™

Dynamic Collaborative Communications

An enterprise architecture that enables spontaneous communication acrossdevices and networks.

Axiom8, Inc.

421 Wadsworth StreetMiddletown, CT 06457www.axiom8.com860-343-5366

© 2001 Axiom8, Inc.

PRODUCT VISIONAxiom8 began with a simple premise: to design and build enterprise-class software that addresses the fundamental and timeless need to communicate and work together as though we are face-to-face. To do this requires more than just technological innovation; we must break down many of today’s common preconceptions about delivering software solutions, such as the utilization of standards or protocols specific to a closed network.

Ossia™ is Axiom8’s solution for enterprises that believe they would accomplish more if their communications were easier, more immediate, and more collaborative. Ossia eliminates the barriers to effective communication by connecting people with people in real-time regardless of location or end-point device (telephones, PCs, the Internet, pagers, or PDAs) and creates a simple, yet rich collaborative work experience. Unlike the masses of point solution providers whose stand-alone applications often inhibit seamless communications across devices, Ossia delivers cross-network access to people and resources, intelligent tools to control your availability, and the freedom to choose the mode or media to enable the most effective work experience for every situation.

At Axiom8 we believe that totally integrated collaborative communications systems should:

• Provide a seamless communication experience that connects people, not devices.

• Empower people to communicate more effectively with better routing and screening of calls.

• Be easily accessible and intuitive across a wide variety of platforms.

• Utilize existing technology and infrastructure to deliver a solution today.

•Axiom8’s goal was to create a new kind of integrated communications solution that works in tandem with installed communication infrastructures eliminating the roadblocks created by disparate networks, devices, and applications.

Ossia is the solution.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 1

Ossia™

ARCHITECTUREAxiom8 believes that there are three key objectives that must be achieved to realize the product vision:

1. Bridge all the networks for ubiquitous access.

2. Utilize all existing infrastructure and personal resources.

3. Provide system intelligence to manage all the pieces.

The current communication landscape is burdened with decades old legacy systems and protocols that were never intended to co-exist. In particular, the circuit-switched nature of the public telephone system and the packet nature of the Internet are inherently incompatible. However, it is clear that the ubiquitous nature of circuit switched networks, while lacking the flexibility of packet networks, allow for broad access to end-point devices. In particular, the combination of IP and PSTN allows access to individuals who are outside the registered user directory of Ossia™. This is a critical factor for any system that seeks to provide an enterprise-class communication solution.

Any communications system that requires the construction of new networks, the acquisition of new devices, or that limits the people who can be reached, is inherently flawed. For example, instant messaging tools function only on personal computers and are limited to users of a specific system. Access to instant messaging is expanding to include Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) and Short Message Service (SMS) devices but message delivery continues to be limited to the proprietary directory of the system in question; it is not possible to reach someone who is not a registered user of the system.

Network convergence is the ultimate goal, but equally important are the existing directories present within those networks. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) takes a step in the direction of convergence and may in time be the best answer. SIP, however, requires a radical migration of technology and infrastructure in order to be deployed, and as such is not currently a realistic option. IP-based telephony is another solution, but again the requirements are considerable. In both cases the existing circuit switched infrastructure must be replaced at significant cost. An end-to-end IP-based solution is burdened by too many limitations on end-point device access to be a practical business tool. Equally, the PSTN suffers from an inability to provide new capabilities beyond voice and is hampered by limitations at the end-point device. However, a system that bridges the two networks can bring out the best of both — the flexibility and intelligence of IP and the depth of access of the PSTN a— this is the approach of Ossia.

A successful communication tool for the modern enterprise must be able to overcome network diversity, not replace the networks themselves. The key is not in how the signal is carried, but in what is done with it. Does it matter which physical media is responsible for signal delivery? Or what protocols were used in delivering it? What does matter is that any device can gain access to a single directory that will ultimately reach a desired target and provide appropriate media capabilities for the end-point device.

That is the true meaning of converged networks. Connecting people-to-people, wherever they are in real-time without boundaries or limitations. Ossia from Axiom8 delivers this capability today.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

LOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

The Ossia™ architecture is designed around the concept of network and protocol specific gateways that interact appropriately with the Ossia Registry, Media and Telephony Servers. The Registry Server is responsible for all business logic and flow control between network gateways, and thereby all end-point devices. This allows for an abstraction layer to exist between users and the devices used to connect them, centralizing all contact to one directory. Figure 2 illustrates the key components of the architecture.

In this design, any number of gateways can be developed to allow any network protocol to access the intelligence of the Registry Server. The Registry Server is then able to route incoming calls according to pre-configured user profiles so that the call targets will receive the call at their designated end-point device.

The key components of Ossia include:

Registry ServerThe Registry Server acts as the central controller and is responsible for managing all end-point device interactions with the system. Specifically, the Registry Server handles all communication between an end-point device, the Media Server and network gateways. The Registry Server also functions as the system-wide directory. All Registered Users and their unique Routing Tables are housed within this directory. The Registry Server responds to requests for system data from an end-point device, requests to establish conferences, requests to pass data to other end-point devices, and issues commands to end-point devices, Media Servers, and network gateways. The Registry Server also provides system and conference security with user identification, authentication and password protection, and maintains up-to-date presence information about system users.

