See JAIN run: Sun gathers forces to converge networks using Java

True convergence of the SS7 network and the intelligent network requires more than talk and good intentions. It needs collaboration, cooperation and ingenuity.

Last week, at the Java in Advanced Intelligent Networks conference in Santa Clara, Calif., the switched network and the intelligent network moved a couple of steps closer to intersecting.

Sun Microsystems introduced JAIN at Supercomm '98, and it quickly gathered interest and momentum in the telco community. Created to address intelligent network incompatibility problems, the JAIN architecture allows new services to be built and deployed using Java (see figure).

One of the most significant aspects of the conference was the cross-section representation of many of the largest and most active network equipment providers, SS7 protocol stack developers and carriers. A partial list of attendees includes AT&T, Bellcore, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Cisco Systems, Compaq, IBM, Lucent Technologies, MCI WorldCom, Nortel Networks, Oracle Corp., SBC Communications, Sprint and U S West.

JAIN uses standard application program interfaces between SS7 protocol stacks and the applications running on them, such as service control points, home location register and base station controllers. JAIN defines a software component library, development tools and a service creation environment to build intelligent network services for wireline and wireless operators. It allows companies to create SS7 middleware component libraries that incorporate Java technology.

Eight companies have already agreed to work with Sun in developing products and applications based on JAIN. ADC Telecommunications, DGM&S Telecom, Ericsson InfoTech AB and Apion are part of the SS7 protocol stack working group. IBM, Trillium, Bellcore and France Telecom have joined the applications working group.

Sun's strategy for getting JAIN within the SS7 network is to work first with the stack protocol manufacturers. "We are going after the lower layers first. We want to see a Java interface on everyone's stack," said Douglas Tait, intelligent network specialist and JAIN architect at Sun.

In June, Sun will post the specifications for JAIN on its Web site. Tait predicts that within one to three years, customers will use services built on JAIN. Some carriers are already testing and evaluating JAIN.

But before customers see new services, Sun will have to get more buy-in from network equipment manufacturers. "Providers need to build access to platforms and open gateways," said Paul Tempest-Mitchell, manager of solutions architecture for worldwide telecommunications at Sun. "We need the cooperation of the equipment providers to get services into trials quicker."

Sun knows that without support from each segment-stack manufacturers, network equipment providers and carriers-JAIN has no chance of succeeding. "We need your help to make JAIN happen," said Norman Koo, senior director, chief technology office, computer systems at Sun, during his session on information technology and telco market trends.

One unfortunate trend has been the lack of services created by carriers. By opening the network to Java applications, there's the possibility of adding thousands of services rather than the dozens currently available. Because of the quantity of good Java developers available, it's an opportunity to bring technology back to the carriers. "Java and JAIN will allow us to extend the services that we have and make them more feature-rich," said Peter Iu, an engineer on Bell South's network staff.

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