WASHINGTON, D.C. via Atis.org -- ATIS recently launched an initiative to validate the concept of inter-provider, multi-platform telepresence services and develop use-case studies surrounding the technology that encompasses high-quality videoconferencing. Telepresence sessions can deliver life-like meeting experiences among participants in different locations, and ATIS' work will ensure that connecting high-quality telepresence sessions is as simple as making a phone call.

ATIS' Cloud Services Forum (CSF) will initially demonstrate the interworking of telepresence services between at least two managed provider networks utilizing two different equipment suppliers for videoconferencing sessions. Targeted for completion in first quarter 2012, ATIS' pilot will validate the concept of telepresence interoperability among networks and equipment, and participants include leading communications providers and equipment manufacturers. Participating CSF companies include: Alcatel-Lucent, AT&T, Brocade, BT, CenturyLink, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Healy & Co., Huawei, Juniper, Microsoft, Nokia Siemens Networks, Symmetricom, Telcordia, TELUS and Verizon.

A second phase will define the cloud-based communications services architecture based on a variety of telepresence use cases involving multiple device and service configurations, including: desktop computers, tablets, wireless devices and over-the-top services. Interoperability testing will be conducted in both the enterprise and consumer environments, and will demonstrate that high-quality video service can be delivered across disparate telepresence platforms. The cloud-based communications services architecture is intended to support multiple services, including telepresence, virtual desktop and multimedia content delivery. Experts predict the telepresence market will grow to $1 billion by 2016.

"ATIS' work will enable global network providers to offer communications as a service in the cloud, similar to software as a service that is being delivered today," said Susan Miller, ATIS President and CEO. "These services will simplify the delivery of applications requiring network functions, and at the same time create opportunities to further monetize communications networks."

Launched in 2011, the CSF focuses on the development of a framework to build large-scale, high-quality managed network and application services. In addition, CSF also develops cloud-based standard interfaces to further enhance the value of provider networks and deliver new services.

About ATIS

ATIS is the leading technical planning and standards development organization committed to the rapid development of global, market-driven standards for the information, entertainment and communications industry. More than 200 companies actively formulate standards in ATIS' Committees, covering issues including: Cloud Services, IPTV, Energy Efficiency, IP-Based and Wireless Technologies, Quality of Service, Billing and Operational Support, Emergency Services, Architectural Platforms and Emerging Networks. In addition, numerous Incubators, Focus and Exploratory Groups address evolving industry priorities including Smart Grid, Machine-to-Machine, Networked Car, IP Downloadable Security, Policy Management and Network Optimization.

ATIS is a founding partner for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a member and major U.S. contributor to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio and Telecommunications' Sectors, and a member of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL). ATIS is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). For more information, please visit www.atis.org.