ZigBee Integration with Xorcom PBX to be Demo'ed at IT Expo

Union of energy-efficient high level radio-based communication protocol and open source IP-PBX provides interactive access with human interface to data for a myriad of practical applications

Xorcom, a privately-held manufacturer of business telephony interfaces and appliances based on Asterisk open source software, announces that it will demonstrate the integration of ZigBee, a GPL specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios, and its Asterisk®-based IP-PBX at booth D-07 in the Digium Asterisk World pavilion at the Miami Beach Convention Center, from January 20 through January 22.

ZigBee – GPL Specification for Economic, Secure Communications

ZigBee is based on the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard for wireless secured personal area networks (WPANs), and is targeted at radio-frequency (RF) applications that require a low data rate, long battery life, and secure networking. To date, it has been utilized in several smart grid projects to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability and transparency of resource consumption. Xorcom has integrated the ZigBee protocol and hardware into their high-end IP-PBX systems in order to provide an interactive bi-directional interface to the data available through ZigBee.

Xorcom Open Source PBX at the Corporate Communications Crossroads

Xorcom’s basic premise is that by using an intelligent console at the crossroads of corporate communications, e.g., an IP-PBX, ZigBee can be utilized efficiently and cost-effectively in the workplace. The Xorcom Asterisk-based IP-PBX can notify a human operator immediately about information collected using ZigBee (e.g., utility consumption aberrations, fire hazards, person/inventory location, smart panic buttons, etc.) using a variety of communication methods: via telephone, text message to mobile (SMS), pager, public address, e-mail, fax, etc. In addition, the Xorcom IP-PBX can be programmed to present the operator with an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system for on-the-spot decision-making and device control. Sample applications using the ZigBee-Xorcom PBX integration, in addition to the smart grid projects mentioned above, include intelligent communications for assisted living environments, inventory tracking, and smart home (energy control and monitoring).

Xorcom Presentations

Xorcom will be demonstrating the ZigBee integration in their booth #D-07 in the Digium Asterisk World pavilion at the IT Expo, taking place January 20 – 22, 2010.