Download Why IMS? In the current business environment, most operators are

Why IMS?
In the current business environment, most operators are faced with the
same problem: how to control costs and cap investment in TDM
technology, while developing new services to attract and retain customers.
Major Service Providers' needs and requirements coming from the market
are:
• Compensate for a stalled growth and in some cases a reduction, of
revenues coming from voice switched access.
• Solve the obsolescence problem, both for the transport layer and
the access layer of the PSTN; in this way the operator can reduce its
costs, coming both from the everyday operation of the network and
the acquisition of TDM equipment for network
maintenance/expansion.
• Launch innovative services in order to attract and/or retain
customers; in this way a Service Provider can keep ahead of
competition and generate new revenue streams.
This evolution in the Service Providers' networks leads to Next Generation
Networks.
IMS was defined as the way to support multimedia communications over
IP. This includes voice, data, and video. IMS was thought to replace
traditional circuit switching equipment for voice, but has become an
extension to existing circuit switched equipment environments. As time
goes on this will transition services from TDM to IP and erode the existing
circuit switched environment. This will be driven by the need to blend more
services into a consumer bundle, as service generates more revenues for
the service provider.
The key technology component of IMS is the Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP). This is used to setup IP sessions using a software based soft-switch
(Call Session Control Function (CSCF)). This method enables IMS to
guarantee IP quality of service, security, and support for Operational
Support Systems and Business Support Systems. (OSS/BSS). This could
include function such as billing per session.
IMS is showing its return value to the business, as profits being driven by
the services. With Voice becoming a commodity, profits margins are being
reduced.
These profit short falls will need to be supported by revenue based
services. These services will need to come on-line quickly, with quality and
ability to blend into existing operation and business support systems.
These services will also need to integrate into multiple network types
seamlessly (wireless, Wire line and IP).
These services include:
 Voice over IP,
 Short message services,
 Multi-media message services,
 Video on demand,
 IP television
 Network Digital Video Recording (NDVR)
IBM has developed a framework, with plug in components, to blend the
various parts of this frame work with IBM, third party, and state of the art
technology.
© IBM Corporation 2006
IBM Systems and Technology Group
Produced in the USA.
05-06
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