Previously, enterprises routing Ringdown traffic were limited to the use of the Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), restricting use of rich media services and applications between enterprises and incurring higher telecommunications costs.

VeriSign(R) PBX IP Connect service bridges disparate enterprise VoIP networks and legacy systems to centralize voice and data management, and may help reduce costs, and allow service providers to offer an expanded selection of value added services to enterprises. VeriSign intends to make available to VoIP providers the ability to offer end-to-end multimedia services to enterprises while resolving network security, interoperability and inter-domain routing challenges. Additionally, Verisign PBX IP Connect, version 0.1 met the Cisco AVVID (Architecture for Voice and Video Integrated Data) Partner Program test criteria for interoperability with the Cisco CallManager 4.0(2).

"As the IP PBX infrastructure grows, enterprises require service providers that can interconnect disparate VoIP networks securely and reliably," said Vernon Irvin, executive vice president of VeriSign Communications Services. "VeriSign's PBX IP Connect will help enable carriers to offer a suite of IP-based Intelligent Network applications to enterprise customers, giving them the true end-to-end VoIP experience without the added costs of routing through the PSTN."

VeriSign also announced the first alliance partner to develop a VoIP-based Trader Voice service. KGM Circuit Solutions, a provider of managed private line services, will utilize the VeriSign service for its financial services customers.

"The VeriSign solution will help us provide the foundation for a new set of services, including video and collaboration applications," said Kevin Gurl, principal at KGM Circuit Solutions. "As a managed services company, we are excited about offering these innovative solutions to our existing customer base. Today, KGM Circuit Solutions provides management of private line services for many of the top-tier financial organizations, who are increasingly migrating key applications to their IP network infrastructure. Our market presence, combined with this partner alliance will help financial services customers to quickly see the value of the end-to-end IP capabilities offered via the VeriSign solution."

VeriSign joined the Cisco Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (AVVID) Partner Program as an IP Telephony participant. Through participation in the AVVID Partner Program, VeriSign PBX IP Connect, version 0.1 may help service providers to accelerate the deployment of new inter-enterprise IP services and expand their VoIP portfolio by delivering rich media features, such as point-to-point video between enterprises, in a secure and reliable manner.

The Cisco AVVID Partner Program sets criteria for interoperability testing by independent third parties and enables leading product and services firms to deploy innovative business solutions. The program provides enterprise customers with information regarding Cisco AVVID partner products and services that an independent testing facility has tested and found to interoperate with Cisco networking technology.

"Cisco supports open, standards-based architectures and shares a commitment to interoperable solutions with Verisign. Through this vision, the Cisco AVVID Partner Program delivers the power of choice to enterprises, and the ability to extend the Cisco end-to-end architecture with our participants' solid products and technologies," said Hank Lambert, director product management, IP Communications Business Unit. "With Cisco AVVID partner offerings such as Verisign PBX IP Connect, version 0.1, customers can deploy a broad range of business solutions that foster innovation and drive rapid adoption of business-critical technologies."