Informa Telecoms & Media – serie

Carriers and service providers have united around the concept of the Next-Generation Network (NGN). Although leveraging a broad basket of Internet technologies, the NGN is not being planned as the next-generation Internet. In its intention and architecture, it is more accurately described as Broadband-ISDN release 2.0.The NGN transition is hard for both practitioners and observers to understand because it weaves together a number of distinct strands: the development of a new architecture and technology base including advanced IT automation systemsthe development of a portfolio of ‘new wave’ products and services which exploits the power of the new networkthe design of a new kind of organization which can utilize the higher levels of automation in the NGN, and reduce costsand the development of an effective transition plan which can smoothly move operators from their current legacy networks, systems and processes to the NGN future. The book begins with a review of the failures of previous attempts by carriers to retool for the future. It describes in detail the technologies and capabilities supporting “new wave’” services, focusing particularly on multimedia interactive services, TV, and Video-on-Demand. The author looks at the IMS layer and how it interworks both downwards into the QoS-enabled IP transport layer and upwards to enable new kinds of applications. However, equal attention is addressed to the business models of players in the value chain, carriers, service providers, broadcasters, and production companies. The author then examines how carriers have attempted to remodel themselves as IP companies along the dimensions of people, processes, and IT automation systems, describing the lessons to be learned from numerous failures. He identifies more innovativebusiness models, exploresPeer-to-Peer networking, and reviews the prospects for

With market value expected to reach $5 billion by 2007 and the endorsement of some of the biggest names in telecommunications, World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is poised to change the broadband wireless landscape. But how much of WiMAX's touted potential is merely hype? Now that several pre-WiMAX networks have been deployed, what are the operators saying about QoS and ROI? How and when will device manufacturers integrate WiMAX into their products? What is the business case for using WiMAX rather than any number of other established wireless alternatives?WiMAX: Taking Wireless to the MAX examines the evolution of wireless, broadband, and the wireless broadband landscape with exhaustive coverage of technological advances and evolving topologies. It sets the tone for the journey towards untouched wireless heights - WiMAX. The author builds a complete understanding of Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Technologies, elaborating on past developments, present needs and uses, and future trends and markets. He lays out a road map to the future and articulates present and future applications and models of BWA with focus on WiMAX. The book also provides a detailed discussion on the advanced technologies central to the existence of WiMAX. It presents strategies for building the case for WiMAX and achieving success for the different players, including service providers and equipment manufacturers.An increasing demand for access to information anytime, anywhere has led to explosive growth in access and wireless technologies. The trend has created new competitive threats as well as new opportunities in every walk of life. The task, then, is to turn possibilities into realities and provide solutions that enable anywhere, anytime access to information and applications at low cost and with a small investment. Taking a coherent and fact-based approach, this book explores the space between what is known and available and what industry needs.

Driven by a combination of technological improvements and commercial pressure, interest in IPTV services has increasingly grown. IPTV refers to the use of the Internet protocol required for delivery of television content. IPTV represents an emerging technology that could change the manner in which homes receive entertainment, personal computers operate, and people use cell phones.Beginning with a comprehensive introduction, Understanding IPTV examines concepts, applications, and possible impacts of IPTV. The book covers market drivers and developing IPTV infrastructure. It explains television concepts, including several popular compression standards, and considers the TCP/IP protocol suite. It also identifies so-called "last mile" solutions and details the operation and utilization of hardware and software components required to view television content delivered over different types of IP networks. The author addresses the industry players and alliances, providing an understanding of companies that are working with the technology. Concluding with examples of the use of IPTV, he illustrates the potential of this evolving technology.Exploring the current state of the IPTV market, business opportunities, and trial services worldwide, Understanding IPTV discusses the advantages that IPTV offers network operators and the new revenue streams that may emerge. It presents different IPTV technologies and the products that manufacturers are bringing to the market.

Carriers and service providers have united around the concept of the Next-Generation Network (NGN). Although leveraging a broad basket of Internet technologies, the NGN is not being planned as the next-generation Internet. In its intention and architecture, it is more accurately described as Broadband-ISDN release 2.0.The NGN transition is hard for both practitioners and observers to understand because it weaves together a number of distinct strands: the development of a new architecture and technology base including advanced IT automation systemsthe development of a portfolio of ‘new wave’ products and services which exploits the power of the new networkthe design of a new kind of organization which can utilize the higher levels of automation in the NGN, and reduce costsand the development of an effective transition plan which can smoothly move operators from their current legacy networks, systems and processes to the NGN future. The book begins with a review of the failures of previous attempts by carriers to retool for the future. It describes in detail the technologies and capabilities supporting “new wave’” services, focusing particularly on multimedia interactive services, TV, and Video-on-Demand. The author looks at the IMS layer and how it interworks both downwards into the QoS-enabled IP transport layer and upwards to enable new kinds of applications. However, equal attention is addressed to the business models of players in the value chain, carriers, service providers, broadcasters, and production companies. The author then examines how carriers have attempted to remodel themselves as IP companies along the dimensions of people, processes, and IT automation systems, describing the lessons to be learned from numerous failures. He identifies more innovativebusiness models, exploresPeer-to-Peer networking, and reviews the prospects for

Bringing together market research reports, business analyst briefings, and technology references into one comprehensive volume, Business Intelligence for Telecommunications identifies those advances in both methods and technology that are being employed to inform decision-making and give companies an edge in the rapidly growing and highly competitive telecommunications industry.The author provides clear explanations without technical jargon, followed by in-depth descriptions regarding both the collection and use of information. He defines the recognized stages of business intelligence, examines issues arising from the emergence of customer-centric business models, and identifies areas that are likely to require research in the near future.