MSF Newsletter

November 21, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE:

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT, Roger Ward

Having just returned from Vancouver and with memories of our very successful 5th Anniversary Meeting very strong in my mind, I am delighted to take this opportunity to highlight some of our great achievements and opportunities the MSF is delivering to its members - now and in 2004.

First, I was delighted to see the success of the MSF "Carriers Panel". To celebrate its 5th anniversary, the MSF extended an open invitation to the industry to hear senior executives from BT, KT, NTT, Qwest, SK Telecom, and Telus confirm their plans to leverage the work of the MSF and invest in network evolution and renewal. It was standing room only, and we were treated to a unique insight into the needs of major operators - both fixed and mobile, and how the MSF work is already shaping the networks of the 21st Century.

Secondly, major global carriers have stepped up to support the Global MSF Interoperability programme - BT, KT, NTT, and Qwest have committed to host GMI2004. This provides a unique opportunity to MSF vendor members to demonstrate the value and applicability of the MSF approach to Architecture, Protocol Profiling and Interoperability in delivering real network multi-vendor, multi-service, open architecture Next Generation Network solutions. GMI2004 will be one of the major events in the industry in 2004, proving beyond doubt the value of the MSF's drive to achieve cost effective procurement of VoIP multi-service solutions. .

Thirdly, I was delighted to see how a recent study by OVUM ranked the MSF as the 6th most significant standards body/ forum within the industry. In pole position not surprisingly were the IETF, ITU, TMF. However, when it came to comparable bodies the MSF was there with the leaders ranking closely behind the DSL and MPLS forums. The MSF is clearly seen as the pre-eminent forum in its field, having significant clout and worthy of industry attention!

Five years of driving multi-service solutions is a significant achievement for the MSF, particularly with recent industry challenges. We have kept a tight focus - meeting the needs of carriers and vendors alike. With a unique spirit of collaboration, the strength of the MSF is the active participation of all members. In large part, this is due to your commitment and significant participation. Now we have another summit in sight, it is critical that your ongoing support does not waiver as we move to deliver our exciting GMI2004 programme and beyond. I am proud to have been entrusted with the leadership of the MSF at this pivotal time in the industry and I thank you for all of your hard work in contributing to MSF success.

I look forward to seeing you in Singapore in January 2004.

Roger Ward,
MSF President

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TC CHAIR's NOTEBOOK, Rich Seager

If you missed the Vancouver MSF TC meeting, you missed a great meeting. Not only did we all gain some very good insight from the carriers panel and celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the MSF but we also made tremendous progress in the general sessions.

The joint working groups were able to come to consensus on the top 5 physical scenarios, attributes and functionality that will be utilized during the GMI2004 event. From that, the Interoperability working group was able to begin the process of defining the test plan formats and type of content to be created in support of each scenario.

The architecture group was able to resolve the outstanding work items for the Release 2 Architecture, and will be moving to close those items in Singapore. This will lead us into the question of what is on our plate beyond GMI 2004. Please take a look at the closing plenary, you will find listed the items that are possibilities that were the direct input of all members there. This list is not all encompassing and we invite all members to review this list and let us know if there are other items that may interest you and others that could be raised as work items. Speaking of work items, we have the list, but what we need is for you, the membership to contribute and expand the depth of each possible work item through contributions for the architecture group. Your contributions will be what we focus on beyond GMI2004.

The Protocol and Control working group had a very successful meeting as well, it moved to two Implementation Agreements to Final Ballot and moved two more to straw ballot bring us closer to meeting the requirements in support of the protocols needed for the GMI event. Although this progress is very good, we still need you to continue this great work and mature the remaining documentation to begin the straw ballot process on these.

As the Interoperability working group winds up for 2004, it has launched an initial effort to begin wrapping its hands around the Test Requirements and Test Plans that will drive GMI2004. We have received volunteers for each of the major scenarios and will be planning to take our initial looks at these documents in January.

The Management Advisory group continued its effort to ensure a solid management presence for GMI2004, as it has taken the results of the joint sessions to begin the process of identifying the exact management needs for the event. This work is ongoing and will mature over the next few months.

GMI2004 planning efforts continue with the hosts for the event being announced, NTT (Japan), Korea Telecom (Korea), Qwest (USA) and British Telecom (UK). These four companies will be allowing the MSF to utilize one of their facilities to place participants of the trial and to supply the necessary lab infrastructure. Many Thanks to those involved in this process. The planning team continues its work, and you should be looking forward to receiving invitations to participate in the GMI event within the next 30 days and receiving a monthly update from the team and MA&E Committee.

