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Architecture
Computing architectures have evolved from standalone, proprietary, monolithic systems to distributed, network-centric, client/server systems that integrate disparate applications, servers, services and devices using standards-based protocols.
Operating System
For maximum effectiveness, the architecture should use an operating system that provides the features, functionality and industry acceptance to develop enterprise and carrier-grade speech applications. The choice of an operating system for developing next generation communications solutions is a strategic decision that has broad business and technical implications. For voice processing applications, Linux is quickly emerging as the operating system of choice.
For the purposes of this discussion, Red Hat Linux is adopted as the underlying operating system for carrier-focused voice and speech applications. Linux provides a viable alternative to other Unix versions in terms of features, stability, vendor support, maintenance and customer acceptance. Linux is fast, easy to customize and efficient at managing resources such as CPU power, memory and disk space. Linux continues to gain industry momentum, provides cost advantages compared to other operating systems and can be efficiently deployed on Intel hardware. Red Hat is a leading Linux supplier that also offers an advanced edition that provides features such as clustering, increased scalability and manageability to meet the more rigorous requirements of enterprises and carriers.
Open Platform
Unlike proprietary systems, a next generation communications platform is based on truly open systems and standards and utilizes off the shelf hardware and an open source operating system. As such, the solution leverages common application skill sets and reuses common software infrastructure and components—reducing demands on operations and development personnel. These design attributes make it possible for service providers to capitalize on applications that attract new subscribers and keep the costs of managing those subscribers low:
- A standards-based, open systems platform pervasive throughout the OS, programming languages, and applications creation and deployment environments;
- Support of existing specifications (PAM Forum, 3GPP, etc.) as well as emerging specifications (CCXML, SyncML, etc), and the ability to integrate with disparate XML, SOAP or CORBA platforms;
- Open Service Creation Environment minimizes application development costs, maximizes development ecosystem, and speeds time to market.
Cost-Saving Design
The use of an IP client/server model and COTS hardware and software is cost effective for service providers. Maintenance, as much as 20% of typical on-going operating costs, is significantly reduced with this next generation design. Costs are also driven down through the utilization of a VoiceXML applications environment and effective system/network management tools based on SNMP. This design approach provides operational savings to make the most of operator investments:
- Native IP/PSTN interfaces bridge IP/PSTN networks providing capital expenditure savings and flexible network evolution
- Significantly reduced facilities (floor space & power)
- Elimination of forklift upgrades
- No single vendor “lock in”
- Reduced dependence on specialized support (lower mgt/mtce)
- Significant reduction in Field Replacement Units (FRUs)
High Reliability & Scalability
Next generation communications platforms maintain 99.999% availability. Using a single, carriergrade platform for deployment of all applications also simplifies deployment.
Next generation platforms are completely modular allowing trunking, subscriber information, voice storage, and applications growth to be managed independently. Applications are added and expanded to serve more subscribers by simply adding additional servers and licenses.
