Nimcat Networks

Nimcat Networks, founded in 2002 by Behrouz Poustchi, operated as a specialized developer of communication software based in Ottawa, Canada. The firm focused on creating embedded, peer-to-peer (P2P) call processing software, a technology that positioned it uniquely within the Voice over IP (VoIP) sector. This approach involved embedding the call processing intelligence directly into the VoIP telephone sets, thereby distributing the functions typically handled by a central Private Branch Exchange (PBX) across the network devices themselves.

The core of Nimcat's offering was its patented Peer-Telephony-eXchange (PTX) solution, later known as nimX™. This software enabled standard VoIP phones to form a trusted, virtual exchange automatically upon being connected to a network. This significantly simplified deployment and maintenance for small to medium-sized businesses, as it eliminated the need for costly and complex central PBX hardware. The system allowed for enterprise-grade features like call control, voicemail, and auto-attendant to be contained within and powered by the IP telephone itself. Nimcat's business model targeted communications equipment vendors and telephony Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), providing them with technology to improve product margins and reduce their time-to-market. In August 2005, the company launched nimGate, an e-commerce website that created a new revenue stream by allowing end-users and resellers to purchase and download additional telephony features directly to their Nimcat-powered handsets.

The company's journey included securing initial funding of $200,000 from the Industrial Research Assistance Program, which was followed by venture capital investments totaling approximately $7.6 million from investors like Skypoint Capital Corporation and Société Innovatech du Grand Montréal. This culminated in a significant milestone on September 19, 2005, when Avaya, a major player in communication networks, acquired Nimcat Networks for approximately $39-46 million.

Keywords: P2P call processing, embedded communication software, VoIP technology, PBX-less telephony, Peer-Telephony-eXchange, nimX software, enterprise communication, IP telephone software, Avaya acquisition, Behrouz Poustchi, Mahshad Koohgoli, Skypoint Capital, communication network solutions, server-less VoIP, distributed call control, telecom software, voice over IP solutions, Ottawa tech, network management software