Introduction
As an open, standards based platform, sipXecs/openUC software runs seamlessly on off-the-shelf products that support these standards. As a native SIP communications platform, devices, clients, applications and network services from heterogeneous vendor product suites can be combined to create the highest performing and most cost effective unified communications solution available. To ensure interoperability between these products, services and sipXecs/openUC software, eZuce supports a program that validates system components.
The eZuce Certification Program (ECP) is meant to give end users confidence that a particular vendor’s product will interoperate properly with openUC. The program consists of three levels of certification which are applied to four different product categories. Product tests are broken down into two sections, Major and Important. Major tests must be passed for basic functionality levels. Important tests round out functionality and must be passed in order to be considered for full certification.
Certification Levels
There are three certification levels:, Certified, Supported, and Verified
Certified
A certified product must meet the highest compatibility standards passing all of the interoperability tests (Major and Important) and be configurable from within the sipXecs/openUC configuration GUI. The product must be re-certified with each new major firmware and openUC release. Additionally, eZuce technical staff must be provided direct access to level 2 or level 3 technical support staff for the vendor’s certified products as well as 2 of each type of phone, 1 of each type of gateway, and 1 of each type of Session Border Controller submitted for certification for use in the eZuce lab. If an ITSP is being certified then eZuce must be given all necessary information to connect or register a testing account (with limited testing minutes) to the ITSP. Certified products are directly supported with eZuce technical staff acting as the one point of contact for openUC customers (Not available to sipXecs users).
Supported
A supported product must meet high compatibility standards passing all major interoperability tests and be configurable from within the sipXecs/openUC configuration GUI. The product must be re-certified with each new major firmware and openUC release. Support for these devices is deferred to the device manufacturer.
Verified
A verified product must meet basic compatibility standards passing all major interoperability tests. These products may be manually configured. Configuration information must exist on a Vendor’s support portal and/or the SIPfoundry wiki. This information should be vendor or community maintained. The product must be re-certified with each new major firmware and openUC release. Support for these devices is deferred to the device manufacturer.
Product Categories
There are five product categories in the eZuce Vendor Certification Program program that the certification levels are applied to:
- Phones
- Gateways
- Session Border Controllers
- ITSPs
- Instant Messaging Clients
If a product, such as a softphone, plays in two different categories it should be certified in both categories (for example, a softphone may have phone functionality and IM functionality).
Phones
This category includes all hard phones and softphones (including clients that run on mobile devices). This category also includes station-side gateways (fxs, etc.) devices such as an analog or digital handset or fax machine.
Gateways
Gateways provide connectivity to PSTN type circuits or other communications equipment. This category includes traditional PSTN (FXO, PRI, T1/E1, BRI, GSM, etc.) gateways. Gateways may also be modular in nature.
Session Border Controllers
The Session Border Controller category is for all SBCs. Remote user support and ITSP connectivity should be identified in the certification. SBC’s may be physical devices or be software based.
ITSPs
Internet Telephony Service Providers are plentiful and, like other devices, not all are created equal. ITSP’s not listed on the certification list may have already been certified with a particular Session Border Controller so SBC vendors should be queried. This category will be reserved for those ITSP’s who are compatible with the in-built sipXbridge SBC. There may be other ITSP’s that are certified to work on Session Border Controllers that are verified to work with sipXecs/openUC.
Instant Messaging Clients
Instant Messaging clients are a new category for certification as compared to other communications systems. sipXecs/openUC is a communications platform that supports varied forms of communications.
Getting a Device Supported
Partners, manufacturers, developers, service providers, and end users can take the initiative to get a device or client supported by sipXecs/openUC should it not currently be supported or in the product roadmap. Interested parties can pursue two avenues when seeking assistance to get their device, client or service supported.
SIPFoundry Assistance
There are currently two resources available to parties who wish to undertake this endeavor themselves. The SIPfoundry Wiki (http://wiki.sipfoundry.org) and the Developers mailing list (see Where to find help) are great sources of information.
Parties who use the open source approach should consult with eZuce with respect to openUC acceptance.
eZuce may elect not to accept third party plugins under the certification program.
eZuce Assistance
If an interested party requires eZuce assistance to attain any of the program levels (Certified, Supported, Verified), plugin creation or testing resources may be contracted directly from eZuce. This work can be performed on a scheduled professional services basis.
Professional Services rates are as follows:
- $195 USD / hour
- $1,325 USD / day
eZuce allows between 4-6 weeks for development and testing of a device, client or service request. Depending on the complexity of the device, number of features, and vendor support capabilities the effort may take longer. Should eZuce contract to meet the requirements, a detailed Statement of Work will be provided and a pricing quotation will be included for the SOW. Additionally, re-certification may be performed by the vendor pursuant to successful eZuce test plan execution and verification.
Contact Information
Interested parties can reach a qualified eZuce technical contact to discuss requirements and program options at sales@ezuce.com or by contacting the Director of Technical Services at eZuce: 978-296-1005 x 2015.