We all remember the promise made when intelligent networks (IN) appeared on the market: a comprehensive platform for value added services which could be easily extended by the network operators. We also know that this vision could only be realized to a certain extent – if at all. The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) has now arrived with similarly ambitious expectations. Can they be satisfied this time, or will history repeat itself?

The IN/CAMEL concepts


In order to better understand the differences between IN and IMS a short review of the IN/CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic) concepts is called for: IN or CAMEL services are either statically triggered based on number analysis or subscriber-based using the Service Switching Function (SSF) at the exchange level. The services themselves are implemented on a Service Control Point (SCP) platform. The protocol used is based on the Signaling System 7 (SS7), the telecommunications specific protocol Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP), or CAMEL Application Part (CAP).


Both the way in which the services are triggered as well as the protocols can be described as rather inflexible. Service extensions are rarely possible without additional standardization effort, a fact which results in unacceptable development cycle times with reference to time-to-market.


In addition, the exchanges used were conceived and developed at a time when IN (and particularly CAMEL) was completely unknown. The original idea was that the CAMEL services should evolve independently of the Mobile Switching Center and Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR). The close link and interaction between the MSC and SSF however often led to technical difficulties which in turn led to additional time-consuming and cost-intensive development requirements.


A further problem for the timely introduction of new services (particularly in the mobile area) is caused by roaming. Service triggering may take place in the visited network, the service is however implemented in the home network. This leads to a dependency on the roaming partner’s business processes, which needs very intensive care. In addition both sides must be using the same version of the protocol, and this is often not the case.


In summary it can be said that "Intelligent Networks" is a more or less closed technology which is not well suited to innovation. At the end of the day there are only a few services which are built on IN or CAMEL. These include prepaid, number portability and a handful of number-based premium rate services. Only a few network operators are in the position to develop new and innovative services beyond these without the support of a vendor.
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