The Winding Road to IMS

Non-IP Multimedia Subsystem applications are still key in the service provider evolution toward IMS.

Recently, the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) has generated quite a buzz within the service provider industry. It’s been hailed by many as the next-generation service provider architecture standard that will usher in the era of seamless multimedia communications across wireline, wireless, and cable networks. Meanwhile, numerous skeptics emphasize that the complexity of IMS could ultimately make its road to deployment steep.

So, just what is the status of IMS today and its promise for the future? While the road to IMS might prove to be long and winding, Cisco believes it will have significant relevance and value for some providers and, accordingly, has dedicated resources and established strategic partnerships to help companies navigate this road.