Next Generation IN
For the last 15-20 years, intelligence within the telecommunication network has been provided by Intelligent Network Service Control Points (IN SCPs). The main services provided by these IN platforms are number translation services, virtual-private networks and crucially for mobile telephony, pre-paid capabilities. Beyond the “big three” services, IN platforms today implement a wide range of useful network services that we use every day – such as short-code dialling, multiple call leg handling, call screening, caller ID etc.
But SCPs were not originally designed:
- For a multi-service, multi-network telecoms world, or
- To facilitate open development, or
- To provide a platform for service innovation.
Traditional SCPs, commonly referred to as the Intelligent Network (IN) platform, are high cost, vertically integrated systems. They are simple, static ‘one size fits all’ solutions which were not built to meet the dynamic nature of today’s market.
Although they provide a very robust and reliable platform, today’s closed and proprietary SCPs stifle service innovation. New services have to be produced by the SCP vendor, with consequent high costs and long lead times.
Rhino Telecom Application Server™ is a next generation service layer product from OpenCloud. It provides an open and agile, standards-compliant environment for innovation across all forms of telecommunication service. OpenCloud Rhino can be delivered with a range of classic IN and SIP services such as Personal Call Routing, Number Translation, Calling Circles, etc. Additionally, OpenCloud partners can supply a large array of proven telecom, data and hybrid web/ IT/ telecom services developed for Rhino. Rhino plus these services delivers a next generation IN environment that is designed to meet the challenges of today's dynamic and competitive telecom market.
Telecom Service Broker capabilities can readily be added by including another optional OpenCloud product - Rhino Service Interaction Server™. This enables fast and cost-efficient creation of telecommunication "service mashups".
The Rhino-based NGIN can also be used as a "prepaid SCP" by adding the Rhino Charging Sentinel™. This provides real-time session control for voice, messaging and data (for IP and SS7) in conjunction with an Online Charging System (OCS).
The Rhino-based NGIN delivers classic and TelCo2.0 telecom services for SS7-based networks and next generation IP-based networks such as LTE and IMS. It can be used for Fixed-Mobile Convergence services, Value-Added Services and to deliver inter-network connectivity.
Mobile Network Operators are using Rhino to implement NG-IN services such as:
- Fixed-mobile substitution offers such as location-based charging
- Charging information services
- Multi-media interaction
- Multi-number services
- Multi-SIM services
- Call group services (such as family calling circles etc)
- Call Personalisation (call groups, location and time-of-day call control)