Vbuzzer

VBuzzer or VBuzzer Messenger was a voice over IP and instant messaging software and service, based on open protocols of XMPP (for instant messaging) and Session Initiation Protocol (for voice over IP). It competed against proprietary protocol based software like Skype, , as well as other open standard based VoIP software. The last version of the vBuzzer client, version 2.7, was released in 2012.
Vbuzzer offered free PC-PC calling, while Phone-to-PC calling incurred a monthly fee and the paid PC-Phone service was charged per-minute.
Technology
VBuzzer was located in Markham, Ontario, Canada. The company's services relied on both open and closed source software developed by Softroute Corporation and Linphone (powered by Belledonne Communications). VBuzzer services used the client-server architecture to route voice calls and exchange text messages. VBuzzer text messaging employed the XMPP protocol and its internet telephony employed the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Both services were accessed via the "VBuzzer Client", for which the company has released versions that run on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. Mac OS versions are supported by their partner program with Linphone. VBuzzer can also be installed on iPhone, Android, Windows mobile, Nokia and Blackberry platforms.
For voice, VBuzzer's server was SIP compliant but its SIP signalling used port 80, not 5060. Only the initial account creation relied upon the proprietary Windows application. Users who had already registered were free to abandon the PC soft-client and or smartphone app for any standard SIP client, including Linux-based clients or analog telephone adapters.
The VBuzzer fax platform is proprietary, relying on the provided application and drivers that the subscriber installs into the Windows OS.
As an instant messaging client, the VBuzzer app competed with various free apps such as Pidgin and Miranda.
Features
* Text messaging, call/fax to the PSTN and receive incoming PSTN calls/faxes.
* Free voicemail, call forward, caller ID, chat history logs and RSS feeds.
* IM client for chat services such as the now-deprecated Windows Live Messenger.
* Receive a US or Canada phone number for unlimited incoming calls.
* Free Faxing within US, Canada
* Mobile apps for iPhone, iPod, IPad and Android.
* Simultaneous Ring allows users to receive calls on their home phone line and on any five additional devices.
* Virtual numbers
* Free VBuzzer-to-VBuzzer customer calls
Issues
In June 2005, vBuzzer was reported to be using source code from the open source instant messaging software Miranda IM; within about 4 weeks after said report, vBuzzer had removed all of the relevant code.
A March 17, 2012 service outage in Canada lasted more than 2 days; their website was also inaccessible during this period.
Reviews before the acquisition were mixed, with consumers dissatisfied with relatively long delays to obtain technical support but pleased with low prices vBuzzer had been charging at the time. Following the acquisition, prices increased and the number of available payment methods decreased. The new pricing (two cents a minute) was similar to Skype and received a string of negative reviews by long-time VBuzzer users.
the listed telephone numbers for vBuzzer / Softroute Corporation are no longer working, although the website remains online. BBB lists the company as "no longer in business".
Compatible software
*
* Windows Live Messenger (now defunct)
* Google Talk

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See Also

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