Nokia Product Blitz Targets VoIP, Converged Networks

Nokia has released a series of network solutions targeted at VoIP and converged voice and data networks, at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes.

The new Nokia Telecommunications Application Server (TAS) is a SIP application server that allows for the convergence of legacy voice and SIP-driven VoIP communications by providing mobile telephony services independent of access. With it, operators can offer fixed and mobile VoIP end-users the same kind of telephony services as in today's mobile networks, such as Caller ID and SMS, as well as Intelligent Network features such as Prepaid.

Nokia also announced Dual Transfer Mode (DTM), a 3GPP-specified technology that enables simultaneous voice and data connections in GSM/EDGE networks. DTM enables new applications such as video sharing, while enhancing service continuity when operators introduce WCDMA. The solution will be available for operator testing in fourth quarter 2005 and commercially available in first quarter 2006.

In addition, Nokia released Flexi Intelligent Service Node (ISN), designed to help operators of packet data networks to flexibly introduce and manage new data services for the mobile mass market and thus data service usage. It supports a broad choice of charging models suited to a range of user traffic. It supports multi-access such as WLAN, Enhanced GPRS (EDGE), WCDMA 3G, and circuit-switched data. The Nokia Flexi ISN is available now.

The new Nokia Presence Solution 2.0 brings support for SIP, which allows operators to apply Presence to SIP-based applications, such as PoC. This will allow PoC users to see whether another mobile user is available for a PoC call before initiating the call. Release 2.0 will be available in second quarter 2005.Also announced was Nokia Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) Solution release 1.5, which enables enhancements such as dial-out group calling, which allows users to initiate group calls to temporary groups, as well as MSISDN dialing, which lowers barriers for GSM subscribers by allowing them to use their normal mobile numbers for push to talk. The release will be available in second quarter 2005.

"Convergence between fixed and mobile networks, enabled by multiradio terminals, complementary access technologies and unified core networks, is removing the boundaries between networks and services," Beresford-Wylie, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Networks, Nokia, said in a statement. "Nokia's leadership in radio technologies, combined with innovations in new core networks and a strengthened focus on services, make Nokia an ideal partner to provide end-to-end solutions for operators addressing the emerging opportunities in the mobility market."