4/24/20071 convergence of communication technologies and strategies for higher ed tim callahan...

4/24/2007 1

Convergence of Communication

Technologies and Strategies for Higher Ed

Tim CallahanUniversity of Michigan

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4/24/2007 Tim CallahanUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

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Overview

The current environmentRising problems to address,

reasoningEmerging technical areasThe potentialThe realityConclusions




Convergence Today

Today’s wireless networks are typically built for portable data access, but some mobility is becoming available

We see trends towards true mobility supporting real time applications




Which Convergence ?

Convergence is coming in many formsOn the infrastructure: WLAN-Cellular-WiMAXAcross networks: wired and wireless

managementAt the backend and across services:

Unified communicationsVoIP-VoFi-PBX (likewise with video, etc.)IMS, SIP

At the user: Multi-mode devices (dual-mode phones)Cognigtive radios




Reasons to change?

Consider your missionFor example: Provide communication

tools and resources to foster research and education with cost recovery in mind opt-in (i.e., decentralized) participationConsider level of reliability, risks, financial

stakes, and who paysDo “Very Good Things” (VGT)




Reasons to Change

Convergences may enable:Reduced installation and operational costsnew, valued services Reduction of redundant infrastructures

Same voice service on PBX, VoIP, VoFi, Cellular Reduce total customer bills (good for the

school/state)Services across previous previous barriers




Reasons: Rising Problems

Fading use of traditional voiceIncreased integration of

communications into the classroomNew teaching and learning modelsNew tools- DyKnow, consumer technology

Capacity and coverage in wirelessDense user areasMore devices per user: dual mode, media,

game systemsCellular on campus and inside




Reasons: Rising Problems

Why not just outsource?What’s so special about higher ed?The academic enterprise and

response from providersSuccessful partnerships?




Evolving Technologies

Today’s environment is not mature, but it is evolving

FMC, UMA, IMS, Vo-Fi, WiMAX, DASSome hype, some sales pitch, some realityFixed and mobile wireless, servicesWhat do they mean - for you-

Time of creativity, opportunity, and development They will make an impact during the

lifetime of technologies implemented today




Important New Elements

Presence / location awarenessNetwork: Know where you are before

initiating communications (may require a “phone home” component for the user

Physical: Geographical location and user profile (service acts different at different locations)

Caution: users have more than one device




Important New Elements

Ability to cross boundariesInternal: WLAN to LAN infrastructures,

across servicesInternal-External: From the network

you control to a network you don’t control

“what” crosses the boundaries?




The Potential

Do some Very Good Things:If you could start fresh?

Can head towards a pervasive communications environment Redefine communication models:

number and address replacement with more intuitive models

The user is the center of his universe and that universe follows him everywhere

Think “security alert”




The Potential, Continued

Pervasive communications, continued…Role based access

Think guest access, visiting scholars, 1st time users

“Cognitive Services”Services react to conditions in the user

profile User profile defined by user, administrator,

network conditions, location, etc…Actions based on profiles of all parties

involved (sender and receiver)




The Potential

Direct money and resources to one infrastructure supporting all servicesBetter efficiencies, better capacity and

coverage (in theory, but new risks too)Enable more versatile distribution of

content, anytime anywhere learningHandoffs possible across boundariesConsistency of functionality across

boundaries




The Reality

We can’t start from scratchEfficient upgrades, integrations with

existing systemsPervasive, wall to wall network is

different than a portable data network (buildout, requirements for services) If it isn’t pervasive, then will the case for

new services and architecture still be supported?




The Reality -Risks

We can’t start from scratch, cont’dUser adoption - why change?

F/S vs StudentsIntuitive interfaces and the “lazy user”Meet the fundamental needs firstThe correct default profile and training

Pay now for future features? Fund that…Users are throwing money at you now

to…




The Reality - Risks

Technologies aren’t mature; higher risk; $Not all good technologies/companies

surviveHow important is your school (compared

to the rest of the combined market)? How about all of Higher Ed combined?

Will we be allowed to use new features?Think GPS on your cell phone

Sold / affordable for carriers only?




Conclusions

First, state the obviousWhen possible, follow standards

SIP for communicationsBariblu app on dual mode, desk, cell handset

IP infrastructure (now think cellular data integration, mobile

broadband…)

Justify the changes over the lifetime of the investment

Know your user’s (evolving) requirements




Conclusions

Changes may only be beneficial by looking at an integrated architecture across services and infrastructures

Changes may require different funding models and strategies

Changes will be significantly more than an equipment upgrade

Can you deploy it and are you allowed to configure the desired features, will they work across boundaries?




ConclusionsIt may be prudent to wait

Let the market evolve moreWait for changes to solidify, such as 11.n

… or play a more active role in the evolution of the technologies

Can we (Higher Ed) take a team approach and voice our requirements for features, functionality, and service options? Better response from carriers and vendors?We don’t all have the same needs, but what do

we have in common? What’s so special…




Thank You

Questions and Discussions?

Tim CallahanUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

[email protected]

4/24/20071 convergence of communication technologies and strategies for higher ed tim callahan...

Documents

user profile user profile

dual mode

communication tools

communication models

network conditions

geographical location

mobile wireless

wireless managementat