Cisco bangs fixed/mobile convergence drum

Cisco has outlined how it will support IP-based applications as part of its IP Next Generation Network architecture

Cisco Systems has embraced the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IPMS) standard and has outlined how it will support other IP-based applications as part of its IP Next Generation Network architecture.

The technology melds wireless and wired telephony services, and allows operators to create subscriber-aware services that work across different types of networks.

Cisco has been largely trailing behind its competitors when it comes to convergence, according to Joe McGarvey, a senior analyst for carrier IP telephony at Current Analysis.

But the support for the additional standards puts the ball in Cisco's competitors' court.

"Cisco has moved from a defensive to an offensive position, shifting the burden to competitors in regards to explaining how their respective IPMS strategies deal with the handling of non-IPMS or non-Session Initiation Protocol [Sip] traffic," said McGarvey.

Cisco's competitors, including Ericsson and Lucent, have focused more on just IPMS.

Sip enables communications to move with the user based on their physical location and current activity.

The protocol can, for instance, route a call to an instant messaging application during a meeting, or to a mobile phone when travelling.

Cisco's IP Next Generation Network architecture aims to enable telecoms providers to use internet technology to allow their customers to use any kind of device or technology to communicate across devices.

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