GOC

CounterPath (News - Alert) is the company well-known for their softphones that run on computers and smartphones. From private-branded softphones by carriers and NEMs, to those sold as standalone packages or distributed for free in a limited-feature version, the company has done well to ensure that it is maximizing its reach in the market.

 

To get an update of what the company is doing know and how they are guaranteeing success with every move, Technology Marketing Corporation’s President, Rich Tehrani, recently met with Donovan Jones (News - Alert) of CounterPath and discussed the encounter is his blog.

The CounterPath smartphone is often positioned as the communications equivalent of the desktop OS for office applications. What may not be as obvious is that this innovative company has also taken a strategic approach to expanding its intellectual property holdings through acquisitions, such as NewHeights, BridgePort and FristHand, to name a few.

With these acquisitions, CounterPath has enhanced its portfolio with such applications as:  Network Convergence Gateway (News - Alert) Solution - enables users to receive cell phone calls over the Internet with a single phone number; Enterprise Mobility Gateway Solution - extends office communication features and applications to mobile handsets; and Quick Conference Solution - a feature-rich, cost effective and flexible SIP-based audio conferencing application.

To capitalize on the projected growth in the mobile industry, CounterPath has also acquired – as part of its BridgePort Networks (News - Alert) deal – the MobileSTICK. This USB card attaches to a computer and authenticates like a SIM card. Calls to and from a wireless number can be transmitted via IP communications over broadband directly to the computer.

CounterPath has done well to ensure that it stays ahead of the competition in terms of bringing unified communications to the carrier and the enterprise. In fact, Jones makes the assertion that CounterPath is delivering solutions that are UC 2.0 as the company’s products already work in carrier networks and the owner can choose which components reside where in a particular implementation.  

Tehrani has noted that CounterPath seems to be enjoying the success and opportunities made possible by those PBX companies scared of Microsoft putting them out of business. As these companies gain more confidence to go up against the software giant, more enterprise communications companies may push CounterPath to ensure that Microsoft does not get into a position of control with their customers.

In reality, CounterPath is on the right “path” to ensure that it can deliver the solutions that are necessary in the communications industry, before the user recognizes the need and demands it. By taking such a proactive approach, the company can drive dominance and continue to build on its strength.

 

Much of this strength is due to key players within the company and protection of these assets will be essential. According to Tehrani, few companies have the kind of potential that CounterPath does. The real excitement will come when much of this potential is realized.