CounterPath (News - Alert) Corporation, a provider of desktop and mobile VoIP software products and solutions, and Vidtel, a provider of cloud video conferencing services, announced interoperability to offer affordable mobile video conferencing services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Through the agreement, both companies will ensure interoperability between CounterPath's Bria softphone for PCs and mobile devices and Vidtel's (News - Alert) MeetMe service.

 "Businesses of every size value the bottom-line benefits of video communications, including on tablets and smartphones," said Todd Carothers, CounterPath senior vice president, Marketing and Products, in a statement.

"The interoperability with Vidtel enables CounterPath to meet that need by providing device- and network-agnostic video conferencing solutions that are as intuitive as dialing a telephone. Together, we're liberating businesses from the costs, constraints and uncertainties that come with video communication services that are ruled by a single company," Carothers added.

Interoperability between MeetMe and Bria means that SMEs and other customers will be able to: achieve high video conference quality by using SIP-based native interoperability rather than transcoding and enter a video conference room by dialing a phone number, PBX (News - Alert) extension or SIP address (eliminating the need to add a contact/buddy or learn the unique requirements of third-party services).

Usually video conferencing prompts SMEs to utilize consumer-grade services such as Google Hangouts or Skype because of the cost associated with expensive telepresence solutions which are currently available in the market.

 The interoperability between CounterPath and Vidtel solutions will allow enterprise customers to avoid buying new and expensive hardware-based video conferencing systems.

 "CounterPath's enterprise-grade softphones are a natural complement to Vidtel in a smartphone and tablet environment; both companies are committed to providing SMEs with convenient, cost-effective and high-quality video communications, “said Scott Wharton (News - Alert), CEO of Vidtel. "We offer no hidden caveats when it comes to price and interoperability. This interoperability creates an exciting range of opportunities for both our companies and our customers, now and in the near future."

In other industry news, in just a week SIP end points company Panasonic will be heading East to Miami, Fla., to participate at ITEXPO East 2012, taking place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.

“We participate in ITEXPO (News - Alert) because we want a place to showcase our extensive range of communication solutions which offer businesses reliable, flexible and affordable telephony options,” Bill Savino, marketing manager for Panasonic, told TMCnet. “ITEXPO is an ideal place to showcase our innovative communication products to key decision makers at businesses, both large and small.”

Panasonic, a gold ITEXPO sponsor that will be exhibiting at booths 828 and 316, has a lot to be excited about for this year’s trade show, particularly since the SIP end points company recently unveiled its KX-UT670 phone, the industry’s first SIP open source-based operating system desk phone. The phone allows for integrated solutions to be developed for business communications and operations.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO registration click here.

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