Programmable switches provide cost-effective connectivity, network interfacing, and access to service resources for a variety of telecommunications and telephony applications. They not only offer alternatives to traditional infrastructure but also make possible new functionality for enhanced service platforms. The use of this architecture has grown dramatically as service providers have begun to recognize the efficiency and the new revenue opportunities that result from application-specific solutions using off-the-shelf computer hardware. The three major markets and, consequently, application areas that are benefiting from programmable switching are the following:

Wireless Infrastructure

The growing domestic and international use of programmable switching in wireless applications reflects the expanding and dynamic characteristics of the major segments of this market, which includes wireless local loop and mobility. The advantages of programmable switching can fulfill the rigorous demands of new wireless service providers, including rapid deployability, easy maintainability, cost-effectiveness, reduced time to market, and flexibility. As a result, programmable switches are increasingly found in the heart of the wireless infrastructure as base-station controllers and mobile switching centers.

Particularly for wireless local-loop applications that are often widely distributed and remote, it is essential that switching resources can be implemented efficiently at great distances and under often rugged conditions. To the extent that it is modular, small in footprint, easily installed, and supported by local service providers without the need for extensive switch manufacturer involvement, programmable switching fulfills this key requirement for this application.

Wireline Infrastructure

Deregulation of the wireline market, both domestically and internationally, has permitted hundreds of new carriers to begin offering services. Programmable switching allows services providers to enter the market quickly and profitably, while enabling them to add new services as the market evolves. Wireline infrastructure for programmable switches includes services such as tandem switching, international gateways, and end-office switching. Although more tradition-bound than wireless, all of these segments are also undergoing a dramatic market evolution and a blurring of their boundaries. In a manner typical of mature markets, price pressures have intensified. Consequently, players must achieve higher margins, provide one-stop shopping for their customers, and minimize up-front entry costs. For example, service providers are now extending domestic long-distance to international networks. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has made it possible for providers to actively pursue the same strategy in the local exchange.

Enhanced Service Platforms

Enhanced service platforms (ESPs) also evolved from deregulation, enabling a variety of service providers to offer enhanced customer services to subscribers. These services include voice messaging, debit- and credit-card services, single-number services, and voice-based subscriber services such as voice-activated dialing and various call-handling features. Today, this market is entering a whole new growth phase of its evolution: with the convergence of voice and data, enhanced service providers can add greater functionality to their services by intelligent peripheral (IP)–enabling their applications. For example, voice messaging can be enhanced to support unified messaging, which includes not only voice mail, but also e-mail, fax, paging, and other messaging services in a single, integrated application.

A truly open platform will enable third party developers, systems integrators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to implement a wide variety of enhanced services, giving carriers more choice in their selection of services and freeing them from dependence on suppliers for enhanced services.

For large-scale service providers, the ability to attract and retain customers who will purchase value-added services is a critical issue. One concern for these carriers is the consumption of network connections between the CO switch and the voice resources. For new and/or smaller service providers, system cost balanced by the ability to expand resources as market-share increases is the greatest concern. To the extent that programmable switches support a variety of enhanced services, network interoperability, and converged voice and data in a single platform, they can provide a versatile and cost-effective platform to support today's requirements. This open design, which enables the introduction of new services as the market evolves, protects the carrier's investment. And to the extent that programmable switching can be easily reconfigured, tailored, and programmed, it can enable service providers to differentiate their offerings for maximum appeal, gain market-share, maximize cost-effectiveness, and increase profitability and return on investment.