ETSI Issues NGN

At the official launch of TISPAN's NGN (Release 1) specifications there has been a festive atmosphere, as ETSI has moved another step closer to its goal of being the place to write the key specifications that enable standards based network convergence.

Euro Giants Lose Market Share

Europe's biggest incumbent telcos are losing the war of attrition against their increasingly competitive rivals in the fixed voice services sector, according to the latest numbers from market research firm InfoCom GmbH.

InfoCom found that cable operators, mobile providers, and VOIP specialists are eating away at the traditional voice customer base that has been the incumbents' historical cash cow, and the carrier giants are losing market share as a result.

To IMS or Not to IMS; That�s Cisco's Dilemma

Cisco Systems is playing it safe and politically correct by enhancing its next generation IP architecture with products that support both IMS and non-IMS-based applications. This, the company says, gives service providers the choice of how quickly they offer fixed/mobile convergence (FMC) services via an integrated IMS platform.

Cisco Enhances IP NGN: More Services, Efficiency, Control

Enhancements to the Cisco IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture can help you deploy new services, achieve greater efficiencies, and gain better control of your network. To support these benefits Cisco Systems demonstrated continued momentum in service provider leadership through enhancements to its IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) vision and architecture with key announcements at both the service layer and the network layer:

Telecom Italia-TIM: combination fixed-line/Mobile Superphone

Telecom Italia and TIM bring the first integrated fixed-line/mobile platform products and services to the market. The new offers are also a result of the Group’s investment in innovation and the development of new technologies, which will amount to 10 billion euro in the period 2005-2007 or 70% of total investment. The Telecom Italia Group total investment represents 17% of turnover, the highest rate among the telephone operator in Europe.

BT calls for IMS support

The IP Multimedia Subsytem (IMS) revolution needs the support of the world's IT solutions firms and applications developers if it is to deliver the full potential that telecom carriers are looking for, says Malcolm Wardlaw, one of the most senior next-generation networking executives at BT Group.

Dual-Mode Phones May Expedite IMS Development

The complex hand-offs and back-office capabilities inherent with seamless roaming may lure carriers to IMS for mobility among different access networks.

Whether people will be able to roam seamlessly from their homes to their cars to airports and cafes eventually will depend on intercarrier agreements and interconnections. However, the groundwork is being laid, as dual-mode phones and pioneering carriers are starting to allow customers to hop from WLANs to cellular networks within the same call or event session.

BT Calls for IMS Support

The IMS (IP Multimedia Subsytem) revolution needs the support of the world's IT solutions companies and applications developers if it is to deliver the full potential that telecom carriers are looking for, believes Malcolm Wardlaw, one of the most senior next-generation networking executives at BT Group plc (NYSE: BT - message board; London: BTA).

Skype releases Skype 2.0 beta with integrated video calling

Global internet communications company Skype has released the beta version of Skype 2.0. The software is designed for greater ease of use, integrated video calling, and enhanced features that allow people to stay in touch and express themselves online. Skype also announced a collaboration with global headset and webcam maker Logitech, as well as partnerships with webcam manufacturer Creative, and with weblog software and services company Six Apart. Skype 2.0 beta is available for free download at the company's website. The software includes Skype, a simplified user interface, a self-expression function, personalisation options and contact management functions.