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Through Stratecast's research, we have compiled six customer-centric attributes that should be at the heart of a communication services provider's customer-centric convergence solution.
1. Multiple network access alternatives - Network access, the on and off-ramps to the core network, is a crucial element of convergence. Yet, a single access type is woefully insufficient given the range of scenarios in which end-users and business locations connect to a converged network. Access scenarios span multiple attributes: static versus mobile, narrowband versus wideband, public access versus private access, predictable versus on-demand, and a single connection versus redundant connections. Therefore, matching the access type or types to business requirements is critical to maximizing the benefits of a converged solution, serving the needs of the accessing constituents, and cost efficiency. 2. Application performance management - An often cited benefit of convergence
is cost containment through network consolidation. Specialized networks (e.g., circuit switched, X25, Frame Relay, and ATM) have been a costly holdover when core networks were designed and built to incrementally address evolving communication needs. Having a standardized network protocol, IP, is step one in network consolidation. The next essential step is to match network performance
characteristics (e.g., latency, jitter, and packet delivery) with each application. Class of service packet tagging and, for many providers, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) are essential tools in ensuring appropriate performance for each application type traversing the providers' core IP networks. 3. Application transparency and session persistence - A combination of wireless
networks (2G, 3G, Wi-Fi, satellite, and 4G/WiMAX) and wired broadband access networks (DSL and cable) have profoundly changed how, when, and where business communication occurs, producing enhanced end-user convenience and improved business and end-user productivity and adaptability. However, maximizing the business benefits of expanded access options requires that business applications must be accessible across all access types and end-user devices, and application sessions continue without interruption as the access types change mid-session. 4. Cost predictability and simplicity - Pre-convergence, each legacy WAN service such as frame relay and ATM had its own unique set of cost elements. With knowledge of service inventory, orders, and usage, a business would have a fairly clear, albeit potentially excruciating in detail, understanding of its communication costs. Armed with this detail, a degree of predictability in communication cost is gained. In moving to convergence, the level of cost predictability should be equal if not better compared to pre-convergence. Furthermore, simplicity in managing costs
is gained as the number of network cost elements is reduced.
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