Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Introduction

2. Navigating Roadblocks to Convergence

3. The Migration Path to a Converged Network

4. Binding Converged Networks

5. New Model Architecture

6. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Carriers and providers need solution-based technologies that are essentially future-proof, such as a new Internet infrastructure that can communicate with proprietary legacy TDM equipment and support protocols that transmit to new IP devices. This infrastructure should be of an all-encompassing design that includes not only call control but also such things as real-time billing, reporting, network monitoring, maintenance, and provisioning capabilities. An all-encompassing architecture allows for greater scalability. The ability to write features and services is not burdened with the need to cross-code for third-party application suites. Without this obstacle, services can be quickly implemented, giving the new model architecture the added advantage of rapid time-to-market—a critical competency in the e-world. eBusinesses must compete in a market that changes rapidly to stay competitive. Pushing services over the Web not only gives absolute control over the entire customer experience, it radically streamlines operations as well. Web-friendly interfaces reduce training time and the overall costs of operation, as they reduce the number of operating personnel needed to run the platform. This reduction of costs adds profitability to the business and frees up resources to focus on new product offerings and services.

The impact of the Internet has already changed much of what we believed to be true about selling products and services. Users demand real-time access to products, services, and support. They want to purchase and configure communications products and services 24 hours a day. They want to check invoices, request credits, or make payments in real time. They want to add or delete features without being placed on hold to wait for customer service. They want a fully automated, Internet-enabled method for purchasing products and services backed up by customer service on demand.

User needs, combined with a powerful operating environment to configure and control switches and a robust back-office for billing, call rating, and reporting create a host of new opportunities for adding value, selling products and services, and addressing customer needs.