A platform that promises to do it all

If you've been holding off on laying down a wireless network because of interest in VoIP, you might just want to hold off another few months until Divitas produces its Mobility Communications Platform. The start-up's technology promises to provide WLAN roaming, VoIP call control, VPN termination, and XML data delivery, in addition to hand-off management and security. The Linux-based appliance will allow enterprises to bring in dual-mode voice-over-WLAN (VoWiFi) and let cellular handsets, or any handheld device, tap into a corporate VoIP and data network from anywhere. The appliance performs as a WLAN controller for handset clients attached to 802.11a/b/g networks. The platform tracks the connectivity status of all Divitas-enabled devices, and manages Layer 2 and Layer 3 WLAN roaming, address translation and QoS settings as users move among WLAN access points.

Divitas, however, isn't the only vendor moving in the VoWiFi direction. Analysts say there could be at least two dozen vendors offering very similar services and capabilities in coming months, so competition for customer base will be fierce. That's great news for IT leaders. A competitive market means better service and typically a better price point. Article