The Services Network

Abstract

Computing and communication are in flux today. On the communication side, historically there have been multiple, parallel networks servicing different types of traffic. Cost pressures are forcing convergence to a single IP-based network. Simultaneously the computing world has been steadily moving from monolithic applications to client/server systems, and from there to arbitrary distributed applications. In making this move, the computing world has typically viewed the network as little more than a high-speed bit-pipe, with the primary focus being on services provided by end hosts. This approach has a number of limitations, including replicated functionality, complex system coupling, and limited ability to integrate applications across different networks. By providing enabling services functionality, an integrated network can make possible both greater efficiencies and more-sophisticated distributed applications.

1.    Services and Networks Today

A brief history of telecommunication and data networks; their similarities and differences. Applications in the telecommunication and network worlds. The relevance of services: what they are; why they are important. The differences between carrier services and Internet services. Service-Oriented Architectures and Web Services. RPC vs. REST. Cost pressures causing convergence; different views of converged networks and services.

2.    Limitations of the Current Approach

Problems with traditional telecommunications approaches: closed-world development; poor utilization; cost of maintaining multiple proprietary networks; inability to distinguish endpoint from user.

Problems with the Web-Services/bit-pipe view: replication of underlying network functionality to provide authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA); inability to guarantee resources; inefficient use of resources; semantics and coupling; lack of security; difficulty of developing applications for multi-NIC environments; problems of mobility, etc.

3.    Future Trends

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS): bringing multimedia over IP to the cell-phone network. Layering in IMS; relationship of IMS to fixed networks; convergence of mobile and fixed networks; context and presence in IMS.

Parlay: opening up the functionality of the carrier network to third-party services. What does it enable? How does it work? The relationship between IMS and Parlay; Limitations of Parlay and IMS.

Where networks and services are heading; the need to distinguish people, devices, capabilities, and interfaces; the need for context.