IMS Forum(R) Launches BSS/OSS & Security Technical Working Group

LAS VEGAS, NV, Apr 14 (MARKET WIRE) --
The NGN and IMS Forum(R), the only industry associations dedicated to
interoperability and certification of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and
Next Generation Network (NGN) applications and services, announced today
at the Billing & OSS World Conference & Expo the creation of its BSS/OSS &
Security Technical Working Group.

The working group will help guide industry momentum for an integrated
BSS/OSS framework to enable cost-effective transition to IMS/NGN
environments. NGN IMS Forum members have demonstrated billing
interoperability in the past six Plugfests(TM) and through commercial
deployments. This new working group will focus on the billing and
charging, policy control and security functions required by service
providers to capture the value promised by NGN networks. HP will chair
the working group with support from vice-chairs, Comverse and Mu
Dynamics. Other industry leaders such as, Acision, Aricent, DSET, Marben
Products, NE Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Tekelec are also founding
members.

"We have learned through the course of our last 6 Plugfests that billing
OSS and security play an integral role in the successful implementation of
integrated communications services utilizing NGN and IMS," said Michael
Khalilian, Chairman and President NGN and IMS Forum. "We look forward to
including the input from this Technical and Business Working Group in our
Plugfest 7 interoperability test event and in future Plugfests."

"Service providers can re-use existing resources, lower costs, and
increase revenue opportunities through an integrated BSS/OSS," said Nigel
Upton, Director, Communications and Media, Solutions, HP. "With
interoperability already demonstrated, our working group will strengthen
the business and technical foundation that service providers need for a
smooth transition to IMS and next-generation services."

The Working Group will develop guidelines on the business and technical
aspects of BSS/OSS and security in IMS and NGN services and will define
the architecture and requirements for network interoperability and
reliable real-time IP service application deployment. It will focus on
the operation and management of converged IMS/NGN applications and
services delivered over wireless (3G, LTE), wireline (DSL, optical) and
cable broadband. The group will ensure that converged applications and
services will have timely and complete support from provisioning, billing
and management systems. A whitepaper describing BSS/OSS considerations of
NGN will be the group's first deliverable and is planned by mid-year.

"This working group underscores the importance of 'smart monetization'
approaches in creating successful business models to leverage the full
potential of Next-Generation Networks," said Gabriel Matsliach, General
Manager, Billing & Active Customer Management at Comverse, who will serve
as the Group's vice chair. "The group will draw on our experience in
supporting any combination of network, service and payment types,
including true quad-play offers."

"As a two-year veteran of the IMS/NGN Forum and their Plugfest events, Mu
Dynamics is pleased to see the increased industry interest in secure
Next-Generation Network deployments that prevent unexpected weaknesses in
real-time networked applications," said Adam Stein, vice president of
Marketing for Mu Dynamics who will also serve as the group's vice chair.
"Many of our operator and vendor clients play an integral role in this
important ecosystem with a high percent of their revenue dependent upon
resilient, reliable and secure product development and continuous service
deployment."

About Plugfest 7

IMS OSS/BSS & Security Working Group will be an integral part of the IMS
Forum's Plugfest(TM) 7 interoperability test that will take place on June
1-5, 2009 at the InterOperability Lab (UNH IOL) in Durham, NH.
Participation in NGN IMS Plugfest 7 is open to all companies. For online
registration and info contact the forum at: info@IMSforum.org or visit
event at www.NGNforum.org.

About the NGN Forum(TM) and IMS Forum(R)

The NGN and IMS Forum are the only global telecommunications associations
devoted to Next Generation Networks (NGN) service delivery and
interoperable IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services architectures and
solutions. The Forum's mission is to enable delivery of M-play(TM): rich
multimedia, mobility and fixed services over wireline, cable, GSM, UMTS,
Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE and fiber broadband networks. The Forum is the creator
and organizer of the IMS Plugfests(TM) and NGN Plugfests(TM), the
industry's only events focused on verification and certification of IMS
and NGN service interoperability through the IMS Certified(TM) and NGN
Certified(TM) programs.

Through organized Plugfests, technical working groups and other
activities, Forum members develop cost-effective technical frameworks for
revenue generating converged IP NGN solutions. The combined organizations
include over 2000 executives and technical, business development and
marketing professionals from global and emerging equipment vendors,
solution providers, integrators, service providers, and governmental
agencies. For additional information or to join the NGN Forum, IMS Forum,
the IMS Plugfest, and/or the NGN Plugfest, please visit www.IMSforum.org
or www.NGNforum.org.

For Further Information contact:
NGN and IMS Forum Media Relations
Cathy Clarke - CNC Associates
+1 (508) 833-8533
pr@imsforum.org

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