NeuStar Adds Support for SIP-IX

NeuStar Inc., a leader in directories, has added seven new members to its Session Initiated Protocol Exchange (SIP-IX) alliance, the company announced today. Those new partners include a combination of service providers and vendors, and include Acme Packet, BroadSoft Inc., iBasis Inc., NexTone Communications, Sonus Networks Inc., Sylantro and XO Communications Inc..

Previously announced partners include Equinix and Telehouse, and technology partners CEON Corp., JacobsRimell, Incognito Software Inc. and Nominum Inc.

SIP-IX, which was launched nearly a year ago and is still considered in trial stage, allows IP communications providers to connect with one another directly. Of course, VoIP peering has become a hot issue in recent months, and at least one company, Stealth Communications Inc., launched a service called The Voice Peering Fabric (VPF) in response.

But NeuStar execs said VPF sells ports while SIP-IX enables network operators to interact and leverage big IP pipes at PoPs by providing directory-related information.

While the initial application for SIP-IX is to allow VoIP providers to connect so they can bypass the PSTN entirely, NeuStar executives said, thats just the tip of the iceberg. The execs said SIP-IX also would work to connect the various carrier islands of MMS, for example.

NeuStar executives would not comment on when SIP-IX will be launched commercially

NeuStar Inc. www.neustar.biz