Thomas Schöpf, Member of the Kapsch CarrierCom AG Board of Directors, explains the idea behind Telco 2.0, “Telecom operators were primarily technology driven in the past. The success of the Web 2.0 shows us that open and simple to program platforms prevail. These systems enable developers to create new services custom-made to their requirements, quickly and simply based on existing technology. With Telco 2.0, we want to create a similar infrastructure for Telecom operators”.

As part of the project, Kapsch CarrierCom is developing tools for Telecom operators which make existing network functions, which today are barely used in conjunction with the Web 2.0, accessible to a third party. Using this framework, external developers are able to query presence information and geographical positioning data from mobile phones, as well as to use SMS and voice communication services.

Telecom operators build a bridge to the Internet
Peter Futterknecht, Kapsch CarrierCom’s Director of Technology & Services, emphasizes the efficiency of today’s networks: “The current telecom infrastructure can provide a multitude of services. Until now, these services are only used in the conventional Telco environment. The rise of the Web 2.0, which is based on open services, could now usher in a paradigm shift. With Telco 2.0, for the first time Telecom operators have the chance to build a bridge to the booming Internet world.”

The new technology enables Telecom operators to open up their own infrastructure. Telcos, or their partners, receive secure access to the internal network functions and information through an easily programmable platform. The end customer can decide for which application they will use the data. The possibilities are multi-faceted, particularly for “mashups”. Using Telco 2.0, telecom services can be merged smoothly with Web 2.0 services to create new applications. A broad application portfolio ranging from call center services for small companies to worldwide logistic systems is possible.

Telco 2.0: Kapsch CarrierCom and IBM present a showcase
Kapsch CarrierCom has developed the first showcase to demonstrate the possibilities of Telco 2.0. This browser application allows online identities from Facebook and Xing to be connected with the telecom network’s geographical and presence information. Using this mashup, it is possible to discover if a Facebook contact is currently available via mobile phone. By using the open map service, OpenStreetMap, it is possible to illustrate the approximate geographical position of the mobile phone. Furthermore, multi-faceted messaging services enable SMS’s to be sent via the web platform and calls to be made. At the same time, the portal, which acts as an interface between the web and the Telco, can be used to send e-mails or to write a blog.

“Even if this showcase is only a taste of the Telco 2.0’s possibilities, an important feature was demonstrated during the development. With our comprehensive Telco and IT/web expertise, we succeeded in creating a platform which enables users to develop and implement new applications in a few days time. Consequently, it is possible to quickly and simply respond to the market’s demands and to develop products which perfectly meet the customer’s requirements”, said Engelbert Kerschbaummayr, Kapsch CarrierCom’s Director of Customer Solutions, emphasizing the efficiency of the new platform.