Best of VoiceCon Finalists AnnouncedBest of VoiceCon Finalists Announced

VoiceCon ProgramWho did our panel of judges choose to advance to the final round? Click on this post to find out.

VoiceCon ProgramThis is pretty exciting. For the first time ever, we're doing Best of VoiceCon as a juried award, and our panel of judges has just announced the seven finalists for the award. They are:* Acme Packet--Acme Packet Net-Net Session Border Controller in Skype for SIP: Skype has deployed Acme Packet Net-Net session border controllers (SBCs) to simplify the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment.

* Avaya--Avaya Aura Solution for Midsize Enterprises: A single-server, unified communications solution for businesses as small as 100 employees and scalable up to 2400 users and 250 locations.

* Cisco--Cisco Intercompany Media Engine: A new product that establishes a foundation for cross-organization rich media communications.

* NET--VX1200 with Extend features: Designed to support the adoption of enterprise voice for Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007 R2 customers, providing branch offices with several key features.

* Psytechnics--Experience Manager 5 with Service Desk Manager: Delivers per session QoE visibility to enable user- experience based IT operations and service management.

* Siemens Enterprise Communications--OpenScape UC Server 2010: The new iteration of Siemens' next-generation, software-based enterprise communications platform for Voice, UC, Contact Center, Video and Mobility.

* Sipera--Sipera Secure Live Communications (SLiC): A security solution enabling employees to use VoIP, UC, cloud telephony, and other low-cost and feature-rich communications applications on mobile devices.

The judges will take briefings with each of the finalists, and we'll announce the winners on Wednesday, March 24, 9 AM, from the VoiceCon keynote stage.

Joining me as judges for Best of VoiceCon are:

* Fred Knight, VoiceCon GM and Co-chair; * Michael Finneran, President, dBrn Associates; * Marty Parker, Principal, UniComm Consulting; * Sorell Slaymaker, Communications Architect, Unified IT Systems; * David Stein, Principal, PlanNet Consulting; and * Allan Sulkin, President, TEQConsult Group.

We got more than 40 entries, and there was some terrific stuff in there--not just the outstanding products that made the finals, but really interesting services, too. I'm looking forward to walking the VoiceCon show floor.VoiceCon ProgramWho did our panel of judges choose to advance to the final round? Click on this post to find out.