Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) Launches the First Commercial Grade Open-Access IMS Test Network Hosted in Academia

The IMS network hosted at TSSG, enables technology providers worldwide to run tests, trial and validate IMS compliant products and functionality in a tested environment, and has the same capabilities as those used by large network operators. The IMS test network enables full testing of integrated Internet, mobile and television services and also consolidated and converged voice and data products and services.

“One of the biggest hurdles facing companies is persuading the big network operators to try their technology for fear that new products might crash networks,” said Gearóid Mooney, ICT Commercialisation Director, Enterprise Ireland. “Now, companies working on new mobile phone applications have a unique opportunity to test their products on a carrier-grade private mobile network before bringing them to market. The open test network based at TSSG will reduce the barriers to entry for any firm wishing to enter the lucrative IMS market.”

“The dramatic uptake of Internet services such as Skype and Facebook and the impact on how people communicate is fuelling research activity in IMS,” said Shane Dempsey, Test Centre Manager, TSSG. “IMS is the only standards based alternative for IP network evolution, creating new revenue opportunities by combining voice, video, content sharing, and presence while retaining the interoperability that made GSM so successful. TSSG is grateful for funding received from Enterprise Ireland and for the contribution by Ericsson to this project.”

Testing and validating Internet services requires extensive test infrastructure and considerable expertise to understand the demands of real-world deployments on services.

Locating the open IMS test network at the TSSG will act as a stimulus for both Irish-based and International telecoms companies to avail of this unique service and will also reduce the lead time in getting compliant new products to market.

The development of IMS technologies is one of the key research areas of the TSSG at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), which is focusing on the adoption of new Internet protocols and technologies for telecommunications.

About the TSSG

http://www.tssg.org/

About Enterprise Ireland

http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/

TSSG
Deirdre Morrissey, + 353 51 302 909
dmorrissey@tssg.org