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Semiconductor industry

Isochronous Network Communication Alliance (incAlliance) for Real-Time Interactive Multimedia Computing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A group of leading technology companies has formed the Isochronous Network Communication Alliance (incAlliance) to promote high-quality, real-time interactive multimedia (RIM) and computer-telephony integration (CTI) products and services. The alliance aims to educate the industry on the differences and requirements between voice, video, and data communications for LAN/WAN implementations and how these services can be integrated and synchronized. By leveraging open industry standards, the incAlliance seeks to enable users with new and exciting desktop capabilities, such as real-time interactive multimedia computing and desktop videoconferencing, without requiring changes to the current network infrastructure or impacting existing applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incAlliance has 18 member companies, including Apple Computer, Ascom Nexion, AT&T, Databeam, Dialogic, Ericsson Business Networks, IBM, IIT, Incite, Luxcom, MCI, National Semiconductor, PRI Inc., Pacific Bell, Siemens, VCON, and Zydacron.
  • The alliance has five main purposes: to demonstrate high-quality RIM and CTI products and services, educate the industry on voice, video, and data communications, foster growth through joint applications development and interoperability testing, inform customers of new isochronous network technologies, and provide a vision and roadmap for upgrading networks without forklift upgrades.
  • The incAlliance supports open industry standards, including the IEEE 802.9a standard (isoEthernet), and will act as a liaison and resource to the technical arms of industry groups, such as the IEEE, ITU, ECTF, IMTC, ATM Forum, and MMCF.
  • The alliance will utilize the MMCF's quality of service end-to-end reference model to demonstrate the feasibility of enabling applications like desktop videoconferencing and interactive multimedia on existing WAN infrastructures.
  • Incite's general manager, David Tucker, expects the market to see an honest effort to enable users with new and exciting desktop capabilities in the near future.
  • The incAlliance has meetings every 6-8 weeks, with rotating moderation provided by contributors, and is open to OEMs, software developers, and telecommunication service providers.

Statistics:

  • 18 member companies participate in the incAlliance, including major technology players like Apple Computer, IBM, and Ericsson Business Networks.
  • The alliance has 5 main purposes, focusing on product demonstration, education, growth, customer awareness, and technical standards support.
  • The incAlliance is committed to leveraging open industry standards, such as the IEEE 802.9a standard (isoEthernet) and the MMCF's quality of service end-to-end reference model.
  • Meetings are held every 6-8 weeks, with a rotating moderation schedule.
  • The alliance has no by-laws, no president, and no levels of membership, reflecting its collaborative and open approach.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, " Isochronous Network Communication Alliance (incAlliance) Formed to Promote High-Quality Interactive Multimedia and CTI Products and Services" (June 12, 1995)
  • BUSINESS WIRE, " Companies and Organizations Join Isochronous Network Communication Alliance (incAlliance) " (No Date, 1995)
  • The Ardell Group, " Isochronous Network Communication Alliance (incAlliance) Fact Sheet" (No Date, 1995)

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