As operators it is important to look for effective ways to manage network convergence as capabilities within the Service Broker are gaining popularity. Specifically, I am talking about the functionality referred to as IM SSF and reverse IM SSF.

From a standards perspective, 3GPP has always believed that there would be a need to enable existing CAMEL or INAP based applications, such as prepaid wireless, to be utilized by subscribers on IMS networks. In essence, this allows old or existing applications to interwork within new next gen IP or IMS networks. 3GPP has documented and standardized the concept of a network element called IM-SSF, or IP Multimedia Service Switching Function.

Within a Service Broker, the IM-SSF functionality allows service logic incorporated into existing CAMEL or INAP based SCPs to be available to IMS. From an IMS perspective the SCP service appears as if it were a SIP-based application server. 

As an example, a wireless network operator migrating to IMS desires to utilize their CAMEL PrePaid application within IMS. The Solution results in:

·         Enabling an existing application, in this case CAMEL/INAP based onto the ‘new” (IMS) network

·         Utilizing a 3GPP compliant and IMS ready design

·         Ongoing OPEX (News - Alert) savings through platform consolidation

Reverse IM SSF

 Just as there’s an interest in bringing legacy applications to NGN and IMS, operators are finding that a great deal of the new application innovation is occurring in SIP-AS and Service Delivery Platforms.  As these platforms are deployed in the new networks, there’s an excellent opportunity to apply this service logic to the existing networks, thereby greatly increasing the available market and maximizing the revenue opportunity of these applications. 

To address this need, the reverse functionality of the IM-SSF, or “reverse” IM-SSF has emerged.  By taking the concept of the IM-SFF and applying it in reverse, we get this new network functionality. Through a Service Broker, operators can now add “new to old” functionality alongside the IM-SSF enabled “old to new” capabilities. For example, utilizing reverse IM SSF, a network operator can now deliver a SIP-AS based ring back tone service to their existing wireless subscribers. Existing IN-based switches, that would typically expect CAMEL and INAP based SCPs are able to now deliver these new applications to existing networks.  This helps to increase the addressable market opportunity and associated revenue potential.

More and more service providers have found that as they move to advanced IP based architectures, they require a more flexible, cost effective alternative to traditional “silo” application connectivity models. With functionality such as IM SSF and reverse IM SSF the Service Broker meets this need by providing a real-time horizontal service delivery and control layer, allowing for mediation and orchestration of services over a range of networks and application platforms, including both legacy and next-generation.

The Metaswitch Service Broker solution was one of the first purpose-built service brokers available on the market.  More and more service providers have found that as they move to advanced IP based architectures, they require a more flexible, cost effective alternative to traditional “silo” application connectivity models. Service Brokers meet this need by providing a real-time horizontal service delivery and control layer, allowing for mediation and orchestration of services over a range of networks and application platforms, including both legacy and next-generation.

Service Brokers provide a next generation solution to protect, enhance & future-proof your network investments today.