Sonus Networks Unveils IMX 2.0 Multimedia Applications Platform

Last Friday I had the pleasure of chatting with Vikram Saksena, Chief Technology Officer at Sonus Networks about this new release being announced today. Vikram explained how Sonus began four years ago with a focus on delivery if services and applications over the IP infrastructure. The ongoing efforts continue to show in Sonus' advances and new release liks this one.

The IMX 1.0 release was really a successful step toward delivery of voice services. This new 2.0 release broadens those services with support for a presence enabler that's going to be a big hit. Presence, and how both service providers and corporate enterprises can deliver presence related service will become a key differentiator over the next year. Sonus new IMX 2.0 release enables providers to deliver services that are more complex and powerful, but with greater granularity of control and delivery.

One of the features that caught my attention is any-to-any messaging capability. That means that using IMX 2.0 a user on a mobile phone can send a text message to a computer user, or PC user, or perhaps even a television, and the network will handle the messaging protocols. It might allow for CallerID on a call to an IP-based video system. In short - more multimedia services. Providers can create a service once and deliver it anywhere in their network.

In addition to the briefing and press infor, Sonus also graciously provided some advance copies of some PDF documentation that I've been reviewing to share with you here.

SONUS NETWORKS PAVES THE WAY FOR ADVANCED WIRELESS AND MOBILE VIDEO SERVICES
Sonus Unveils IMX 2.0 Enabling the World’s Carriers to Deliver the Power of Web 2.0 to Consumers and Enterprise Workers

WESTFORD, Mass., October 24, 2007 – IP services may never be the same following the launch of IMX 2.0 from Sonus Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS), a leading supplier of service provider IP-voice infrastructure solutions. Sonus’ IMX Multimedia Applications Platform is already deployed in networks in North America and Japan, and today Sonus released IMX 2.0, the newest generation of this groundbreaking platform that brings support for wireless, video and other multimedia services.

IMX 2.0 is the latest product in Sonus’ advanced technology portfolio. IMX 2.0 combines the carrier-class support for voice-based services delivered in the original platform with a streamlined feature and application environment for advanced multimedia and data-intensive services. Following Sonus’ tradition of harnessing IP to bring innovation to the telecom industry this platform is similar to those used to build today’s leading World Wide Web applications. The graphical user interface and wireless and mobile video services enable operators to expand the use of their IP/MPLS networks and bring advanced applications to consumers and enterprise users.

“Like all of the products in the Sonus suite, the IMX is designed to meet service provider needs for scalability, quality, security and reliability, and that’s what differentiates their product from other application development solutions on the market today,” said Mike Mateer, VP Systems Development, West Corporation, a premier provider of outsourced communication solutions. “In the application world especially, time to market is critical, as the ‘next-big-thing’ is right around the corner and the window to capitalize on a new trend is increasingly small. The IMX uses the same tools and development methodology that empower Web developers to stay ahead of the curve, and we’re excited to bring that same competitive advantage to West.”

The IMX platform is part of Sonus’ IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture aimed at helping network operators manage their advanced next-generation networks. IMX 2.0 was designed to bring the applications technology and carrier industries together to create new features, services and to connect devices, redefining individuals’ lifestyles. The IMX 2.0 can be integrated in any IMS-based network and is optimized for Sonus’ award-winning network architecture. Sonus’ solutions have been deployed in more than 150 networks, in over 50 countries. To date, more than 35 billion minutes of voice traffic are carried on Sonus networks each month. New applications such as those supported by IMX 2.0 make it possible for operators to drive increased revenues from their networks and drive profitable revenue streams on their IMS networks.

“For network operators to be successful in the next era of communications services, they need to arm themselves with the tools to create the high-demand, revenue-generating services that consumers and business users are most interested in,” said Vikram Saksena, chief technology officer, Sonus Networks. “IMX 2.0 opens the door for innovation by making it easier, quicker and less expensive to experiment with media-rich applications with the quality and service that’s expected from any Sonus solution.”

About IMX 2.0
IMX 2.0 enables network operators to embrace a Web-based model for application development; specifically, the ability to develop new applications quickly, rollout to a test audience, and scale as consumer demand validates the application. This process represents a dramatic shift from traditional telecom application development, which was resource and time intensive, and as a result, limited experimentation. For test applications that do show promise, IMX 2.0 is a carrier-grade platform that supports high levels of scalability and delivers applications over Sonus’ field-hardened IP core.

IMX 2.0 is designed and built to enhance privacy while providing operators with the control they expect and require. When combined with Sonus’ Network Border Switch, operators are able to securely deliver advanced IP-based features across network boundaries. Together, this advanced software helps carriers future-proof their networks. The ability to securely connect networks and deliver next-generation applications to the consumer or enterprise worker will allow the deployment of services more quickly with lower operational expenses and faster time-to-market.

IMX 2.0 supports a broad range of applications and devices that are interoperable with Sonus’ platform today, while providing a robust foundation for the support of wireless and video applications. This simple, easy-to-manage platform was specifically to address network operators’ most pressing business needs and provides support for the combination of traditional and advanced voice services in a highly secure IP framework.

"Network operators are facing increased competition and are actively evaluating ways to differentiate their services. As such, there's an interesting market opportunity for solutions, such as the IMX 2.0, that bring voice, multimedia and wireless applications into the communications paradigm," said Brian Partridge, Enabling Technologies Program Manager with Yankee Group.

About Sonus Networks
Sonus Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of IP-voice infrastructure solutions for wireline and wireless service providers. With its comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching, carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Founded in 1997, Sonus is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com.