BUSINESS IMPLICATION OF NGN

It is certainly true that we are moving from Time Division Multiplex (TDM)-based, circuit switched networks to packet-, cell-, and frame-based networks. The major benefits of NGN can be listed as follows:-

1.       Heterogeneity of the Telecommunications Infrastructure. 

The growing number of services with different has increased the complexity of the overall infrastructure. The problems of interoperability between the various systems are becoming more serious. Maintaining these platforms involves high  OPEX for the network operators. NGN provides an obvious solution to this problem.

2.       Falling Call Sales.

Increasing losses on the domestic fixed-network market are therefore forcing the operators to develop new strategies to secure their future and to boost their profitability. No further growth can be expected through the revenue obtained from call sales alone.

3.       Cost reduction:With NGN, the established network operators plan to develop a sustainable infrastructure that will remain competitive in a convergent environment. The primary focus will be on the potential for cost savings

4.       New Sources of Income:Established network operators see the possibility of new income as another motivation for promoting NGN. More and more innovations with new sales opportunities are expected in the field of value-added services with enhanced QoS.

5.       Ease of Maintainence: IP-based networks are likely to be simpler and easier to operate and maintain as compared to the existing legacy networks and provide  operators with sufficient flexibility  to reduce both OPEX and CAPEX.

6. Converged IP Core transport: Integration of their disparate networks towards IP/MPLS based transport core for superior control and OPEX reduction. Migration from TDM to IP and Fixed Mobile Convergence are also motivating factors for the carriers to reduce OPEX.

Future applications

Most traditional services relate to basic access/transport/routing/switching services, basic connectivity/resource and session control services, and various value-added services

• Voice Telephony – NGNs will likely need to support various existing voice telephony services (e.g., Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3-Way Calling, various AIN features and various Centrex features).

•  Data (Connectivity) Services – Allows for the real-time establishment of connectivity between endpoints, along with various value-added features (e.g., bandwidth-on-demand, resilient Switched Virtual Connections [SVCs], and call admission control).

•  Multimedia Services – Allows multiple parties to interact using voice, video, and/or data. This allows customers to converse with each other while displaying visual information.  It also allows for collaborative computing and groupware.

Public Network Computing (PNC) – Provides public network-based computing servicesfor businesses and consumers (e.g., to host a web page, store/maintain/backup data files, or run a computing application). 

• Unified Messaging – Supports the delivery of voice mail, email, fax mail, and pages through common interfaces ,independent of the means of access .

•  virtual  call centres – A subscriber could place a call to a call centre agent by clicking on a Web page.  The call could be routed to an appropriate agent, who could be located anywhere, even at home .