Excel Switching Corporation has extended the wireless capabilities of its Converged Services Platform (CSP) with the addition of full Intelligent Network (IN) wireless protocol support. The new capabilities enable the Excel CSP to be used for developing wireless applications across SS7, SIP, and wireless protocol signaling. Carriers could use the CSP to get to market quickly with applications spanning 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi networks. For instance, the Excel platform could be used to create and localize a host of wireless services for 2G, 3G, and WiFi networks including: Prepaid Calling, Mobile Centrex, Personal Access/Follow Me, Short Messaging Service (SMS), Color Ring Back Tone (CRBT), Presence, Operator Services and Intelligent Call Screening. The new IN protocol support includes:
- ANSI-41: a TIA/ANSI standard messaging protocol used in CDMA and TDMA wireless networks primarily in the Americas and parts of Asia.
Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN): a TIA/ANSI standard messaging protocol that enables subscribers in ANSI-41 based mobile networks to use intelligent network services and capabilities in systems into which the subscriber roams.
Advanced Application Networks (AIN): Telcordia standards for wireline networks that separate service logic from switching equipment, allowing new services to be added without having to redesign the CSP to support the new services.
Mobile Applications Part (MAP): an ETSI standard messaging protocol used in GSM wireless networks to communicate among network elements (MSC, HLR, VLR, EIR, SMSC) to support user authentication, equipment identification, and roaming.
Customized Applications for Mobile Networks Enhanced Logic (CAMEL): an ETSI standard messaging protocol for including IN functions into GSM mobile networks. CAMEL is used when roaming between networks, allowing the home network to monitor and control calls made by its subscribers.
Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP): ITU-T standards for information flow format between different functional entities in wireline Intelligent Networks to execute the entire service logic in distributed systems.
- Excel's Converged Services Platform is used to deliver carrier applications such as RBOC voice mail services, pre-paid calling cards, tandem/international gateway switching, multiparty audio conferencing, media server and advanced directory assistance services. The platform is designed to bridge traditional circuit switched networks with next-generation IP networks in either wireline or wireless environments.
In June 2003, Excel Switching Corporation was spun out of Lucent Technologies, returning to its roots as an independent supplier of carrier-class, open services platforms for communications networks. The company offers a Converged Services Platform that is used to deliver carrier applications such as RBOC voice mail services, pre-paid calling cards, tandem/international gateway switching, multiparty audio conferencing, media server and advanced directory assistance services. The platform is designed to bridge traditional circuit switched networks with next-generation IP networks in either wireline or wireless environments. More than 7,000 CSP systems have been deployed throughout the world. Lucent and Excel entered into a worldwide OEM agreement under which Lucent acts as a sales channel for Excel's products. Lucent did not retain an equity interest in Excel Switching. Excel is based in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
