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Telecommunications equipment industry

Industry Giants Unite to Develop Open Network Interface

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Leading companies BT, DGM&S Telecom Inc., Microsoft Corp., Nortel, and Siemens AG have formed a working group to create a specification for an open network interface. This initiative aims to enable developers to build applications that access and use network functionality while maintaining the network's integrity, performance, and security. The working group plans to release the first version of the specification in 1998, accompanied by a sample application to demonstrate the functionality and business value of the new interface.

Key Takeaways:

  • The open network interface specification aims to allow access to core network functionality while ensuring the network's integrity.
  • The specification will enable developers to build a wide range of applications that access and use network functionality, increasing network usage and allowing customers to buy integrated communications and telephony applications.
  • The working group's collaborative effort will accelerate the convergence of traditional telecommunications and information technology businesses.
  • The specification has the potential to improve time-to-market and extend the range of communications applications.
  • Existing and new service providers will be able to produce a plethora of new services, enabling significant whole market growth.
  • Mike Carr of BT's technology strategy unit estimates that the adoption of the specification will lead to significant whole market growth with a host of new service provider businesses.

Statistics:

  • The working group plans to release the first version of the specification in 1998.
  • The specification is expected to drive overall telecommunications services growth, increase demand for intelligent communications services, and improve network utilization.
  • Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers, founded in 1975.

Sources:

  • BT
  • DGM&S Telecom Inc.
  • Microsoft Corp. (PRNewswire, May 27, 1998)
  • Nortel
  • Siemens AG
  • Microsoft Corporation (founded in 1975)
  • Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
  • Microsoft Internet customer unit-led by Stephen Wu
  • BT's technology strategy unit-led by Mike Carr
  • Francine Plaza, PLAZApr (561-477-9762, plaza_pr@gate.net)
  • Peter Janecek, Nortel (905-863-6251, peter.janecek@nortel.com)
  • Shawn Osborne, DGM&S Telecom Inc. (609-608-2700, shawn.osborne@dgms.com)
  • BT corporate newsroom (National, 0171-356-5369)
  • Reiner Schoenrock, Siemens AG (49-89-722-33988, reiner.shoenrock@oen.siemens.de)

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