MegaPath Inc., a provider of managed IP data, voice and security services, has announced the expansion of its IP PBX Certified Partner program with the inclusion of Grandstream Networks (News - Alert). This is expected to offer more choices in voice and data hardware for customers.

According to a press release, the program, which includes over 15 partner firms, is designed to ensure that third-party IP PBX hardware complies with MegaPath’s (News - Alert) performance and scalability standards. The company’s all optical MPLS network provides optimized voice quality and reliability from the core to the edge.

Product features, including authentication and registration, inbound and outbound calling, are tested by MegaPath’s standard interoperability evaluation tests. The tests also include caller ID, DTMF tone transmission, hunting, group features, auto attendance and other standard individual features of a PBX (News - Alert). In order to ensure optimized voice service MegaPath helps hardware partners to deliver reliable, feature-rich solutions.

Grandstream Networks received certification as part of MegaPath’s new partner program. It offers an enterprise portfolio of IP devices including its GXE502x IP PBX and GXP enterprise phones.

“For customers to gain the greatest value out of their VoIP investments, vendors need to ensure that the infrastructure is optimized to meet an organization’s specific requirements,” said Khris Kendrick, senior director of business development, Grandstream Networks, in the release. “Being certified gives customers increased confidence that our products enhance MegaPath’s service.”

Beth Tyebjee, SVP, products and project management, MegaPath, explained that the certification program ensures that the company’s service provides customers with the capabilities, quality and reliability they need.

“Through our rigorous testing and certification process, customers can be assured that our solutions have met the highest standards,” emphasized Kendrick.

MegaPath’s Duet SIP Trunking service features business-class phone capabilities and a 1.5 Mbps Internet T1 connection. Customers can employ their own existing certified IP PBX system or work with a MegaPath certified partner for implementing new hardware. As both voice and Internet are combined businesses have to pay for only one circuit thereby saving on infrastructure costs.

The Duet SIP Trunking is a fully-managed service and hence does not require any upfront investments or equipment costs. Customers can offload management resources to MegaPath. The Duet service does not use the public Internet, so phone calls are clear, reliable and secure when compared to consumer-grade VoIP, said company sources.

The company uses its wide range of broadband connectivity, Virtual Private Networks, Voice over IP and security technologies to help businesses reduce costs, increase security and enhance productivity.