The rise of cloud computing and cloud applications has grabbed a significant share of media attention of late. But while many focus on storage or shared computing applications, less attention has been paid to the need to support cloud services with traditional capabilities, such as voice.

As analysts Opus Research point out, voice is increasingly required in many applications that are moving to the cloud, particularly those that require interaction with agents or deliver commerce services. A number of independent voice providers have taken an early lead in this domain, but perhaps it’s time to think again about the role that telcos and network operators can play.

Telcos and network operators have been deploying what are effectively cloud-based media processing solutions for years. They have experience and a proven track record of delivering media processing for large-scale applications. The move towards IMS core network infrastructure and session control has included a critical component, the Media Resource Function (MRF), which provides cloud-based robust voice and video processing capabilities for a range of services. Importantly, the MRF comes with standardised interfaces that simplify application development and ensure that multiple applications can share the same resources, such as VoiceXML and CCXML. In other words, it’s media processing as a shared resource for the cloud.

The MRF is ideally placed to support the voice and video processing requirements of cloud-based service providers, accessible as a service from the telco network and via well-understood interfaces. What’s more, voice and video need real-time transport and latency functionality – the ability to deliver the QoS demanded for a  conversational experience. Telcos can leverage MRF deployments to create a proposition, both for their own cloud services and for those offered by non-traditional OTT players.

What’s needed is the kind of scalable, flexible MRF that can support interaction with third party application as well with service in the operator network. Why not talk to us to see how we can help open up the world of cloud-based voice?

Our product and technical experts are attending Mobile World Congress this year. They will be available to solve your network problems with in-depth, on-the-spot discussions.

• Find out why hardware acceleration is a must for packet processing applications, including DPI.

• Learn why network Policy engines depend on DPI for QoS delivery.

• Discover why true high-performance media processing needs scalable, reliable hardware – and why software is not the only answer.

• See STM1 to 40Gb/s high-speed media and packet processing cards in convenient PCIe form factors

• Discuss high-density media, IVR and signaling solutions for deployment in NGN / IN networks

Why not arrange a meeting with our consultants so we can discuss your needs and apply our expertise to solving your network challenges? Simply pre-book a meeting or call Callum Rasmussen on +44 1258 486518 to arrange a meeting.