IMS: What Is It Good For?

Frost & Sullivan agree with the Morodo Team: it is only a matter of time until Internet protocol (IP) becomes the principal transport for various access technologies. Most Mobile Network Operators are some way from launching their much-feted all-IP IMS networks., and we say: why bother?

As long ago as 1999, the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), an architectural framework for delivering IP multimedia services, was defined and placed before the 3rd Generation Mobile Group (3GPP), ostensibly as a means of delivering Internet services over General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), the then Next Generation in high speed wireless data.

Gathering momentum through the latter part of the last decade, Mobile Network Operators, the International Telecommunications Union, 3GPP, device manufacturers and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) devised a framework of standards that define access, billing and control methodology for new network services under IMS. This ‘improved’ network architecture relies on the addition of an horizontal control layer isolating the access network from the services layer. In layman’s terms, the addition of a costly means of control managed by the Gatekeeper networks.

Within the mobile world in particular, the vision of IMS as a Rich Communication Suite (RCS) has become quite popular amongst the incumbents. Not only does IMS provide further protectionism and barriers to entry for disruptors, in the customer context, RCS is meant to offer an enhanced device phonebook, enhanced messaging and presence and advanced call functionality. In other words, very cool services that customers want to use.

The peculiar thing about IMS and its subset, RCS, is that there is absolutely no need for it, unless you are an incumbent operator intent on clinging to the remaining limits of control in your grasp. The base protocol for IMS is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), a common Open Protocol defined by well-written community developed Open Standards that relies on base IP protocols (i.e. the ones we use to run the Internet today).

Quite simply, all of the enhanced features evident in IMS and RCS are available to Morodo today and if they are not already implemented in MO-Call for Morodo’s customers to use, they are either in development or in pre-launch alpha test. Morodo’s MO-Call client applications are fairly agnostic of network bearer technology and can originate and terminate calls over GSM, CDMA, 3G, UMTS, WCDMA, PSTN, WiFi, WLAN, WiMax and probably LTE too. More advanced features, such as messaging, rely on common IP protocols where these bearer technologies support them (which is in most cases).

The answer to the question ”What Is MO-Call?” It’s the next generation of Rich Communication Services available from any connected device, today. In MO-Call, Morodo has created all the services, features and functions provided and supported by a Mobile Network and VoIP Operator and presented them to a global market.