IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is about to revolutionize the telecom market. According to ABI Research analyst Ian Cox, "Every Tier 1 service provider in fixed and wireless networks will announce SIP-based services running over IMS in the next six to twelve months." IMS began life as a wireless network architecture for adding IP-based services to existing circuit-switched voice. When Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) was introduced, IMS evolved to an open architecture: operators are not locked into a proprietary solution, nor are point solutions needed for each service. Soon fixed network providers began adapting it to IP networks. IMS allows a single device to use both fixed and wireless networks. IMS will allow many new services, including VoIP, to be offered simultaneously over SIP-enabled networks. Vendors can develop applications and equipment knowing they will be fully interoperable. Services can be tried quickly and discarded if unpopular. A single database holds all subscriber information, lowering operating costs for multiple services.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...