Tech Shout!

Cisco is backing a newish set of wireless standards developed to allow cellular carriers to tender new IP-based services.

It is updating several products with technology based on the IMS standard, reversing a policy of minimal IMS support. Now it’s advancing and upgrading the Service Exchange Framework (SEF) of its Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture with a series of new and enhanced products offering support for all IP applications, including IMS ones. The move extends Cisco’s support for the SIP protocol.

Cisco says that the move facilitates cable, wireline and mobile operators to offer services based on fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) and to deliver application and subscriber-aware services to achieve greater efficiencies, improve profitability and enhance control of their networks and businesses.

Lee Doyle, IDC Group Vice President, Network Infrastructure said, “This announcement differentiates the Cisco IP NGN solution by recognizing the unique service delivery requirements of a wide range of IP services.” Doyle maintained, “The flexibility of this approach helps ensure service providers have the capabilities needed to address both IMS and non-IMS service applications with an integrated solution.â€?