There are many SIP Trunk providers that 'work' with OCS 207 R2 - some that are on the Microsoft OIP and some that are not. The goal of this blog will be to objectively compare the various providers from basic functionality to customer service to actual costs involved. The SIP Trunk providers chosen are capable of connecting directly to an OCS 2007 R2 Mediation Server requiring no additional voice gateways. I have taken the task of identifying different market SIP trunk providers an where applicable, I have written TechNet 'How-To' instructions regarding their configuration (links below).
Some of the providers I was not able to test for one reason or another. The tables below include information I found relevant and hopefully will be of use to others. Any provider who would be interested in being included in this blog may contact me atsupport@bricomp.com. Check back often as I intend to keep this information live.
Provider | Provisioning | Product | Initial Cost |
AT&T | Currently working with a client utilizing AT&T as backend; tackling issues right now, more info to come | | |
Broadvox | Simple process but requires a phone call in the end. Visiting the web link for their services or calling directly, a sales rep. will be assigned to you and the quoting completed. | GO! Local M-2-M | $30/Channel |
GO! Local 1yr | $20/Channel |
GO! Local 2yr | $10/Channel |
GO! Local 3yr | None |
GO! Anywhere M-2-M | $30/Channel |
GO! Anywhere 1yr | $20/Channel |
GO! Anywhere 2yr | $10/Channel |
GO! Anywhere 3yr | None |
Global Crossing | Unable to provision; requires an endpoint on their MPLS network | | |
IntelePeer | Simple process but requires a phone call in the end. Visiting the web link for their services or calling directly, a sales rep. will be assigned to you and the quoting completed. Future web provisioning coming soon. | Unlimited M-2-M | |
Per Minute M-2-M, unlimited channels | |
Swisscom | Currently focused on the Swiss market and not able to participate in a | | |
Provider | Monthly Cost | Domestic LD | International LD |
AT&T | | | |
Broadvox | $15.00/Channel | $.023/Minute 6 sec. increments | Varies, billed in 1 min. increments |
| $14.25/Channel | $.023/Minute 6 sec. increments |
| $13.50/Channel | $.022/Minute 6 sec. increments |
| $12.75/Channel | $.020/Minute 6 sec. increments |
| $35.00/Channel | Included |
| $33.25/Channel |
| $31.50/Channel |
| $29.75/Channel |
Global Crossing | | | |
IntelePeer | $18/Channel | $0.025/Minute | Varies |
| $0.025/Minute | Included |
Swisscom | | | |
Links
Configuring a Broadvox SIP Trunk in Communications Server 2007 R2
Configuring an IntelePeer SIP Trunk in Communications Server 2007 R2
A current issue with a Microsoft patch has been discovered (and currently blogged about in numerous locations). In short, if security update KB974571 is installed on your OCS/LCS servers to believe they are expired evals. Removing the hotfix resolves the problem but then, of course, leaves the security vulnerability open. As can be expected, Microsoft is working to correct the issue ASAP.
Issue
OCS/LCS reports it is running as an evaluation and has expired when in fact it has not (volume or retail media was used).
Cause
Installation of Security Hotfix KB974571 released 10/13/2009.
Resolution
Uninstall Security Hotfix KB974571 from the OCS/LCS servers.
Additional References
http://communicationsserverteam.com/archive/2009/10/14/632.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/dodeitte/archive/2009/10/13/do-not-apply-kb974571-to-lcs-ocs-servers.aspx
http://jasonshave.blogspot.com/2009/10/warning-about-kb974571-and-event-id.html
http://projectdream.org/wordpress/2009/10/13/kb974571-crypto-api-update-may-break-office-communications-server-2007-r2-installations/