| Enabling Advanced Service Delivery | Overview | |
The IPsphere Framework delivers a business layer for rapid service delivery, including advanced support for IP services. Using the principles of a service-oriented architecture (SOA), the IPsphere Framework defines mechanisms to automate offers, purchase and provision service components among multiple stakeholders, enabling providers to optimize flexibility and efficiency. Using the principles of a service-oriented architecture (SOA), the Framework engenders service autonomy and control for Service Providers, Network Operators, Content Providers, Application Developers and System Integrators. Note: The IPsphere Framework and its synergy with the Service Delivery Framework's service lifecycle management will invite joint work initiatives to integrate the two in upcoming months.
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| Business Benefits | | Expedites service roll-out by defining registration and discovery processes for rapid service delivery. | Incorporates principles of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). | | Empowers Service Providers and their partners to work autonomously. | Synergies with TM Forum's Service Delivery Framework will mean improvements to service lifecycle management. | |
| Current Deliverables | | The IPsphere Framework specifications are defined for the automated offer, purchase and provisioning of service components between multiple stakeholders. In addition to architecture and detailed implementation specifications, IPsphere provides a pre-commercial “test bed” for pilot program testing and demonstrations of multi-vendor interoperability. IP Convergence through Release 1 Technical Specification <Key Areas> - Service Abstraction describes the business and technical characteristics of a service and its constituent service elements.
- Service Composition identifies and selects elements that satisfy these technical and business requirements.
- The IPsphere Service Structuring Stratum provides support for structuring, executing and assuring these services.
Figure 1: IPsphere Framework in the Context of Typical Network Provider’s Operating Environment Mobile and Fixed/Mobile Convergence
The Session Services and Resources Management (SSRM) Framework extends the operation of IPsphere into mobile and fixed/mobile convergence. It is a crucial in describing the way that session-based services such as telephony and Video-on-Demand interact with IPsphere-controlled resources. The SSRM document provides a high-level framework that identifies functional elements, including the IPsphere itself and external network elements, and the role they play in session management and resource-control. Figure 2: Provisioning of resources for session-based services The realm of session-based services (both IMS and non-IMS) traveling over IP networks are still in their infancy (Skype being perhaps the most well-known). Guaranteeing QoS for these services will be a crucial element. For that reason, IPsphere provides descriptions for QoS support across cross service-provider boundaries. | |