In the telecommunications industry, an IP media server is a common, shared IP media-processing platform for a broad range of IP audio, video, fax and speech applications in a next-generation VoIP or IMS services network.

Some examples of real-time media processing include: playing a ringback tone, media clip, or audio menu prompt in an IVR application; collecting digits from a telephone or mobile device; recording a multimedia message for future playback; or mixing multiple audio or video streams into a conference.

RadiSys, a provider of IP media servers, recently collaborated with Intel (News - Alert) and has released “IP Media Server for Dummies,” a guide that poses 10 crucial questions to ask before choosing an IP media server.

1. Has the system been deployed somewhere else?

While a newly released IP media server product may appear to offer some features or commercial advantages, adopting new technologies with limited deployment history is risky. “When you choose an IP media server, a widely implemented system that has already has widespread deployment is the safest choice.”

2. Does it offer multiple media processing capabilities?

Will the IP media server have the capability to support multiple applications on a single media processing platform? Reusability of an IP media server platform across multiple applications is a key characteristic to driving the media processing costs out of your communication network. So if the answer to this question is no, this is not an appropriate IP media server for your business.

3. Can it fulfill the performance requirements your business needs?

For example, if you need support for highly advanced audio and video conferencing, you will probably need a system with hardware-based Digital Signal Processors. You should choose the system that supports applications that are important to your business.

4. What types of media can the IP media server support?

Initially IP media servers were designed to support voice services only, but updated media server platforms can support multiple functions such as audio and video conferencing, unified messaging, voice recognition applications and be seamlessly integrated with voice quality enhancement (VQE) software.

5. Can a broad range of codecs be supported? 

Within a current IP communications network, both audio and video information are digitally encoded through multiple codec algorithms. A crucial responsibility of an IP media server is to successfully decode, mix, and encode audio and video streams in a multi-codec environment. The ability to support various codecs will prevent future incompatibilities.

6. Can third-party vendors interoperate with the media server?

Many vendors claim they possess open standards-based interfaces, however how many of these third-party vendors can actually work in conjunction with the IP media server? According to the guide, a good indication of high interoperability is if the vendor has an extensive list of partners and customers.

7. What control interface options are accessible to the user?

For example, IMS standards specify the H.248 protocol, yet the application server vendor community continues to choose SIP-based control interfaces. Select a solution that supports as many open control protocol standards as possible.

8. What degree of scalability does the system offer?

The IP media server solution that is the best choice offers increased scalability, so the solution can continue to grow alongside your business.

9. Does the product family offer similar functionalities?

A majority of vendors offer multiple media server products with significantly different capabilities, varying from entry-level software media servers all the way to ATCA systems. The key here is to determine if all of the company’s products, whether relatively basic or highly advanced, offer uniform media processing features, control interfaces and simple management abilities.

10. Is this an experienced vendor who will remain in business for years to come?

Lifecycle support is an important element in any successful IP media server deployment. Make sure to choose a vendor with years of experience in the field and numerous customers and partners.

Telecom communication services all require reliable real-time processing of audio and video packet streams, and an IP media server  makes sure these activities occur successfully. Asking these 10 questions will help you determine the best IP media server to meet your needs.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.