Unified Communications Require Branch Office Connectivity and Survivability
Unified Communications (UC) solutions can leverage corporate WANs, VPNs, and broadband data networks to consolidate and centralize the servers and software intelligence required to deliver UC services to enterprise workers wherever they attach to the network. To centralize core UC services for efficiency and cost savings, an integrated device at the branch office premises is needed for local service connectivity, as well as for the continuity of base-level voice service in the event that the corporate WAN becomes unavailable.
Solution: Survivable Branch Appliance
A hybrid media gateway that operates as a Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA) can provide effective and reliable connectivity for a branch office. The SBA gateway would host survivable UC server software and integrate TDM and SIP media gateway functionality for local PSTN connectivity. It would also need to support analog endpoints such as legacy conference phones and fax machines. If the corporate WAN and central UC services become unavailable, the SBA would provide business continuity for branch office workers and local PSTN service connectivity.
A Dialogic® 4000 Media Gateway (DMG4000 Gateway) can be used as an SBA with the newest release of Microsoft® Lync Server 2010. The figure on this page provides an example of how a DMG4000 Gateway can be used as an SBA.
Advantages of Using a DMG4000 Gateway as a Survivable Branch Appliance
The advantages of using DMG4000 Gateways as SBAs are:
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Broad, scalable hybrid gateway product line
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Proven support for Microsoft UC
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Field software upgradeable to operate as an SBA
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Flexible, cost-effective support for analog devices
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PBX, PSTN, IP, and fax protocol support
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Robust Windows Server 2008 platform