The IP Multi-Media Subsystem (IMS) is an IP multimedia and telephony core network. It is defined by 3GPP and 3GPP2 standards and organizations based on IETF Internet protocols. IMS is access independent as it supports IP to IP session over wireline IP, 802.11, 802.15, CDMA, packet data along with GSM/EDGE/UMTS and other packet data applications. IMS is standardized reference architecture. IMS consists of session control, connection control and an applications services framework along with subscriber and services data. It enables new converged voice and data services, while allowing for the interoperability of these converged services between subscribers.
A structured multimedia service architecture like IMS will allow the operator to increase revenue by:
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- Enabling creation of easy to use, integrated service bundles targeted to high potential market segments, resulting in increased subscriber take rates and usage for multiple services;
- Improving time to market for custom service bundles by reducing integration time through use of a standard reference architecture;
- Enabling concurrent service capabilities (e.g. voice calling and picture messaging), resulting in increased service usage and concurrent billable transactions;
- Improving subscriber service discovery by leveraging an active, graphical user interface.
It will also reduce costs by:
- Improving management of subscriber data across all applications through a common Home Subscriber Server asset
- Reducing dependence on vertically integrated solutions from a single vendor, enabling more competitive pricing
- Leveraging common infrastructure across multiple applications for greater capital efficiency and lower operating costs
- Reducing required expansion of MSC footprint to address increased voice capacity, as applications and service infrastructure location is no longer tied to the same physical building as the MSC
- Reducing network capital for voice coders, since coding in the network is optimized so that it is only done at the network edge.
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