OKI Launches Host Media Processing Software, eSound(TM) Engine for Server V2
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- Enables seamless applications with mobile phones and PCs -
TOKYO, January 27, 2009 - Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6703) today announced it has developed the "eSound(TM) Engine for Server V2," a host media processing*1 software that improves compatibility with mobile phones and PC client engines. The engine, available to the global market starting today, is based on its "eSound Engine" that achieves high sound quality communication over IP networks.
"Based on our long years of development of VoIP technology, OKI has been offering a highly realistic communication environment over IP networks with its eSound*2 technology. The "eSound Engine" was announced in April 2006 and has steadily expanded its lineup. The engine is widely accepted in the market and is used in various terminals such as mobile phones and software phones," said Toshinori Suzuki, General Manager of Telecom System Division at OKI. "By responding to the demand for host media processing software, we improved compatibility with client engines and today are announcing the eSound Engine for Server V2."
With the expansion of IP networks, such as seen in NGN, demand for IP-based host media processing software has increased. This software is expected to be used in network terminals to offer value-added service such as IVR*3, MCU*4 and voice recording. Furthermore, demands to include commonality and portability in host media processing are also increasing. This is because as business infrastructures, such as thin client and cloud computing*5 progress, applications that had previously been enabled on terminals now must be enabled on servers on IP-based network infrastructures.
Therefore, OKI developed the "eSound Engine for Server V2" based on the original "eSound Engine for Server" that is used in OKI's "CTstage® 5i," a contact center system that holds a 46% market share in Japan*6. OKI has improved compatibility with client engines such as mobile phones and PCs, and succeeded in developing this engine as host media processing software to achieve seamless applications on network equipment over the network.
Characteristics of the engine
1. Common API for client engine
The engine includes a common API used in client type eSound Engine such as "eSound Engine ForPC" and "eSound Engine ForMobile," thus reducing the application development load. For example, a PC-based voice conference application can easily be ported to a conference server.
2. Compatible with multiple codecs
The engine is compatible not only with conventional codecs such as G.711, but also with wideband codecs such as G.722. It also includes a function to enable mixing different codecs.
3. Low delay
The engine is equipped with OKI's original "Delay Recovery Function," boasting the industry's highest level of latency recovery.
4. Compatible with multiple platforms
The engine is compatible with Windows® and Linux®, responding to a variety of systems, from enterprise systems to carrier systems.
Suzuki added "OKI aims to achieve a 50% the market share in Japan in the host media processing software market in the fiscal year ending March 2010. We will focus on contributing to telecom carriers' service expansions in NGN, and will be compatible with various codecs that will be used in high-quality IP telephony services. We will also enhance collaboration with IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and multimedia middleware technologies and aim to achieve a 30% market share in the world market In the next three years."
[Sales price]
Price: Each license from 7,000 yen (excluding tax) and up.
Usage: For contact centers, voice recording equipment, IVR, MCU, etc.
[Glossary]
*1 Host Media Processing (HMP)
This is a generic term for software that processes media and controls communication, such as IP telephony, on a host computer. HMP enables applications such as IVR without dedicated hardware.
*2 eSound
This is OKI's VoIP technology to enable high quality voice conversation over IP networks. The technology is compliant to various voice signal methods and includes My eSound(TM) (OKI Voice Band Enhancer), a function for high-quality communication even when the other party uses a conventional phone, and eSound Positioning, a next-generation voice service that can include direction to the voice. For more information go to: http://www.oki.com/en/esound/
*3 IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
This can automatically respond to incoming calls and replay messages according to commands given by the caller.
*4 MCU (Multipoint Control Unit)
This is used in video conference systems to control communication between video conference terminals in multiple locations and mixes and delivers both voice and image.
*5 Cloud computing
This is a style of computing in which services are offered using multiple computers connected via the Internet. Users do not need to be aware of the physical network structure, but it gives commands to the network. Cloud is a metaphor of the Internet.
[Source]
*6 Yano Research Institute Ltd., Current status and perspective of call center/Contact center market 2008
About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. OKI provides top-quality products, technologies and solutions to its customers through its info-telecom system business and printer business. All businesses function as a collective force to create exciting new products and technologies that satisfy a spectrum of customer needs in various markets. Visit OKI's global web site at http://www.oki.com/.
Notes:
- CTstage is a registered trademark of Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
- eSound and My eSound are trademarks of Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
- Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
- Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
- Other names of companies and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies and organizations.
