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IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) and FMC (fixed-mobile convergence): were real hot topics in the 3GSM World Congress this year. Both are related to the concept of managing and delivering services to fixed and mobile users across a single core network. IMS is a standard that will enable any application (TV program, internet content, and digital music) to be delivered to any device at any time. It is the technology that will interconnect all fixed, cellular and wireless networks. Dream, hype or necessity? Besides the noble vision, main targets are to cut opex (a necessity for operators) but also to clean and bundle different offerings (also a necessity for operators), provide seamless path between technologies (a request from corporations) and deploy in a clean environment new, multimedia revenue-generating services (a necessity for most operators). The subject was heard for years, but the recent downturn has revealed some industry weaknesses, pushed service providers to clean their books and streamline their operations. So, no wonder that it is the way for the future and that some operators are still confused, but the road will be long and chaotic.

First deals were announced: Ericsson with Telecom Italia and TeliaSonera; Nokia with TeliaSonera; Siemens with FT; Alcatel with T-Mobile US; Lucent with eAccess and Sprint; Nortel with IBM, Microsoft with BCE, Celcom Malaysia and BT.

Most vendors were demoing their solutions: Ericsson, Lucent, Alcatel, Motorola, and Nortel ….MMO2, TIM and BT highlighted the importance of IMS during their presentations. Furthermore, the GSM association has brought key players (operators and vendors) to take part in trials to prove the technical IMS interoperability.

So IMS is certainly the future technology of choice and will gradually take-off in coming months.