The challenges that VoIP service providers face getting the disparate elements on their networks to work together faultlessly is the focus of this session.

VoIP networks provide the opportunity to mix vendors and elements in highly customized configurations, but that flexibility is the source of much of the frustration for network integrators trying to get all those pieces to meld into a functioning whole.

Chris Gatch, chief technical officer at Cbeyond Communications, with several years of experience in providing VoIP services, will discuss interoperability issues among IP devices, CPE and the network; SIP as the bridge to connect all of these endpoints; Cbeyonds SIPconnect interoperability effort with other service providers and vendors; and how this effort will accomplish that goal.

The increased deployment of IP PBXs has led to a need in the industry to provide direct IP peering between customer premises equipment, states Gatch. Interoperability among equipment from multiple vendors is essential to the migration of an all-IP network.

Tracy Venters, vice president of solutions engineering at tekVizion PVS Inc., will explore the issues for service providers deploying IP networks, such as that every network is unique, yet service providers need to get new applications to market quickly. They dont want to be limited in product choices but interoperability labs are costly to build and maintain. Also, service providers know that inadequate testing creates less reliable networks. A solution is an independent test lab, such as tekVizion, that streamlines interoperability.

Also speaking is Max Adams, president and CEO of Converged Technology Application Partners (CTAP).