The Multi Service Forumhasunveiledanambitious plan to help take some of the pain out of next-generation network (NGN) deployments. The Forum wants IP equipment providers to put their technology through a certification process that, it hopes, will provide a seal of approval that carriers will trust and request from their suppliers. (See MSF to Certify NGN Gear.)

    The scheme could be useful for operators and vendors alike, but its success will likely be determined by recognition and buy-in from a broad body of carriers and vendors, and not just MultiService Forum (MSF) members.

    First, though, let's look at what the MSF is doing, and why.

    Global tests to find the best

    Until now, the Forum has focused on setting up extensive GMI (Global MSF Interoperability) service and technology tests using the live networks of its major Tier 1 carrier members, including AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - message board), BT Group plc (NYSE: BT - message board; London: BTA), NTT Communications Corp. (NYSE: NTT - message board), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ - message board), and Vodafone Group plc (NYSE: VOD - message board). (See Verizon Wraps Up Interop Tests, Tier 1 SPs Trial IMS, Carriers Line Up for IMS Test, and MSF Claims IP Demo Success.)

    Those global tests, which take place every two years, include a broad range of service scenarios based on what the MSF calls Implementation Agreements (IAs). Once those IAs are validated during the tests, they are pulled together to form NGN Guidelines that aim to "provide a coherent framework for the practical implementation of large scale NGNs." The MSF has just unveiled Release 3 of its NGN Guidelines, based on the 2006 GMI. (See MSF Releases NGN Guidelines.)