Service blending for converged IMS services - a BT Alcatel-Lucent collaboration

BT has embarked on an ambitious and innovative programme to replace its current core network with an all-IP next generation network (NGN) known as 21CN. One of the important properties of an NGN is to allow new and innovative services to be created and deployed quickly, easily and cost effectively. However, managing the sheer number of services, be they generated in-house or by a third party, that will be hosted on such an NGN is not a trivial task. The process of service orchestration (i.e. service blending) is complex and the major standards bodies have, as yet, been unable to define a suitable method. One of the contenders for the role of service orchestration is the Alcatel-Lucent Service Broker (TM). BT has been engaged with Alcatel-Lucent during the past year on a proof of concept demonstration to test the Alcatel-Lucent Service Broker's suitability for this role. The findings have shown that this development can support and aid rapid service creation and blending while providing excellent levels of flexibility and programmability.