Contacts:
Tim Yankey
McKie|Headstrom PR
, ext. 3
Michelle Olesiejuk
MWIF
Michael Walker
OHG
For Immediate Release
Participants Recommend Harmonization Of IP Multimedia Core Networks
Fremont, Calif., May 20, 2002 Driving core network harmonization to enable service transparency and service roaming across all mobile Internet technologies, the Mobile Wireless Internet Forum (MWIF) and the Operator Harmonization Group (OHG) today announced that the IP core network workshop they co-hosted for members of 3GPP and 3GPP2 successfully produced a unified recommendation for initial areas of harmonization between 3GPP and 3GPP2šs core network architectures. More than 100 individuals from 47 different companies representing 3GPP, 3GPP2, MWIF, OHG, and the UMTS forum participated in the meeting and developed the recommendations document.
"Our objectives for co-hosting the meeting were clear," said Vino Vinodrai, Director, Industry Relations & Research at Bell Mobility, and Group Secretary of the OHG. "We wanted to present and discuss mobile operator requirements with 3GPP and 3GPP2, analyze the "gaps" between the two architectures, prioritize areas of harmonization, and establish agreement on a clear plan of attack. All of these goals were achieved."
The group decided to take a phased approach by beginning with areas where synergies already exist between the 3GPP and 3GPP2 core architectures. The initial area of focus is to harmonize the IP Multimedia Core Networks. Specifically, this refers to the OSA/PARLAY based framework for service APIšs and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (currently known as IMS in 3GPP and MMD in 3GPP2). This includes the creation of a single IMS reference model and consistent terminology to describe common IMS functional entities.
"These elements are key to the enabling of service transparency for mobile operators," said Dean Sirovica, Managing Director of Strategic Technologies at Vodafone R&D and President of MWIF. "Service transparency means that mobile operators can create one service that works with all access technologies. This will significantly lower costs for operators and create a better experience for our customers."
The guest members of 3GPP and 3GPP2 agreed that harmonization is a worthwhile goal that should be actively pursued. Both groups will take the recommendations document back to their respective organizations and present the plan for approval.
"We are thrilled with what was accomplished at the meeting," said Dr. John G. Waclawsky, MWIF Technical Committee Chair and Senior Technical Staff at Cisco Systems. "However, there is more work to be done. MWIF and the OHG will continue to provide strategic input and facilitate these types of events to achieve our mutual goal of one core network for the future mobile Internet."
About The Operator Harmonization Group
Founded in 1999, the OHG is an informal steering group of wireless operator companies dedicated to promoting 3G harmonization. The OHG provides operator advice in harmonization areas to the appropriate standardization bodies and other industry organizations. The work of the OHG improves the ability of wireless companies to continue to evolve existing wireless services and networks to meet the needs of the industry and consumers in a more efficient manner while delivering enhanced capabilities at lower costs.
About Mobile Wireless Internet Forum
Founded in January 2000, the Mobile Wireless Internet Forum (MWIF) is a nonprofit, international industry consortium whose mission is to drive acceptance and adoption of a single, open, mobile wireless Internet architecture that is independent of the access technology. MWIF and its members publish studies, discoveries and conclusions in technical reports that are made available to the industry. Membership is open to any organization with an interest in promoting the vision of influencing global wireless industry standards that improves interoperability of mobile technologies. Membership information can be found at mwif.org.
Mobile Wireless Internet Forum