WebProNews

SBC and Lucent announced on Tuesday their new collaboration for an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform. The plan for this system is to help SBC integrate wireline and wireless services for the next generation Internet-Protocol (IP)-based services including wireline and wireless voice, high-speed Internet access and video.

The platform consists of an array of IMS related hardware and software products and applications. These will help SBC companies share next-gen customizable IP-based services and applications. SBC expects to begin introducing services enabled by the new platform sometime late in 2006 or early 2007.

"This agreement is a significant step in SBC's continuing effort to build solutions around consumers' lifestyles," said John Stankey, SBC senior executive vice president - chief technology officer. "Lucent's IMS solution will help customers access and use IP-enabled voice, video and broadband data services regardless of where they're located, or which wireless or wireline device they're using at the time."

Cingular Wireless LLC, a joint venture between SBC and BellSouth, and Lucent on Monday announced that Lucent also would provide its IMS platform to Cingular. While Cingular and SBC each will independently deploy their respective platforms, having a common platform supplier will enhance opportunities for SBC and Cingular to provide their customers a more seamless wireless/wireline experience.

"IMS-based services allow for enhanced, customized and personalized services that offer compelling value to consumers. IMS is truly a transformational step in network development with the potential to reshape and radically improve the customer experience," said David Heeren, vice president of sales for Lucent Technologies. "We are excited to work with SBC to help bring product and service integration from conception to reality."

John Stith is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.