The latest entry into fixed-mobile convergence comes from what at first glance seems an unlikely source: Bluesocket, which until now had been primarily a wireless security. But with its purchase last week of open-source IP PBX vendor Pingtel Bluesocket joins a growing trend: producing infrastructure that supports Wi-Fi and cellular calls and smooth handoffs between them, that provides PBX features to phones in both Wi-Fi and cellular modes and that can ultimately support roaming access to data.

The result of the Bluesocket-Pingtel deal is likely to be a combination IP PBX/wireless LAN controller that will be announced sometime next year. Alcatel-Lucent and Aruba say they plan a joint venture to produce secure network infrastructure to support Alcatel-Lucent fixed-mobile gear as well as its wired equipment.

Bluesocket will also be pitted against the likes of VoIP heavyweights Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Siemens and a newly announced alliance of Alcatel-Lucent and Aruba Networks.

Fixed-mobile convergence

Interest in fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) technology is soaring. Sale of dual-mode handsets on which the technology relies will grow at 31% per year through 2010, according to a report by Infonetics. During that period the desire for phones that support graceful Wi-Fi-to-cellular call transfers will jump as well.

According to the report, “Mobile and Wi-Fi Phones and Subscribers,” 35% of dual-mode sales in 2010 will be for seamless-handover phones vs. 3% last year. The alternative dual-modes handle Wi-Fi and cellular, but not handoffs. Infonetics lumps dual-mode phones in with Wi-Fi phones in its projections, and says vendors will sell $145 billion worth of Wi-Fi phones in 2010.

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