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Service Integration for Next Generation Networks Clive Tomlinson, IPL Synopsis IPL has worked with UK telecoms product vendor Aepona to implement features for Aepona’s Service Broker product:
In the IMS architecture, these functions correspond to the IM-SSF and SCIM respectively. They make Aepona’s product compellingly attractive to network operators that need both to migrate to NGN architectures and to support complex multi-service portfolios. Aepona chose IPL as software partner because of IPL’s track record of developing network-critical IN software. IPL helped Aepona to define the product features and supported Aepona in early sales. IPL risk-managed the software development, delivering the software on time and to specification. IPL continues to support the software and to work with Aepona in onward development of the USP.
Application coordination across SIP / IMS and IN Integrating with the IP Multimedia Subsystem The world’s telecoms network operators are reducing their operating costs, and offering better integrated voice and data services, by migrating their networks to “Next Generation Network” (NGN) technology. NGN is based on Internet Protocol (XoIP), the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture standards. Migration to IMS will take some years, and so IMS systems will have to interwork with legacy Intelligent Networks (IN) and GSM core network systems. The vital interworking function is identified in the IMS architecture as the IP Multimedia Service Switching Function (IM-SSF). The IM-SSF has to translate between SIP family protocols in IMS networks, INAP protocols in fixed networks, MAP in GSM mobile networks, and CAP in CAMEL roaming networks.
Coordinating network applications Also, as telecoms service providers offer increasingly rich portfolios of value-added services, the problem of managing interactions between services grows. In the IMS architecture, the challenges of passing network events to the correct service applications, of sequencing multiple applications that serve a single network event, and of resolving contention between service applications, are allocated to a component called the Service Capability Interaction Manager (SCIM). Similar challenges also have to be addressed in the more mature IN architecture.
From the technical perspective, SCIM acts as a broker, accepting trigger events from the network (for example, at call setup time), and then interacting and arbitrating between multiple applications throughout the call. SCIM controls the order of application invocation, whether invoked sequentially or simultaneously, and arbitration between application responses before providing a consolidated response to the network. Network operators can use SCIM to ensure safe interoperation of their network features.
About AePONA: Headquartered in the UK with regional offices across the world, Aepona is at the forefront of the evolution towards better, more service-rich communications networks. Aepona’s Universal Service Platform (USP) enables the exposure and exploitation of telecoms network resources, allowing telecommunications operators to rapidly deploy profitable new services across fixed-line, mobile and SIP/IMS networks. Aepona's key area of focus are Telecom Web Services, Service Evolution and end-to-end, application-led solutions. Aepona possesses a unique combination of expertise in both telecoms infrastructure and IT, and its solutions have been chosen by Tier 1 operators such as France Telecom/Orange, KPN, Sprint, TELUS, Vimpelcom, E-Plus, Eircom and Bridge Mobile Alliance.
About IPL: Founded in 1979, IPL has a long history of successfully delivering excellent value consultancy and software solutions to both the public and private sectors. IPL’s track record in end-to-end solutions development is exceptional. Our proven development methodology allows us to cut through technical complexity, manage risk and completely focus on delivery. We consistently deliver reliable, efficient and accurate systems to a precise schedule. IPL is an ISO9001:2000/TickIT registered company with a permanent workforce of 240 and revenues of ca. £22Mp.a.
Contact information Tel: +44 (0) 1225 475000 copyright © IPL 2007 All trademarks acknowledged
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