The Nokia Telecommunications unit of Finland’s Nokia Oy has, as reported briefly (CI No 2,334) teamed up with Hewlett-Packard Co to develop Intelligent Network systems. The companies hope to mobilise their respective expertise in telecommunications network systems and Unix-based computing and communications in the alliance, which however, does not involve setting up a new company. Specifically, the agreement calls for integration and further development of key elements of the Intelligent Network architecture, with the Service Control Point being contributed by Nokia and Hewlett-Packard jointly, the Service Management System by Nokia, and the Service Creation Environment by Hewlett-Packard. The Service Control Point will be available on both Nokia’s DX2000 digital switching system and Hewlett-Packard’s Unix computers, which include the Common Channel Signalling System Number 7 protocol. The Service Control Points will be connected to the network via Nokia’s DX200SSP Service Switching Point. The Intelligent Network services will be created using Hewlett-Packard’s Service Creation Environment for both Service Control Points and be managed by the Service Management System, with both Nokia and Hewlett-Packard developing elements for the Unix-based Service Management System. Nokia will be responsible for final system integration and customer delivery. According to Nokia, first commercial shipments will be in 12 months’ time. Target markets include both fixed and mobile network operators.
