No, I mean that as a question, is it really a big deal?
But before we talk about that, let me make sure you understand the basics. The technical definition of an iPhone is: a phone type device that is way over priced. The main features are: its way over priced.
Earlier this month Skype announced its support for iPhone. This was major news as it showed that people who bought a high-priced phone were still interested in a low priced phone service provider. Ok, so there was nothing surprising there, but it made news anyway. And now we have a slew of other iPhone apps that bring SIP based services to iPhone.
But will this really bring a big change to the way we make calls using smart phones? Being able to use SIP based apps to make calls from your phone basically means you are using Wi-Fi instead of costly phone minutes.
Side story: This also means, that you can then use Wi-Fi at Starbucks to make almost free calls to anywhere in the world, without using up your talk time minutes. Thus you will feel less guilty about drinking coffee that’s more expensive than gasoline!
Back to main story: Some iPhone apps claim to be able to seamlessly transition from SIP based calls to SIM-based calls. This, I think, is going to be one of the most important factors in the success of SIP on iPhone. It also has to be user-friendly. Fring has introduced some support and I’m going to check it out soon. I will try to update this blog with the results.
Have you tried SIP on your iPhone yet? Or Skype? Like it? Not like it? As a business user of VoIP services, how important do you think it is to integrate these services to your mobile devices? Will more people comment if I offered free Starbucks?
Ritu Maheshwari
Why? Simply because it is possible. All in one – just like the CIC. If WiFi is available – why not using it. No WiFi connection – just make a GSM call.
I think we should have multiple communication channels – and it is a big plus if you have them all in one device – that’s the point.
- Ashfaaq Poonawala
Thanks for your blog post. Honestly, I agree with Oliver, I don’t believe the iPhone is overpriced. There is nothing else like it. (sorry storm users)
I have skype on my iPhone and I’m hoping and praying that I3 comes out with an app for iPhone users with a lot of the functionality that the desktop client has. instead of having to lug my laptop around, it would be much simpler and easier for me to use my iPhone to update presence, IM, or receive and make calls, or possibly send a fax… It’s already my "communication platform" hope your R&D team makes it a iPhone integration a reality…
By the way, Avaya is developing iPhone functionality and is currently working with ATT for custom rate plans and SIP integrations to their current systems.
Some inside scoop for you is that we are looking to get the IC Client on the iPhone in the near future. I have used a very prelim version a bit and I agree with you both…its just so awesome to have the client power packed into my iPhone.
I think I’ll have to try our Skype too…specially since I do a lot of international calling!
Would be nice to be able to have the Client on the iPhone, so I can change my status quickly from anywhere!
So how do I sign up for the beta?
Apple are targetting the Windows Mobile customers as well as ordinary users. As we all know WinMo is huge in the Enterprise, so if companies are evolving VOIP strategies that encompass SIP then Apple will be able to sell more iPhone’s on the back of supporting SIP.
The bigger question is what will the carrier’s do to support SIP delivered voice over their cellular networks?
There simply are no good wireless phone options for I3 (as in ZERO, ZIP, NADA) so the sooner we get SIP on cell phones the better. Mechanics need phones on the floor, fork lift drivers need phones, shipping managers, line supervisors, etc. etc. Imagine buying all those folks $600 iPhones only to have them lost, stolen, dropped, run over by fork lifts (happens at an alarming rate) etc.
It’s not some sales guy at a meeting getting the latest figures that I’m worried about. We’ve got them covered. It’s the mechanic who has to call the manufacturer from the shop floor and take readings off the machines. Where is HIS solution?
So, from my perspective, SIP on an iPhone is interesting in much the same way that retinal scanning security is interesting. I’m sure it’s great technology but it doesn’t quite fit my needs.
Incidentally, it’s the same story with IP phones. In the race to be the sexiest, everyone is overlooking the utilitarian market. Everybody’s racing to add more features and provide whiz bang phones, but I need a simple phone that can go in a freight elevator and be destroyed by a forklift three times a year. Where’s the IP equivalent of a $9.99 Wal-Mart slimline?
The best examples might be among your colleagues… (uhm.. me?)
I have been using SIP on Mobile Phones (Symbian, WinMo and iPhone) for years by now, and it saves me a lot of money and pain, considering that I am on the road all over the world a lot, I can simply hook up to the next WiFi and start chatting away for free, avoiding excessive roaming and international charges.
I never cared about Skype though, since I dislike the fact that it uses proprietary standards over SIP, while there are so many great SIP Providers out there…
A Blackberry client would be fantastic considering the devices’ prevalence in the business world.
Of course, you may also do a Skype-Out/In on I-Phone for under $60.00 annually, if you have Wi-Fi (no Blackberry true Skype client, yet). We have a Meru Wi-Fi network, running on Merit-MichNet’s multi-gigabit backbone. Sounds like you’re in the room, REALLY.
In Europe, where inbound mobile calls are free, their are providers which will connect your call by calling you first and then the other party similar to the "magic" of a cic call forward or remote station.
The Nimbuzz client for a smart phone permits one to use their wifi connection to make a free call to a skype user which skype has restricted on certain carriers or charged for. Last week I spoke with my son in Germany via Nimbuzz on his motorola milestone to skype and it was quite clear and acceptable for the cost – $.00.
Now I’ve read about Skype embracing sip for business which will not be free but offer seamless connectivity and this is very appealing. Ultimately, it has to be easy to use and not a solution for only the Nerd Herd. Is ININ planning on certifying with SFS (skype for sip)?
HTC is orders of magnitude better than iphone
Often I will have my computer on at home and logged into our VPN. I could use a USB headset or a remote number in this case, but sometimes I have to go running across the house, unlock the screen saver, and try to click pickup before the call goes to vmail or follow me. Because I work in healthcare the screen lock is mandatory.
Instead I use the Acrobits SIP softphone for iPhone. I tell my iphone to log into the VPN over my WiFi, then have the SIP softphone configured as a station in the xIC. So I can pickup and make business calls without having to be near my computer. It even works across 3G, so I don’t even have to be home.
Also, I set my default station to be my iphone’s SIP softphone so that anytime my computer (and IC) isn’t running, I can run the app and get calls ringing straight to me. No follow me, no diving for the computer.
the Acrobits product will even ring if the phone is in the background using the new multitasking features in iOS4.
The same advantages would also be true for using a SIP softphone on Android….
I agree with your last comment, that is exactly my issue as well. Can you share the config you used to get the iPhone SIP app to work. What is the .cfg file used? Same as say the one for a Cisco 7940G? What was the workstation config in the I3 Admin tool. What you have outlined is exactly what i want to test in my environment.