IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is becoming more of a reality with each passing day. Wireless and wireline operators continue to converge and compete for a better position in the escalating race to give consumers what they want: one network with fixed / mobile convergence (FMC) propelling an intriguing list of integrated voice, data, and multimedia services. Meanwhile, handset manufacturers are aggressively working toward giving consumers a single device for accessing blended lifestyle services, including IP telephony, push-to-talk, presence, music, video, GPS, gaming, and more.
To make this happen, however, service providers will need the assistance of network equipment providers (NEPs) that offer scalable, reliable network platforms integrated with IMS elements and functionality. NEPs, in turn, must look continually for ways to provide additional value to network operators, mostly by focusing on quality of service and differentiated applications designed to raise average revenue per user (ARPU). The starting point is an integrated IMS approach that marries standards-based software and hardware while leveraging best-practices implementation methodologies from proven 3G Wireless and Voice over IP (VoIP) deployments.
Navigating the “Value Line” — Buy Below, Innovate Above
This is a crucial time for NEPs. Now, more than ever, they must understand how the rules of engagement with service providers are changing. NEPs’ traditionally lengthy network platform development and equipment production cycles are giving way to flexible “buy or build” methodologies for assembling the transport, call control, and service / application layers of IMS networks. By focusing on the uppermost service / application layer, NEPs offer service providers the greatest value with tailored applications that accommodate unique nuances and preferences while still meeting accelerated time-to-market goals.
NEPs should focus engineering resources on developing a continuous stream of innovative applications and services, including:
- Location-based services
- Push-to-talk
- Presence
- Short-messaging services
- Video conferencing
- IPTV
- eWallet
When it comes to addressing layers below the applications, NEPs are best served by buying pre-integrated, high-performance network service-ready platforms. Such platforms are comprised of software and hardware such as IMS protocol stacks, high-level APIs, carrier-grade computing capabilities, storage, high availability middleware, and distributed fault tolerance. These standards-based, integrated platforms fit below the application “value line” as Figure 1 depicts.
Figure 1: The rising value line gives NEPs greater opportunities to buy core software and hardware and focus more on building value-added applications
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Tier Two and Tier Three TEMs, in a quest to grab early leadership positions with 3G Wireless and VoIP deployments, have reaped early time-to-market benefits from buying network elements below the value line [see sidebar on Spatial Wireless]. These smaller, more nimble TEMs not burdened with legacy gear know their fate is hinged on time to market. They are predisposed, therefore, to working with partners that can deliver proven, interoperable software and hardware elements.
With Tier One TEMs, on the other hand, old habits die hard. While today they would never consider developing their own silicon chips, just a few decades ago, it was their reality. Up until five years ago, many Tier Ones still built their own operating systems, even though the opportunity to add value to such software had largely diminished.
Over the years, this stubborn reliance has proven shortsighted as some TEMs now are facing serious end-of-life issues with older proprietary technology, which will impede IMS deployments while adding undue complexity to their future integration process. Forward-thinking Tier One TEMs are beginning to carefully navigate the value line to buy time-tested, field-proven software and hardware, enabling them to focus on customizing applications designed for maximum differentiation.
A prime example of the “value line” approach involves the Call State Control Function (CSCF), typically one of the first steps in getting started with IMS. This network element provides a contact point within a service provider’s network that lets subscribers register, route, and forward their Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages while providing a mechanism to capture and charge for each transaction. Instead of creating their own protocol stacks and compute solutions to provide CSCF functionality, TEMs can purchase pre-integrated platforms, freeing their engineering teams to concentrate on specific application requirements.
In this fashion, TEMs can expedite phased-in development of other IMS building blocks, such as the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) – a distributed database containing vital subscriber profile data. Today, TEMs can buy 90 percent of the software and hardware to expedite assembly of this essential network element. Similarly, more than half of the hardware for developing a softswitch now is available in fully tested, interoperable configurations for meeting a variety of capacity and networking needs.
It is also important to note that the value line will continue to rise with increasing availability of pre-integrated IMS network elements and each generation of product development. For instance, pre-integrated platform management and high availability middleware are gaining ground in reducing project risks and expediting development cycles for central office functions such as billing, operations, administration, maintenance, provisioning, call processing, and network element management.
The point at which TEMs engage outside technology partners will vary. TEMs must start with a gut check on the current location of their value line as it relates to their business, technology, and customer demands. Once determined, TEMs should follow the value line’s one simple rule: Buy below, innovate above.
Platform Integration — Avoiding the Pitfalls
Taking measured IMS deployment steps below the value line can speed time to market anywhere from 15 to 30 percent. The ability to configure pre-built, standards-based network elements in unlimited combinations gives TEMs unprecedented flexibility in tailoring applications but also raises some important interoperability issues.
Today, the Number One hurdle TEMs need to clear is achieving seamless platform integration. Unfortunately, familiar “old school” practices of buying “pieces and parts” only exacerbate the complexity of integration while stretching development schedules. The hurdle isn’t any easier to clear when TEMs insist on pursuing a “best of breed” approach for acquiring network elements. In terms of real-world deployment, a collection of the “best” network elements may leave TEMs with the worst integration nightmare – and substantially higher operational expense over the long run.
Spatial Wireless: Leveraging Pre-Integrated 3G Wireless Solutions for Rapid ROI
By choosing to adopt a pre-integrated solution as part of its product development, a TEM start-up realized exceptional time-to-market for its innovative wireless softswitch – and was rewarded with a big payday.
In late 2004, Spatial Wireless was purchased for $250 million. Alcatel, which acquired the company, made the acquisition because the move made the giant TEM uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional mobile switching technologies with a commercially available next-generation network (NGN) solution-designed and ready for IMS.
Now called the Alcatel 5020 Spatial Atrium softswitch, the solution controls distributed media gateways and manages call / session control for voice and data services. Working seamlessly in GSM / EDGE, 3G / UMTS and CDMA networks, it also enables a smooth evolution to 3GPP Release 5 and Release 6 networks via software-only upgrades, thus ensuring long-term investment protection for the introduction of IMS.
According to Alcatel, the Spatial Atrium Distributed MSC solution already has achieved market dominance, and is in commercial use around the world with Tier One mobile operators.
