… or at least, that’s what Aswath says. He makes the compelling comment that most of the VoIP plays out there are in fact replicating the AIN on IP, rather than implementing a stupid network strategy. SCP’s in the AIN are functionally the same as app servers on VoIP networks. Why else would they do anything different, he asks, since there’s no money in the stupid network for the carriers.
The common wisdom is that the money in VoIP will come from the applications. Why not implement those same applications on the PSTN, then, since the architecture is so similar? Well, in fact, many carriers are at least paying lip service to this strategy.
New devices are needed to expose these features. Hence the need for an "iPod"… but not just for the PSTN, Aswath. For voice of all persuasions.
Alec Saunders is the Vice President of Developer Relations for BlackBerry maker Research in Motion. This is his personal blog, with his personal viewpoints. Prior to this Alec was the CEO and co-founder of Calliflower — the easiest way to hold a meeting, online, on a conference call, or on the go. A double-decade veteran of product management and marketing, he spent nine years at Microsoft where he helped launch Windows 95, the first two versions of Internet Explorer, the Universal Plug and Play initiative, the push into home markets, opt-in email marketing and what might well go down in history as the very first direct email list ever.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Alec, I agree that even VoIP needs an iPod. Said so a year back (http://gigaom.com/2004/09/29/open-letter-to-steve-jobs-how-to-heed-the-call-of-voip/)
Got it. I stand corrected!