Overall, these past few months have been busy and we expect to get busier as we drive closer to achieving the MSF’s goals for GMI2004, but that is not our only focus. We are planning what will happen moving forward, what are the big technical questions that have to be addressed in 2004 and beyond in regards to architectures and protocols. The January meeting will be very interesting as our members, you, continue to drive these efforts through new contributions and work item submissions. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your opinions and the Technical Leadership Committee can always be reached if you have questions or concerns.

Thank you for a very successful 2003 and we look forward to a very good and interesting 2004. See you all in Singapore.

Rich Seager,
Technical Committee Chair

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MSF IN THE NEWS

Highlighting the success of the recent MSF Carriers Program, Light Reading featured the Carriers Program in its publication on October 29, 2003.

The article, "Carriers Say VOIP & SIP Are Hot," is available on the MSF web site.  For the full story, please go to the Press Room on the MSF Website at http://www.msforum.org/pressroom/inthenews.shtml.

Look at Those Stats!
News of the MSF Carriers Program reached nearly 35 million readers and garnered 17 articles in the industry and business press including, Light Reading, Yahoo Finance, CBS MarketWatch, Financial Times and TMCNet.com in the third quarter. Not since announcing GMI 2002 has MSF experienced such widespread media coverage.

For the year overall, MSF has garnered an impressive 36 articles with a cumulative circulation of more than 50 million readers.

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GMI 2004 UPDATE

The Board of Directors is delighted to announce that BT, NTT, Qwest and KT have committed to Host GMI 2004. This provides a unique opportunity to MSF vendor members to demonstrate the value and applicability of the MSF approach to Architecture, Protocol Profiling & Interoperability in delivering real network multi-vendor, multi-service, open architecture Next Generation Network solutions. GMI2004 will be one of the major events in the industry in 2004, proving beyond doubt the value of the MSF's drive to achieve cost effective procurement of VoIP multi-service solutions.

MSF Seeks GMI 2004 Volunteers
MSF is now seeking volunteers for the Technical Coordinator Position and Event Monitor and Marketing Lead Positions for GMI 2004. Please go to the GMI 2004 page on the MSF website for a complete list of Duties and Qualifications. http://www.msforum.org/interoperability/GMI.shtml

Candidates for Technical Coordinator position should send their applications to Julianne Fitzpatrick at jfitzpatrick@msforum.org by Friday, November 21, 2003.

If your company is interested in volunteering qualified staff for these positions, please contact Julianne Fitzpatrick at jfitzpatrick@msforum.org or Rich Seager, MSF Technical Committee Chairperson at rich.seager@ngtechnologies.com.

Technical Coordinator Position

The Technical Coordinator position is a contract position beginning at the end of January 04 and ending at the end of October 04.

The Technical Coordinator should have proven experience in the following areas:

  • Experience in planning and implementing lab infrastructure in carrier and/or manufacturing environments.
  • Sufficient familiarity with IP and MPLS technology to oversee provisioning of intercontinental links that have specific QoS and security features
  • Technical familiarity with the technology under test, including:
    • VoIP architectures
    • SIP, H.248 and MGCP
    • MPLS
  • Technical familiarity with software engineering techniques including test processes.
  • Technical familiarity with software tools including the ability to install, configure and troubleshoot those tools.
  • Technical familiarity with network management techniques.
  • Proven ability to react to emergencies quickly, calmly and competently.
  • Proven ability to deal with a myriad of diverse stakeholders in the GMI.

Event Monitor Position

The Event Monitor positions are required for a period of one week before the event, the 2-week event itself, and one week after the event.

The Event Monitors should have proven experience in the following areas:

  • Technical understanding of test processes and equipment, for example:
    Navtel, Spirent or Empirix
  • Technical understanding of communications equipment setup
  • Technical familiarity with the technology under test, including:
    • VoIP architectures
    • SIP, H.248 and MGCP
    • MPLS
    • Internet technology
  • Hands on physical setup experience
  • Hands on configuration experience
  • Ability to use online systems such as Jabber and any data collections systems that may be created
  • Ability to work in a cross-cultural setting

Marketing Lead Position

The GMI Marketing Lead is responsible for overseeing:

  • Completion of GMI 2004 Marketing Plan Deliverables
  • Participating on GMI 2004 Planning Team
  • Coordinating the development of educational presentations and technology papers relating to GMI 2004
  • Coordinating publicity of GMI 2004 activities and working closely with MSF's PR representatives to ensure a cohesive and successful PR campaign
  • Educating the telecommunications industry on GMI 2004
  • Coordinating MSF participation in industry events such as conferences and trade shoes to report on GMI 2004 outcome
  • Working with MAE volunteers and reporting progress at MAE Committee meetings

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2004

MSF has achieved many great things in the last 5 years – most recently celebrating our 5th Anniversary with the very successful Carriers Program. 2004 looks even brighter as we prepare for GMI 2004, supported by BT, NTT, Qwest and KT. MSF’s success is, without question, due to the commitment from our Member companies and the dedication of the volunteers who progress the work. The collaboration of this dynamic group of companies and individuals is critical to the success of our mission.

