OVERVIEW

ZipDX Direct is a service offering that enables a complete suite of services for a Polycom IP endpoint, without the need for an in-house or hosted IP-PBX. It delivers these important functions:

• HDVoice Conferencing: A Polycom IP Phone or IP SoundStation can directly access ZipDX conferencing services, in HDVoice, without the need for a PBX or ITSP.
• Conference Dashboard: When a ZipDX conference is active, you can see the status of the conference and even control various aspects of it, right on the telephone display.
• Point-to-Point HDVoice Calling: When configured for ZipDX Direct, a stand-alone Polycom IP device can make and receive HDVoice calls directly to/from any other HDVoice device on the ZipDX Direct network.
• PSTN Dialing: ZipDX Direct devices can also place narrowband calls to any telephone number on the PSTN (including other conference bridges).
• HDVoice Demonstration: A pre-programmed button provides access to the HDVoice demonstration, highlighting the benefits of the technology.

Consider the older, analog SoundStation. It could be placed in any conference room and be connected to any analog phone line, and could then be immediately put to use for conference calls by dialing a conference bridge, or to connect to any other phone.

Now, with ZipDX Direct, a Polycom IPxxx device can similarly be plugged into any Ethernet connection with broadband Internet access. That device will have one-button access to ZipDX HDVoice conferencing, using HDVoice. In addition, the device can dial to, or receive calls from, another HDVoice device on the network. And since it can place calls to any PSTN number, it can be used, for example, to access other (narrowband) conferencing services.

Customers do not have to wait until they have upgraded their entire telephone infrastructure to IP telephony to begin deploying products like the IP-6000 and IP-7000. They can upgrade their conference rooms with these devices and realize the benefits immediately.

ZipDX Direct can be used anywhere in the world, provided broadband Internet access is available. Call quality may be impacted by sub-standard Internet connections.

CAVEATS

No inbound PSTN calls: ZipDX Direct devices are not assigned “public” telephone numbers. These devices can only be called from other ZipDX Direct devices, or by the ZipDX conferencing service.

No PBX Dial Plan: If used in a corporate environment with a conventional PBX, the ZipDX Direct device(s) will not share the company “abbreviated dial plan.” In-house extensions must be dialed using their ten-digit PSTN number.

Firewall: ZipDX Direct supports common “Network Address Translation” routers and firewalls. However, if a business or home user has a firewall configured to block certain ports or traffic, those settings will have to be modified to allow ZipDX Direct to work.

Emergency Service: ZipDX Direct does not offer 911 or other emergency services, and may not be able to reach other special services (such as, for example, 411 or 611 or 0).

Not a Substitute for Traditional Phone Service: For the above reasons, plus the fact that other features including voice-mail are not offered, means that ZipDX Direct should not be used as an individual’s ONLY telephone service. However, ZipDX Direct is very appropriate for conference room situations.

Voice Quality Not Guaranteed: Because the connection between the phone and the ZipDX Direct server is over the public Internet, call quality may be affected by bandwidth constraints or congestion. This generally will not be an issue for businesses with T-1 or better Internet access service.