IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) could have a major role to play in the future delivery of multimedia services over fixed and mobile networks. Vendors claim that IMS will bring diverse benefits for network operators, but hype and lack of clarity make it difficult for operators to identify the most significant short- and long-term gains, and to define a robust strategy for deployment of IMS.
This report studies specific mobile, fixed and converged services proposed by IMS vendors, assessing their market potential and the barriers that must be overcome to make them a success. It also considers the role of IMS in supporting strategic initiatives, such as fixed?mobile substitution, converged broadband?mobile services, and integrated all-IP networks.
The report provides specific recommendations to network operators, to guide their decisions on IMS deployment, and to equipment vendors, to strengthen their propositions.
Delivering Strategic Benefits with IP Multimedia Subsystem answers your key questions:
What is IMS? What is implemented and what core capabilities does it provide?
What are the potential benefits of IMS to network operators, in terms of services, cost savings, support of strategic initiatives, etc?
What are the prospects for short-term service opportunities enabled by IMS and which are the most promising?
What role could IMS play in fixed?mobile substitution and fixed?mobile convergence?
When is the right time to implement IMS and what are the key factors to consider in defining its role in a network?
Who should read this report?
- Mobile network operators: Understand the value of IMS to mobile service deployment in the short and longer term. Identify the ways in which IMS can support a fixed?mobile substitution strategy.
- Fixed/mobile network operators: Understand the role of IMS in offering converged services across mobile and fixed broadband networks and recognise the barriers that must be overcome.
- IMS vendors: See how to focus your marketing to accelerate the adoption of IMS.
About the authors
Dr Alastair Brydon and Dr Mark Heath are founders and directors of Sound Partners Ltd and co-authors of a series of major reports from Analysys Research, including The Future of MVNOs in the 3G Era, Product and Service Opportunities from Short-range Wireless Technologies: WLAN, Bluetooth, UWB and NFC, Voice over IP: technical and commercial prospects, The World?s Top Ten Wireless Services, Pushing Beyond the Limits of 3G with HSDPA and Other Enhancements, The Role and Impact of WiMAX and Proprietary BWA Technologies, TV and Video Services on a Mobile Phone: the killer application for 3G?, 3G Launch Strategies: critical decisions on services and technology and The Road to Fixed?Mobile Substitution Starts with 3G.
Prior to joining Sound Partners, Alastair reported to Nokia?s European management team and worked with many of Nokia?s customers to implement market firsts, ranging from the introduction of prepaid mobile tariffs to new mass-market content services. Previously, he worked in a number of roles for the BT Group, focusing on the evolution of wireless services, networks and technologies. Alastair also contributed to international research and standardisation of GSM, DECT and 3G. He holds BSc and PhD degrees from UMIST and was awarded the IEE Prize for top student. Mark has held a number of marketing and business development roles in Nokia, ultimately becoming responsible for strategy and business development across Europe. Previously, he was responsible for business planning at BT Cellnet in the UK, having spent six years at BT as a senior consultant. Mark holds BSc and PhD degrees from the University of Leeds, winning the University prize for his research in telecommunications. He also holds an MBA, graduating as top student from Henley Management College.
Ross Pow (Managing Director of Analysys Research) is a highly respected adviser to major telecoms industry operators and vendors. Over the last four years, he has taken Analysys Research to a leading position as a trusted source of insight and information on the global telecoms marketplace. Ross has been involved in authoring over 20 reports himself, including The World?s Top Ten Wireless Services; TV and Video Services on a Mobile Phone and Regulating the Telecoms Market: competition and innovation in the broadband economy. He also directs a wide range of Custom Research projects for clients, including surveys into the take-up of mobile data applications, share of wallet customer analysis and strategic value chain positioning. A much sought after speaker, Ross is a regular presenter at both industry conferences and also client internal events. Prior to joining Analysys Research, Ross was the CEO of Virtual Business Networks (www.vbnonline.com), Europe?s largest online business community applications service provider.
IMS presents fixed and mobile network operators with powerful capabilities to support enhanced services, service convergence and network convergence. However, its very flexibility and diverse promotions by vendors are creating confusion. 