Siemens bonds mobility with unified communications

15.10.2008
New software from supports phones that can connect to cellular and Wi-Fi networks and transition calls between the two to save on cellular bills by taking advantage of corporate wireless networks and public hotspots.

The OpenScape Mobility software consists of a unified communications client, and upgrades to its (WLAN) access point and its fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) call-control appliance that coordinates the handoffs between wired, cellular and Wi-Fi networks. (.)

With , dual-mode wireless handsets become corporate PBX extensions that are able to move among Wi-Fi access points and between WLANs and commercial cellular networks.

The OpenScape UC Mobile Client can switch modes as a user moves in and out of networks. It support Windows Mobile versions 5 and 6, Research in Motion and Symbian operating systems, and iPhone support has been worked out but is not ready yet for general release, the company says.

The client gives access to voice, conferencing, instant messaging, Wi-Fi and cellular networks, but relies on e-mail platforms made by other vendors.

It also protects calls via public Wi-Fi networks with a tunnel. So if a phone making a cellular call moves into range of a public Wi-Fi access point, it automatically creates a VPN tunnel back to the FMC controller through which the call can be switched securely.