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Acme Packet (News - Alert) has expanded its Acme Packet Connected Universe program with the addition of three Constellation members. Major U.S. and European service provider customers or partners of Acme Packet, O1 Communications, Stealth Communications and XConnect (News - Alert), have joined the program.

Acme Packet Connected Universe program, which was launched last month can accelerate the implementation of IP interconnects between service providers for voice over IP and other end-to-end IP interactive communication services.

The program helps Acme Packet-enabled service providers quickly find potential IP interconnect and peering arrangements and build business relationships with other Acme Packet-experienced service providers.

Acme Packet-enabled service providers offering IP interconnect-based services to other service providers are the Constellation members. Acme Packet customers that are seeking services from Constellation members or VoIP peering arrangements with other Star members are the Star members.

Constellation members can use a searchable Web site directory of member services to promote services. The directory also allows Star members to easily find business and peering partners.

According to Janique Pilon, senior carrier relations manager with TELUS, an existing Star member of Acme Packet Connected Universe, Acme Packet’s Net-Net SBCs help solve the technical challenges around IP interconnects and its new program helps mitigate some of the business hurdles.

Acme Packet’s new Constellation members provide a broad array of wholesale transit, directory and routing services worldwide. The members use or have proven interoperability with Acme Packet Net-Net SBCs to offer services to other service providers.

A facilities-based California CLEC, O1 Communications provides wholesale VoIP peering solutions to service providers who want to originate and terminate voice traffic in California.

Voice Peering Fabric (VPF) from Stealth Communications is the voice marketplace for enterprises, government agencies and carriers worldwide to buy, sell and trunk telephony related services with over a 100 billion minute run-rate in 2006.

XConnect is a trusted VoIP Federation/Peering services provider .The services include the innovative settlement-free XConnect Alliance as well as private federations with over 400 service providers in 35 countries.

“Our program has expanded with premier customers and service provider partners to help accelerate IP interconnects and VoIP peering,” said Mario Oliveira, Acme Packet’s vice president, business development in a press release.

“Acme Packet Connected Universe brings our customers and partners together to bridge VoIP islands,” he concluded.

Acme Packet enables service providers to deliver trusted, first class interactive communications - voice, video and multimedia sessions - across IP network borders.

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Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.