H.325

ITU-T H.325 (also called the "Advanced Multimedia System" or "AMS") is a new multimedia system project driven by the ITU, specifically Q12/16. Presently, the ITU is working on an architecture, studying usage scenarios, and doing preliminary work on a protocol definition. It has been decided that the system will utilize ▲XML for signaling.

The H.325 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 H.325 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, H.325 envisions an environment in which a user has many H.325-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.

The specific application for H.325 is a component of the study being conducted by the experts group in the ITU. Possible market opportunities for H.325 ranges from intelligent home networks to the concept of "personal networks" to more traditional multimedia communication applications. Since the work is still in the early formative stages, it is premature to say exactly what market H.325 might address, though interest is relatively broad.

H.325 is still being defined, 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 2011 or 2012.