Advanced Multimedia System (AMS)

Advanced Multimedia System (AMS) is a new multimedia system project driven by the ITU, specifically Q12/16. Presently, the project is in the requirements-gathering phase and is starting to look at possible architectures.

The AMS project will drive the development of a third generation multimedia terminal and system architectures able to support emerging, media rich applications that fall outside the bounds of traditional call-based communication platforms. These applications include highly converged media applications involving multiple personal and public devices, enterprise systems and network services in support of communications, collaboration and entertainment. Specifications arising from this project will enable the development of the terminals and systems, and also inter-communication between systems so applications involving multiple devices and mobile systems can be supported.

The goal of the AMS project is to create a new multimedia terminal and systems architecture that supports distributed and media rich collaboration environments. Earlier interactive multimedia protocols added media to call-based communication establishment protocols enabling multimedia telephony. In contrast, AMS envisions an environment in which a user has many AMS-enabled devices including portable wireless, home entertainment and computer-based devices and is offered many applications and services that are either peer-to-peer or network-provided. The user coordinates activities across all of these environments using the modes that best fit their personal and business situation and needs or desires.

AMS is viewed as the successor system to the legacy ▲H.323 and ▲SIP systems, which are now more than 12 years old. A presentation is available that provides a conceptual overview of AMS, as well as a document that contains a formal project description.

AMS is still being conceptualized, so it is very much in transition. It is expected to solidify over the next two to three years, with an initial release targeted for 2010.

Resources: AMS Information Site, IPMC Information Site