The SIP Forum has ratified version 1.0 of the SIPconnect Technical Recommendation, which is a standards-based approach to direct IP peering between SIP-enabled IP PBXs and VoIP service provider networks. 
It specifies a reference architecture, required protocols and features and implementation rules necessary for seamless interconnection between IP PBXs and VoIP service providers. As SIPconnect was designed to directly tie enterprise customers to VoIP service providers using an end-to-end IP connection, it eliminates the need for a VoIP gateway, improves voice quality and creates a stable foundation for personalized applications and rich media services.
The SIP Forum noted that the SIPconnect Technical Recommendation has recently enjoyed a number of independent implementations, as witnessed by the rapid adoption of the SIPconnect Compliant Program. The SIPconnect Compliant Program offers equipment manufacturers, software providers and service providers the means to attain SIPconnect Certification by the SIP Forum, as well as enjoy the use of a unique certification mark created by the Forum to ensure interoperability among IP communications equipment, software and services.http://www.sipforum.org
