Those Other SIP Devices to SupportThose Other SIP Devices to Support

IP network operators and enterprise application designers need to keep abreast of the increasing number of SIP-based devices.

We continue to hear about SIP phones, gateways, Session Border Controllers and firewalls. But did you know that there is a growing world of SIP devices that will need to be supported that most enterprises have never heard of? When I attended Enterprise Connect in March, I found some exhibits of these other SIP devices.

One of the exhibitors was Algo Solutions, a manufacturer of notification and call recording systems, intercoms and analog terminal adapters. Although Algo offers products that operate as analog devices, I focused on the SIP devices. These included:

* Doorphone
* Audio Alerter
* Callbox
* Multimedia Intercom

The SIP-based multimedia intercom appliance caught my attention. It is designed for applications where a standard IP Phone is not suitable, such as in outdoor or public access locations. The device is Ethernet powered (PoE) and configurable through a secure web interface. It comes with options for a video camera, keypad, graphic LCD, remote door control module, and proximity detection.

This multimedia intercom demonstrates the growing intelligence and flexibility of internal communications and notification devices. The applications for this intercom span many markets:

* Healthcare/ Assisted Living--Nurse call, entry security, presence detection (RFID, key press, card swipe etc), patient information / alerts and announcements

* Education--Emergency call and announcement, security and access control

* Hotel/Hospitality--Security, advertising, amenities access

* Retail--Customer assistance, order taking, advertising, rental car service, security

* Government--Prisons, airports, security

* Residential--Intercom, apartment and gated community access

The Multimedia Intercom

I found another SIP enabled device from NextAlarm Monitoring Services. NextAlarm.com provides Internet-enhanced alarm monitoring services for homes and small businesses through its Alarm Broadband Network (ABN).

One of the interesting services from a NextAlarm device is E-Notify. This feature:

* Sends alerts when people arrive and leave.
* Alerts when maintenance is needed or tests have been successfully completed.
* Sends alerts when certain expected events do not occur.
* Send SMS alerts when power is interrupted.

The E-Notify feature can be very useful for enterprise facilities that are not manned continually and remote locations.

Another SIP device is the Ethernet connected camera and video surveillance system. If you Google "SIP camera", you will find a number of vendors offering indoor and outdoor video cameras and surveillance devices.

I have also discovered SIP-based paging systems and clocks.

Some of the questions that may need to be answered when implementing other SIP devices are:

* Does the device work directly over Ethernet or is a controller required?

* Should there be backup power for the devices, especially if they are used for security and access control?

* Does my present management system support these devices?

* If supported, how well?

* If not supported, can the management system be updated?

* Will the enterprise have to write an app or will the vendor provide the update (product or custom implementation)?

* Does the enterprise have Ethernet connections in the locations that will house these devices?

* If the SIP devices are used as part of a security network, how secure are these devices and their network connections?

SIP is a great protocol because it can be used for virtually any media. The IP network operators and probably the enterprise application designers need to keep abreast of the increasing number of SIP based devices.