By Khali Henderson

Microsoft Corp. has certified Interoute as the first European service provider to supply SIP trunking for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Revision 2.

By connecting Microsoft OCS R2 to Interoute’s pan-European network via SIP trunking, enterprises can deploy unified communications and VoIP without having to discard their previous investment in PBX platforms or by embarking on expensive migration projects.

In summer 2007, Interoute launched Interoute One to enable European companies using Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005 or OCS 2007 to share IM, presence and video calls across corporate networks. Interoute One enables direct communication with other companies and the PSTN without the need for additional hardware, integration or upgrades. For businesses that don’t run LCS 2005, an alternative desktop phone soft phone is available, and SIP trunking is available for businesses that want to connect directly to their PBX.

“The combination of Interoute One and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 provides a powerful new way for people to use OCS as an external telephony solution and offers customers a rich and integrated communications experience,” said Victor Schmedding, communications sector lead at Microsoft. “Interoute is adding significant value to enterprise communications and enabling businesses to better connect people, information and business processes.”

“Microsoft’s certification of Interoute One is a clear endorsement of its capability to provide enterprises with a secure ’Skype-like’ service,” said Interoute CEO Gareth Williams. “With this move Microsoft has opened the floodgates for enterprises wanting an advanced telephony system at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.”

Interoute also is offering a free trial of outbound calling to OCS customers.

Interoute operates a voice and data network in Europe that encompasses more 57,000km of lit fiber and 59 data centers. Its serves more than 3,000 enterprise, government and carrier customers.