The VocalTec Blog

LUKOIL-INFORM is a leading information technology company, a subsidiary of the LUKOIL Group. Its activities include the development, implementation and maintenance of information systems, production management systems and processes, provisioning of corporate information security, development and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure for the LUKOIL Group. LUKOIL-INFORM is one of the largest telecom operators in Russia for the information technology services market, collaborating with world leading companies in this field.

With the desire to significantly improve communications with both company personnel and customers, as well as offer a range of hosted enterprise services, LUKOIL INFORM decided to base their infrastructure on a VoIP solution.

The vendor selection process called for a cost-effective, reliable VoIP solution that would connect new future subscribers to an IP-based telephony networks offering a full set of Class 5 and enterprise services. LUKOIL INFORM also sought a central management system that would bring all network components under one user-friendly umbrella.

Following a stringent vendor selection process, LUKOIL INFORM decided to deploy VocalTec’s Essentra solutions, including Essentra™ CX trunking solution, Essentra™ EX peering manager, Essentra™ BAX application server, and Essentra™ OSS management application. In the first stage, the VocalTec solution was  installed at Lukoil’s main office.

Essentra BAX is a VoIP application server that provides LUKOIL INFORM with cost-effective entry into broadband VoIP services. The solution enables LUKOIL INFORM to introduce a comprehensive set of enterprise services, including a range of innovative IP Centrex features facilitating internal communications and end-user productivity.

Essentra CX, a carrier-grade SIP-based media gateway controller (MGC), complements the solution by enabling seamless interconnection with the local PSTN. Handling all TDM/SS7 interconnect requirements from a central location, Essentra CX significantly reduces transport and operations expenses for LUKOIL INFORM. Equipped with an intelligent routing engine, the solution delivers high voice quality, carrier-grade reliability and maximum service flexibility, while enabling LUKOIL INFORM to smoothly migrate its legacy infrastructure to a packet-based telephony network.

Addressing LUKOIL INFORM’s demand for a single management system, the VocalTec solution also features Essentra OSS. A centralized, web-based management system, Essentra OSS provides LUKOIL INFORM with remote element management, service configuration, monitoring and provisioning capabilities. Equipped with a user-friendly GUI, the operational support server is a flexible, customizable management system that easily integrates into LUKOIL INFORM’s current environment.