Sharing pictures taken by the camera in a mobile phone. Having a business conference where the participants are on different kinds of phones and PCs around the world and can still see the same presentation. Watching your favorite TV show while riding on the train. All of these new services require that your core network be built to handle innovative multi-media solutions.
Successful solutions that combine voice, video, text and data can have a dramatic effect on revenues and on customer retention. They also have the ability to create havoc with the core network components if those components have not been designed for growth and flexibility. Particularly in the area of applications which combine traditional telecommunications services with Internet services, providing a compelling user experience requires coordination of all pieces of the service chain, from ordering to provisioning to billing. This type of end-to-end expertise requires a solid partnership with the core network supplier and the ability to deliver a range of solutions, including:
Media Sharing – When users, particularly business users, want to have a conversation, it no longer includes just voice. They want to share presentations, streaming video feeds and even web browser pages, all while carrying on a voice conversation, and they want this experience on both fixed and mobile phones. Users are ready to sign up for these services, but the core network must support all aspects of the experience for the Service Provider to run a successful service.
Seamless Roaming – Users want the simplicity of a single telephone for all of their communications needs, but mobile phones don't always work indoors, users don't like to provide their mobile number to some callers and when the user is not at home, they don't want to receive calls to that number. The same scenario is true for business users, who dislike having to manage multiple voicemail boxes and telephone numbers. The ability to have a single device for all types of calls in all types of situations is a powerful solution to user needs. This solution should also apply to all types of media – voice, video and Internet.
Convergent Multi-Media communication – The ability to have a "conversation" that includes not only voice, but also video and data, is fast becoming a requirement for both business users and consumers. For businesses, a cost-effective way to share presentations, along with voice over both fixed-line and mobile phones is a strong requirement. For consumers, easily being able to set up a conference with family members to show the latest pictures of the kids is an attractive new service. In both cases, however, the service must be fast, flexible and simple to use.
Leveraging Web 2.0– The growth in social networks, the proliferation of "mashups", there is no end to the creativity that is characterized as Web 2.0. In many cases, adding communications and information known to Service Provides, like the user's current location, can significantly enhance the value of the service. The challenge has been in how a Service Provider can become part of the Internet Value Chain. An intelligent core network, along with an integrated Service Delivery Platform (SDP) can boost customer retention and invigorate services revenue by allowing a seamless Web 2.0 experience.
