Push-to-multimedia as a platform enabler for NGN services

The specification of the IP Multimedia Subsystem as a service delivery architecture for Next Generation Networks and the introduction of Push-To-Talk (PTT) as an IMS-based service moves VoIP applications for mobile devices already to the market. PTT has gained a strong following in the US market and is on the verge of spreading globally, with over 20 operators worldwide trailing the technology and a number of service launches planned in 2004/2005. The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) currently specifies PTT as an IMS service to assure interoperability between different operator domains and vendors think already about extending PTT with other media types then voice, like video communication, file transfer or service subscription for content push services.Thus, Push-To-MultiMedia (PTM) does not seem to be that far away from market and is well suited as a framework to enable other IMS applications with PTM functionality. In this paper, we report about our experiences in designing and implementing an extension of Push-To-Talk, using the Parlay API in an 3GPP IMS/SIP environment at the IMS Playground @ Fraunhofer FOKUS.