Marconi Adds SIP to Softswitch

LONDON -- Marconi Corporation plc (London: MONI and NASDAQ: MRCIY) has today announced an enhancement to its next-generation SoftSwitch platform that will enable operators to use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to provide advanced communication applications across the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Trials of a SIP-enabled SoftSwitch are already underway with selected customers.

The introduction of SIP into a carrier-class environment will open the door to a host of new services that will harness the full potential of a converged voice and data network. Marconi's SoftSwitch will enable this by promoting the highest level of interoperability between SIP, PSTN and MGCP/H248/H323 environments, maximising the number of applications that service providers can deliver to a wide customer base.

"Marconi's SoftSwitch will provide operators with a single platform for both PSTN-like and web-like capabilities with the same management and billing functions, simplifying deployment and allowing revenues to be earned rapidly," said Martin Harriman, chief marketing officer, Marconi Corporation plc. "With one platform, operators will be able to support adventurous users who relish new technology but want to remain connected to traditional services, as well as traditional users who want to enhance their familiar environment with easy-to-use new features, such as 'click-to-dial'."

Marconi Corp. plc