NEC to participate in GMI 2008 - Verification trials for global interoperability of Next Generation Networks

Aiming to establish a worldwide standard for Next Generation Networks

Tokyo, June 13, 2008 - NEC Corporation announced its participation today in GMI 2008 (Global MSF Interoperability), an internationally recognized event held every two years by the MSF (MultiService Forum) (http://www.msforum.org/) in order to advance the development standards of NGN (Next Generation Networks) and open architecture.

GMI 2008 aims to drive the establishment of global NGN standards by featuring the latest devices from a wide range of companies and seeking to verify interoperability in a multi-vendor environment. Some of the world's leading carriers and communication device vendors, are scheduled to attend the event. Verification trials will take place later this year, from October 20-31, spanning several worldwide locations that include the United States (3 locations), the United Kingdom and China. Interoperability verification tests are expected to feature session control, IMS-based IPTV, QoS Control (note *1), SOA (note *2), location based services and more.

In terms of NGN and IMS-based IPTV related software, NEC provides the NC5000 Series, NC7000 Series (Including VOD server), and NC9000 Series (note *3). Moreover, a site is planned for establishment in the United States in order to provide a foundation for IMS and IPTV centered multimedia services that accommodate both fixed-line and mobile communications, as well as verify the interoperability between devices offered by a broad range of companies.

Since its establishment in 1998, the MSF has become an internationally regarded organization whose participants include leading worldwide carriers, service providers, system suppliers and test device vendors.

Implementation agreements and interoperability testing have driven global interconnectivity and standardization proposals, which have brought about the introduction of multi-services and stimulated the development and promotion of NGN and open architecture. Since demonstrating the proof of interoperability will be essential for global expansion of NEC's NGN and IMS-based IPTV products, NEC is proactively participating in GMI 2008 in close collaborative relationship with world leading companies. Furthermore, NEC supports MSF activities by delegating an MSF board member, and by assertively generating recommendations for interface specifications, testing scenarios and more in order to promote the continued growth of NGN.

NEC leverages its achievements and know-how from providing network solutions for telecommunications carriers in order to create new added-value and convenience in pursuit of the greater advancement of communications networks.

(note *1) QoS (Quality of Service) Control
(note *2) SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture)
(note *3) NC5000 Series: Provides QoS Control and access authentication functions in NGN NC7000 Series: Provides platform functions for NGN services (Including VOD servers as a key component) NC9000 Series: Provides Core IMS functions for NGN session control