A framework for converged video services in the IP Multimedia Subsystem

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is being widely adopted as the standard service delivery architecture for Next Generation Networks. The IMS delivers rich IP-based multimedia services to end users. In order to fully utilize the potential of the IMS, the convergence of the World Wide Web and IMS capabilities is imperative. Services composed of Web 2.0 technologies and IMS based call control and multimedia capabilities are becoming popular. In this work, we focus on video service creation in the IMS, with an emphasis on user generated video content. We discuss the composition of richer video-enabled services, by converging technologies such as the IMS, Web 2.0, presence, location and social networking. We first develop a framework for video streaming over the IMS, using a Media Resource Function (MRF) and an Application Server (AS). We then demonstrate the flexibility and capabilities of our framework, by implementing rich services around video delivery which are suitable for both fixed and mobile terminals. We also provide the basis for a business model when offering these features and services. We further discuss how the video framework can be extended and made available as a web based service using REST and Parlay X APIs.