BT's 21CN Builds on MSF Specs

FREMONT, Calif. -- The MultiService Forum (MSF) announced today that several of its Implementation Agreements (IAs) are incorporated into BT's 21st Century Network (21CN) program. MSF IAs build upon protocols issued by standards bodies such as the ITU and IETF, providing practical methods for applying standards to real world networks.

"BT's use of MSF IAs is a perfect example of the way that industry leaders benefit from collaboration on the detailed technical work necessary to implement 21st century open architecture networks," said Roger Ward, MSF President "The MSF's carrier-led collaborative environment develops IA's that support the deployment of VoIP networks with enhanced revenue earning services."

"MSF IA's add the necessary meat to the bones of the work emerging from the international and regional standards organizations," said Alan Nunn, chief voice architect and CTO at BT Group. "Last year's Global MSF Interoperability event (GMI2004), as well as validating MSF IA's and MSF Release 2 architecture, also provided many proof-points for BT's 21CN architecture. As a result, we have been able to de-risk solutions more quickly, which will help us in our goal of achieving an accelerated migration from PSTN to a multi-service IP-based network."

The major elements of BT Group's overall strategy including ICT, mobility, broadband, netcentricity and portfolio transformation are underpinned by the 21CN initiative. An early deliverable of this transformation is the first phase of the migration of services from the existing UK public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a multi-service IP based network which will carry both voice and data services.

BT Group plc