Next Generation Wireless Applications: Creating Mobile Applications in a Web 2.0 and Mobile 2.0 World, 2nd Edition

14.13 CONCLUSION

IMS is a powerful enabler for next generation services. We have established how its SIP core, incorporated into a collaborative set of proxy functions, allows flexible session-based connections to be established end-to-end. Moreover, given its IP origins, so long as an IP-access network exists at either end, the IMS core can establish a session for the end points to utilise however they like. The potential therefore exists for multiple-access convergence, which might translate into device convergence, especially in some attractive cases, like WiFi-Cellular combinations. This gives rise to fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) possibilities.

Admittedly, with FMC, more than one implementation path is possible, especially taking into account legacy services and legacy networks. An ‘all IP’ network is attractive due to its cost savings and ability to utilise IP-enabled software with all its low-cost, service-enabling potential, but might not be reachable within a single step. The devil is in the detail of these steps. However, as a central platform for both transitioning to, and allowing the exploitation of, an IP universe, IMS seems to have what it takes. Moreover, IMS already has wide support from the mobile community, giving sufficient weight to propel the idea into the fixed community via ITU's next generation network ambitions.

The convergence potential for IMS services is an exciting possibility. As we have demonstrated, IMS seamlessly allows the integration of ‘connections’ ...