil and gas, shipping, legal and financial industries as they need to make international, reliable and cost effective communications as a basic function.”

Established in Scotland in 2003, the Suretec Group specialises in open source IT support and consultancy, open source telecoms and training in open source software. SureVoIP is the fourth division within the group, which also includes Suretec Systems, Suretec Telecoms and Suretec Training.

For further information about the Suretec Group and SureVoIP please call 01224 279484 or visit www.suretecgroup.com and www.surevoip.co.uk

ENDS

Issued by Mackenzie PR on behalf of Suretec Group. For further information please contact Paul Beaton or Andrew Reid on (01224) 580 188 or email paul@mackenziepr.co.uk

Just signed our BT VoIP interconnect contracts and paid setup fee

nospam@example.com (Suretec) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:44:22 +0100

Hi All,

Quick one to say we've just signed our BT VoIP interconnect contract and paid up our setup fee. Now on to interop testing then hosting of our Ofcom number allocations!

Our new website will be up very soon for our VoIP ITSP - SureVoIP

Don't worry, that website will be very non-technical in most places unless necessary!

This would not have been possible without the power of Open Source software!

Thanks,

Gavin.

VoIP solutions could benefit from iPhone 4 - Why bother? Get an Android Open Source phone and the new VoIP features now

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:52:12 +0100

Hi all,

The iPhone 4, which was officially unveiled on the June 7th at a presentation in San Francisco, includes several new features that will benefit VoIP users. These are touted as:

Multi-task when making a VoIP call, so customers can access other applications, such as a calendar, during a conversation.

Built-in noise cancellation to eliminate background sounds when making VoIP calls.

Videoconferencing will also be possible between iPhones via the Face Time feature, allowing remote employees to partake in business meetings.

Longer battery life, while the screen resolution has been significantly improved compared to previous models.

The iPhone 4 will be available in the UK from June 24th.

Wow you may think this is amazing, but all these features have been available on Android phones (Google's Open Source mobile operating system) for ages. I've just got an HTC Desire from O2 and it's the No.1 phone in the world right now. It can do all of above and more, plus the Sipdroid VoIP client is free and works on 3G and WiFi using our VoIP services or anyone elses. Best of all it's free software and just works.

Another good blog post covers why the iPhone can never keep up with Android or Open Source:

"Through a bevy of handset makers, Android can offer a variety of phones that will make it difficult for
Apple to beat with just one hardware release a year. While it is hard to

ever go wrong with an iPhone, Android offers a ton of alternative form

factors, price points and carriers: Sprint (NYSE: S) has released the

first 4G phone on Android; T-Mobile has a new competitive Android phone

with a slide-out keyboard; the HTC Incredible sold by Verizon has been

flying off store shelves; and even Google’s Nexus One still boasts some

of the latest hardware. Not to mention new Android phones from Samsung

and LG (SEO: 066570) coming later this summer."

Google now have figures to show that 100,000 open source Android mobile phones are getting activated daily!

Gavin.

Suretec Telecom listed on Xorcom website

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:48:39 +0100

Hi all,

Just a short note to say we're now listed on the Xorcom reseller pages as we really like their Asterisk hardware.

Thanks.

BT VoIP Interconnect approved for our ITSP called SureVoIP!

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:24:55 +0100

Hi all,

Another quick one, just finished a conference call with BT and our credit check and applications are now all complete and approved. We will have our VoIP interconnect with BT live in month or so!!

Cheers,

Gavin.

All Ofcom number allocations are being approved

nospam@example.com (Gavin Henry) — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:40:55 +0100

Hi all,

Looks like all of them are coming in except critically low areas, but we'll use sub-allocations from our carriers for these areas.

We'll have around 98% UK coverage for numbers in the end. We haven't even finished applying or done 03/07/08/09 yet!

We also got our Communications Provider ID and Carrier-Pre-Select numbers.

More later,

Gavin.

First Ofcom number allocations are in!!!

nospam@example.com (Suretec) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:56:05 +0100

Another quick update. We've just received notice of our first ever number allocations from Ofcom.

They are "Location Independent Electronic Comm Services" which are used for VoIP accounts and we have:

05600 51XXXX

Thanks,

Gavin.

Suretec allocated a Communications Provider Identity ("CUPID") code by Ofcom

nospam@example.com (Suretec) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:13:19 +0100

Exciting news!

Our Communications Provider Identity ("CUPID") code application has been processed by Ofcom and we just received our number of 291.

The start of many good things to come with our own VoIP provider SureVoIP (brand and website being worked on now). We're also listed as an ITSP at ITSPA.

Thanks,

Gavin.