One day after I posted the “A Killer-App for the Internet Service Providers: An Urban Legend or Not?” a colleague in our team’s internal mailing list has pointed to a very interesting research initiative by Texas A&M University ITEC, Inuk Networks, and Internet2 to design, build and evaluate an IPTV delivery platform and play-out model for the Internet2 student audience. The project aims at understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a network-centric delivery platform and the applicability of internet2 (academic networks) and regional networks to deliver this type of services. This is exactly the type of delivery platform that could make this idea widely applicable (i.e. no technical requirement to place equipment and content locally).
This weekend also, a reader from the other side of the Atlantic has pointed me to a service architecture designed by Fibercrossing that (according to the company’s web site) creates Open Service Provider Networks which bring complete availability of true broadband connections, service provider independence, economic infusion, and life-enhancing services to residents and businesses (in effect an open access platform for content and service providers). What is even more worth noting is that, as I am told, an Open Access ultra high-speed full automated intelligent Network (based on Fibercrossing’s platform) is planned to be built under a Public-Private Partnership in Puerto Rico. The project will extend optical access to end-users’ premises and will serve as a platform for third-party’s advanced services and content (that’s called open access by the way!). I plan to write more about it as I become aware of any developments.