Based on our history of success and our plans to continue on our mission to demonstrate the value and applicability of the MSF approach to Architecture, Protocol Profiling and Interoperability in delivering real network multi-vendor, multi-service, open architecture Next Generation Network solutions, it seems evident that the investment of your budget, time and resources is more than well spent. But in our industry, we take nothing for granted which is why we want to do what we can to support your efforts to renew your membership in MSF. You will soon receive your 2004 Membership Invoice. If you would like to speak to a leadership representative about your membership, please contact MSF President, Roger Ward at roger.c.ward@bt.com or MSF’s Executive Director, Alysia Johnson at ajohnson@msforum.org.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration and to a very successful 2004!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MSF Sponsors the International SIP 2004
January 21-22, 2004, Paris

MSF is proud to announce it will sponsor International SIP 2004. The conference, which will be held in Paris on January 21-22, 2004, will showcase a real SIP infrastructure with components of different vendors complemented by emulators will be sued to show scalable interworking and reliability between legacy and next generation infrastructures. The objective is to show that SIP is a stable and functional protocol and operators can invest in architectures and roll out services. Besides deployment models, sessions will be oriented toward aspects such as location based services, mobility, security and application creation.

Why should you participate?

** This is the first public SIP showcase focusing on carrier requirements combined with manufacturer know-how and shared implementation expertise of industry fora
** The private test will improve SIP interoperability capabilities in your devices
**The public showcase will demonstrate the tests to conference visitors, primarily European Carriers and Manufacturers of SIP infrastructures and applications, confirming that your company is efficiently addressing SIP interoperability issues.

Important Dates:
December 14, 2003 - Deadline to Register
January 5-9, 2004 - Hot Stage at EANTC, Berlin, Germany
January 21-22, 2004 - Public Showcase, Paris, France.

For more information about the event or to register to participate, please contact the EANTC at http://www.eantc.com/sip2004.

 MSF Technical Committee Meeting
January 27-29, 2004, Singapore

MSF will hold the Q104 Technical Committee Meeting at the Le Meridien Singapore Hotel in Singapore.

To register for the meeting, please complete the on-line registration process on the MSF web site under Meetings and Events (http://www.msforum.org/events/upcoming.shtml). The registration fee is $325 if you register before Tuesday, January 13, 2004 and $450 after that date.

Please note the following important deadlines for this meeting:

  • Room Reservations Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2004
  • Meeting Registration and Contribution Deadline: Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Hotel Details:

Le Meridien Singapore
100 Orchard Road - Singapore, 238840
Phone: +65 6733 8855 - Fax: +65 6732 7886
Web: Le Meriden Singapore Homepage

The MSF room rate is $165 Singapore Dollars (approx. $95 USD) per night.  You must specify that you are with the MSF to secure the negotiated room rate.

BRING A FRIEND! - Don't forget to invite your friend or colleague -- anyone who is interested in MSF -- to the upcoming MSF Technical Committee Meeting. If you do bring a guest, we will ask a board member and/or a member of the TC leadership to roll out the welcome wagon and spend some personal time with them to help them understand the benefits of participation. Guests of MSF members can register easily by contacting Cindy Morgan at cmorgan@msforum.org or +1.510-608-5925.

Membership participation is the driving force behind MSF's success. Please join us in Singapore and continue to support MSF's mission.


 Signalling for Advanced Telecom Networks and Service
February 4-6, 2004, London

Roger Ward will speak on behalf of MSF at the upcoming Signalling for Advanced Telecom Networks and Services event February 4-6, 2004 in London.

Conference topics include:

  • Discuss the current implications of your network services delivery capabilities vis-à-vis migration issues for effective signalling
  • Assess the benefits of convergence and learn how it can increase productivity and reduce infrastructure costs
  • Examine the role of SS7 in enhancing mobility in the telecommunications network though mobile network case studies
  • Analyze in depth the latest issues regarding QoS and security implications of signalling services
  • Hear and benefit from case study experiencesonSS7 and the innovative services it supports
For more information or to register to attend the conference please go to the Calendar page on the MSF website: http://www.msforum.org/events/calendar.shtml.

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CONTACT US!

Feedback? Want to include something in the next issue? We want to hear from you! Send your comments and contributions for the next issue to jfitzpatrick@msforum.org.