SIPBox Launches

A new company specializing in open source VoIP implementations announces itself at VON.

by Alex Goldman ISP-Planet Managing Editor [September 12, 2006]

Tinley Park, Ill.-based SIPBox announces itself today at the VON conference. "We specialize in implementing and engineering VoIP solutions based on Asterisk," says Chad Agate, the company's co-founder and CEO.

Although based in a suburb of Chicago, the company does work across the United States.

Key partners are Cisco for routing equipment and Polycomm for bridges and IP phones.

Of course, the company also works closely with Asterisk's professional company, Digium. "All of our engineers hold Digium's Cerfitied Asterisk Professional (dCAP) certification," says Agate.

In specific cases, the company has deployed mesh wireless from Meru Networks and Asterisk security products from Ranch Networks.

Focus
So how did you get the idea to start this company?

"We were doing anything that had to with IP systems design last year when we got our first Asterisk certification. We won a few RFPs, and decided that [focusing on Asterisk implementation] was the way to go."

So you deliver cost reductions?

"We are typically 20 to 50 percent less expensive, depending on the manufacturer [you're comparing us to], especially on large bids."

The company does work with ISPs; it does not set up residential accounts. "For us, each ISP is a business customer we're working with," says Agate.

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