Standards as an Enabler for Next Generation Networks
BT Technology Journal
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The MultiService Forum (MSF) is well established within the global industry, with a successful track record spanning over six years since its formation in 1998. With BT a founder member, it is perhaps not surprising that the work of the MSF has developed over the years to fully reflect the needs of major carriers. Enjoying now a large membership comprising many leading network operators and global suppliers of telecommunications network equipment, the MSF provides a unique environment for constructive collaboration. Its mission is to accelerate the deployment of open communications systems that realise the economic benefit resulting from the flexible support of a full range of network services using multiple infrastructure technologies -- more relevant today than ever before.This paper reviews the work of the MSF -- its scope, organisation and achievements. With its unique collaboration framework, the MSF provides a `one stop shop' for forward-looking companies and organisations that see the competitive advantage that can be achieved by collaborating on issues of common concern. With a meaningful agenda formulated from six years experience, the MSF is at the forefront of leading carrier's plans to implement the networks of the 21st century today. From architecture, through protocol profiling and global MSF interoperability testing (GMI2002, GMI2004), the MSF provides a cost-effective framework to develop implementation agreements which are of benefit to carriers and suppliers alike.