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Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Industry Trends

2. Unlocking the Value Proposition

3. The Importance of Modularity and Standards

4. Architecture

5. System Components

6. Applications - The Key to Competitive Differentiation

7. Evaluation Criteria

8. When to Upgrade

Self-Test

Glossary

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Definition
The telecommunications industry is moving toward open, standards based solutions using leading edge computing platforms and operating systems. This standards based approach utilizes an architecture that provides the flexibility to create multipurpose platforms while supporting the rapid adaptation of new technology. Solutions must be compact yet scalable to address the range from a small emerging market to larger more established markets containing millions of subscribers. Today’s solution must also support not only the traditional telephony networks but also emerging IP networks. To meet this market need carriers are increasingly looking to next generation communications platforms as the vehicle to deliver cutting edge applications more quickly and easily than ever before.

Next generation communications platforms are open, converged solutions that embrace IP networks and incorporate common, globally accepted standards such as VoiceXML, HTTP, LDAP, VPIM and SIP.

Overview
The convergence of IP and circuit-switched networks has reached full momentum with IP networks evolving to meet stringent carrier grade requirements. Service providers can no longer afford to incorporate expensive and restrictive proprietary technologies in their networks. New systems must deliver maximum ROI and be based on standards and open architectures. This ensures that IP/circuit-switched migration and convergence strategies are achieved with flexible, multi-purpose, rather than single-purposed communications systems.

Today, service providers are required to do more with less. Under pressure to deliver positive cash flow, service providers are limiting capital expenditures and seeking ways to operate networks more efficiently. At the same time, consumers are demanding more innovative applications. They are quick to change providers if price and service offering do not remain attractive. Service providers must be agile and able to deliver new services “on demand.” This is accomplished via messaging and communications solutions that facilitate development and cost effective introduction of the new applications demanded by consumers.