December 13, 2007 -- Cisco Systems was ranked at the top of the latest "Voice over Wi-Fi ecosystem Vendor Matrix," released by ABI Research.

Aruba Wireless Networks and Nortel claimed the second and third spots in the research firm's most recent evaluation of worldwide VoWi-Fi vendors.

ABI says the vendor matrix is an analytical tool developed to provide a clear understanding of vendors' positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed according to parameters of "innovation" and "implementation" across several criteria, unique to each vendor matrix.

For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI says it scrutinized the imagination brought to bear on non-standardized functions including roaming, call management, endpoint security, VoWi-Fi reporting, intrusion detection and protection, troubleshooting, fixed-mobile convergence schemes, fast handoffs, load balancing, battery life, quality of service, and architecture

Under "implementation," ABI examined the firms' partnerships status relating to PBX, security, vertical resellers, FMS, handsets, and other technologies.

"Because voice over Wi-Fi is still embryonic, virtually all vendors need partners to build their ecosystems," comments Stan Schatt, ABI's vice president and research director. "Cisco, Aruba, and Trapeze have done the best jobs, with Motorola and Nortel also well positioned. Other vendors lag considerably in filling gaps in their technology food chains."

The VoWi-Fi vendor matrix forms part of four ABI research services: Fixed-Mobile Convergence, Mobile Broadband, Mobile Devices, and Wi-Fi. For information, click here.