Hosted VoIP

Broadsoft, Inc., a provider of VoIP application software, is announcing the finalists for its Broadsoft Xtended Voice Mashup Contest. Contestants competed to create telephony mashups that provide new, valuable services for businesses and consumers.

 

“These innovative telephony mashups have the ability to create a real impact in the marketplace,” said Leslie Ferry, vice president of marketing for BroadSoft (News - Alert). “We are excited about the variety and depth of entries that will alter the way companies and individuals communicate.”

 

The Xtended Voice Mashup Contest challenged Web 2.0 and telecom developers to combine BroadWorks VoIP features with other Web-based services, including customer relationship management tools, business collaboration and social networking sites. Telephony applications, such as SMS, voicemail, fax and mobile clients, also qualified for submission.

 

The contest winners will be announced at the Web 2.0 Expo New York 2008, which takes place Sept. 16-19. The finalists are:

 

Emergency Services finalist: Disaster Dispatcher, created by Thomas Howe (News - Alert), is a voice mashup that integrates Twitter, BroadWorks and RSS feeds to provide a one-window communications tool for emergency operators. This lets emergency personnel analyze the collection of information after the emergency to optimize response procedures.

 

Mobility finalist: MobileProv, developed by Joseph Farrer, is a mobile portal that allows an end user to control their personal BroadWorks services – call forwarding, simultaneous ring, remote office and do not disturb – from any mobile device.

 

Communications finalist: VoxIM, created by VoxIdea, is part of a suite of applications created with the intent of facilitating a user’s communication efficiency. The system integrates voice, call control, presence, instant messaging and voice messaging in an economical and open-application environment.

 

Interoperability finalist: QuickSet, developed by Joseph Farrar, provides Windows, MAC and Linux operating system users to access their services via a simple desktop interface, powered by the Adobe AIR platform, which provides the ability to run Flash applications on the desktop.

 

Consumer/residential use finalist: VFX Manager, created by WorldXchange, runs on Windows or Linux and allows the user to manage their BroadSoft services. The application resides in the system tray of your PC for easy access.

 

Accounting automation finalist: Project ARCTIC, created by WorldXchange, improves the accounts receivable process within organizations. It leverages low-cost methods to notify customers of past due accounts and ensures greater probability by providing reminders, so bills are paid on time.

 

The first place prize is $5,000 cash and all-expenses-paid trip to Broadsoft Connections 2008 with a free Solutions ShowCase booth valued at $10,500; second place is $2,000 cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to the BroadSoft Connections; and third place is $1,000 cash and a ticket to BroadSoft Connections.

Eve Sullivan is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering news in the IP communications, call center and customer relationship management industries. To read more of Eve's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Eve Sullivan