MetaSwitch introduced a service delivery platform (SDP) and suite of applications aimed at helping carriers migrate toward next generation service-oriented networks.
The MetaSphere service delivery platform, which is designed specifically for telecommunications applications, is pre-integrated with MetaSwitch's session control, PSTN emulation server and media gateway technologies.
Based on core technology from MetaSwitch's parent company Data Connection, the MetaSphere SDP includes a graphical service creation and personalization environment (SCAPE), a service execution environment that supports carrier-grade availability and scalability to tens of millions of users via clustering of commercial off-the-shelf server hardware, a service capability interaction manager (SCIM) to facilitate interaction between multiple applications, and a library of common services providing access to media server, session control, "virtual home subscriber server" (HSS) data storage, diagnostic, provisioning, auditing/logging and billing functions. Another key element of the MetaSphere SDP is CommPortal, a client-server framework that uses Web 2.0 techniques to deliver a highly responsive, flexible and unified user interface to all MetaSphere services.
Metaswitch said its MetaSphere architecture is fully aligned with the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) standards, acting as a combined Application Server and Media Resource Function in IMS networks.
Applications supported include:
- Unified Messaging
- Incoming Call Manager - a rich user interface that is tightly integrated with other services via CommPortal, ICM manages incoming calls based on who is calling and the time/day/date of the call, as well as enhanced call handling options including Reject, Forward and Find Me/Follow Me;
- Desktop Notifier - provides instant desktop notification of new voice and fax messages with fast access and retrieval, helping users respond to messages in a more timely fashion;
- Desktop Communication Manager - tools to manage call functions (e.g. reject, forward, ignore, send to voicemail, etc.), access contact lists, click-to-dial options, presence setting, broker calls and transfer call;
- Live Message Screening - solves the number one barrier to adoption of network-based voicemail: the ability to screen incoming calls.
- Incoming Call Transfer - this fixed/mobile convergence application allows calls to be seamlessly transferred between wireless and wireline devices, without requiring a dual-mode cellular device.
