IMS and Convergence Pose Challenges for Network Operators, Finds Unstrung Insider Report
November 16 2005 - 4:12PM
PR Newswire (US)
Mobile Network Operators Need to Adapt Organizationally to Take
Full Advantage of Emerging Convergence Technology NEW YORK, Nov. 16
/PRNewswire/ -- The implementation of the IP Multimedia Subsystem
(IMS) in mobile networks could play a vital role in the creation of
new mobile applications, but operators face a steep learning curve
developing the skill-sets and processes required to turn this
technology into profitable, revenue-generating services, finds a
new report from the subscription research service Unstrung Insider
(http://www.unstrung.com/insider). The report, entitled
Fixed/Mobile Convergence, UMA, and IMS: An Unstrung Reality Check,
examines the stepwise migration to fully IMS-enabled mobile core
networks, with analysis of interim approaches to fixed/mobile
convergence and a unified services layer. It includes analysis of
the positions of major vendors in the IMS systems market, with data
on contract awards and operator deployment schedules. According to
the report, the immaturity of IMS belies its promise of delivering
a reusable architecture suitable for fast service creation. "IMS is
often pitched as a way to accelerate the introduction of new,
rich-media services," says Unstrung Insider analyst Gabriel Brown,
the author of the report. "But this presents an organizational
challenge for mobile operators typically focused on delivering
voice and text bundles over circuit-switched networks. "Operators
know they need to adapt their skill-sets and operating practices to
take advantage of IMS, and that they will need to rely on vendor
integration services to make this happen on a reasonable timeline,"
Brown continues. Among the report's key findings: * Ericsson claims
the most IMS contract wins to date, spread across wireline and
wireless operators. Siemens, Nokia, Lucent, and Alcatel are
challenging hard, while Nokia holds an edge in the
wireless-specific market. * As convergence takes off, top vendors
are working with innovative startups to fill gaps in their
"pre-IMS" portfolios, but many of these relationships remain
opportunistic. This report profiles the private vendors that,
arguably, offer operators a faster and cleaner implementation of
fixed/mobile convergence. * Momentum behind Unlicensed Mobile
Access (UMA) ensures it will emerge as the initial mechanism for
fixed/mobile convergence. Commitment to the approach from major
operators, attracted by its simplicity, is building rapidly. *
TeliaSonera, Cingular, and T-Mobile USA could launch UMA services
before the end of 2005, say sources -- although the first half of
2006 is seen as more realistic. * A blend of UMA and IMS will prove
attractive. The first such combinational service could be
"simultaneous ring," whereby the network registers your presence on
your "home" wireless LAN and rings your home phone and mobile phone
at the same time. * Gateways to link "classic" intelligent network
services and charging mechanisms with the SIP/IP world are crucial
for a stepwise migration to IMS. Publicly-held equipment providers
covered in this report: Alcatel (NYSE: ALA; Paris: CGEP:PA);
Ericsson AB (NASDAQ:ERICY); Lucent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:LU);
Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT); Nokia Corp. (NYSE:NOK); Nortel Networks
Ltd. (NYSE/Toronto: NT); and Siemens AG (NYSE: SI; Frankfurt: SIE).
Privately-held equipment providers profiled in this report: Azaire
Networks Inc.; BridgePort Networks Inc.; Convergin Inc.; Kineto
Wireless Inc.; NewStep Networks Inc.; Outsmart Ltd.; Persona
Software Inc.; and Stoke Inc. Fixed/Mobile Convergence, UMA, and
IMS: An Unstrung Reality Check is available as part of an annual
subscription (12 monthly issues) to Unstrung Insider, priced at
$1,350. Individual reports are available for $900. To subscribe,
please visit: http://www.unstrung.com/insider. For additional
information, to request a free executive summary of the report, or
for details of multi-user licensing options, please contact: Jeff
Claudino Sales Manager Insider Research Services 619-229-9940 For
press inquiries, members of the media may contact Gabriel Brown at
. DATASOURCE: Unstrung Insider CONTACT: Jeff Claudino, Sales
Manager of Insider Research Services, +1-619-229-9940, , for
Unstrung Insider Web site: http://www.unstrung.com/insider
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