Media ServerThe Media Server is a scalable component that is responsible for delivering media streams to end-point devices that are unable to receive multicast IP traffic. The Media Server performs server-side audio channel mixing to improve network performance for bandwidth limited end-point devices using dial-up access to the Internet, ‘dumb’ end-point devices that rely on servers to access the product such as PSTN devices, and to minimize network usage between Media Servers on a WAN.

Telephony GatewayThe Telephony Gateway communicates with both IP and PSTN networks and the Registry Server to setup PSTN calls via the H.323 protocol and to establish IP-based calls within

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 2

the system. The Telephony Gateway also acts as the media delivery interface controlling the flow of audio data to the Media Server. Upon successful call setup, the Telephony Gateway sends a G.711 audio stream to the Media Server for mixing and appropriate delivery. Finally, the Telephony Gateway provides a speech-based interface for telephony end-points. A user is able to dial and issue system commands at any time. Ossia accesses speech recognition resources during user authentication, call placement, and status management or when the user asks for command mode access in order to request alternative actions of Ossia, such as to invite additional participants into a conference.

Other GatewaysAdditional gateways to other networks such as WAP, SMS, 2-Way Paging, next generation wireless services, as well as gateways to create unified messaging capabilities are being developed to extend the product’s capability across all communications networks. Any number of gateways can be developed to allow a network, protocol, or device to access the intelligence of the Registry Server.

User Interface The User Interface is an abstraction of the wide variety of end-point devices accessible through Ossia. While some of these devices require widely disparate human interfaces, Ossia presents consistent command structures, call flows, and capabilities to the user

regardless of the device. This translates into the need for users to learn only one set of intuitive functions and commands.

PHYSICAL ARCHITECTURE

Deployment of the system does not require that existing infrastructure or practices be changed. Users can continue to communicate in the modes with which they are most comfortable. This is a key factor in understanding the Ossia design philosophy. Axiom8 recognizes that forcing a change in infrastructure is a long, painstaking and costly process. Enterprises and users need a solution for communications problems today.

LAN EnvironmentsA typical deployment involves locating all components (Registry, Media, Telephony Gateway) on the LAN. In environments where Telephony is not needed and only multicast video/audio will be used, a single Registry Server is all that is needed.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 3

Figure 3

WAN EnvironmentsTo accommodate user populations located at secondary sites, Axiom8 recommends placing additional Media Servers at those sites to leverage the multicast capabilities within each site. This allows the compressed audio to traverse the WAN in a single stream, therefore greatly reducing bandwidth usage between sites. If the appropriate bandwidth is available, multicast can be utilized over the WAN for better performance.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 2

Figure 4

Hosted EnvironmentsA typical hosted deployment is represented in Figure 5. In this depiction the Ossia servers are located at an ASP (Application Service Provider) site. The users at the company site connect to the Ossia servers via the company’s existing Internet connection. This type of deployment does not involve any infrastructure modifications or additions at the company’s facilities.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 5

CALL SCENARIO / TRAFFIC FLOW

A typical message flow based on a request is described below and keyed to the illustration in Figure 6. The user that is logged-on at PC1 (Joe) is the initiator of the request. The request includes users whose present status indicates they are available on the company LAN at PC2 (Mike), a remote laptop computer PC3 (Tom) via the Internet, and a cell phone Cell1 (Jim).

An initial spontaneous conference request is sent from PC1 (Joe) to the Ossia Registry Server which queries the database for the availability of Mike who is logged on at PC2. Ossia makes the connection and Joe and Mike engage in an active conference.

Joe and Mike then decide to invite two additional individuals, Tom and Jim. Joe at PC1 initiates the request and the Registry Server simultaneously sends the invitations to each user based on their current availability. With this information, Ossia makes the required network connections (via LAN, WAN, IP network, or the PSTN), and end-point device connections (telephone number or IP address.)

Tom is connected via the Internet at his remote laptop and Jim joins the already active conference via his cell phone.

PC1 (Joe) performs login to the Ossia Registry.

PC1 (Joe) requests connection to Mike.

Registry finds Mike on a local PC.

Media channels are established.

—— CONFERENCE ACTIVE ——

PC1 requests connections to add Tom and Jim.

a Registry finds Tom on remote laptop PC via Internet. b Registry notifies PSTN Gateway to place call to Jim.

c PSTN Gateway completes call and authenticates Jim.

a Registry links Media Server. b Registry links Media Server to PSTN Gateway.

a Media channels established. b Media channels established.

—— TOM ADDED TO CONFERENCE —— —— JIM ADDED TO CONFERENCE ——

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Figure 6 Figure 5

ARCHITECTURE SUMMARY

An enterprise has many requirements that must be met for a complete, robust communication solution. In order to meet the demands of enterprise-class the architecture must:

• Effectively manage directory information and integrate with existing directories.

• Provide robust system administration, reporting and diagnostic tools.

• Allow scalability for thousands of globally-based users.

• Self-monitor system health, provide for redundancy, and remain highly available at all times.

• Provide a secure and privacy-sensitive environment across all networks.

An enterprise communication tool should take its cues from existing enterprise directories. Employee, vendor, and client information should be driven by the databases already being maintained within the enterprise, leveraging existing resources and eliminating the entering and collection of redundant information.

Advanced management tools are another area requiring depth and flexibility. The tools to manage an enterprise-wide communication tool must be easily accessible, offer a variety of detailed permissioning capabilities, and be able to accurately report current and historical system capacity and health. These tools must allow a system administrator to control which capabilities they elect to allow on the enterprise network and whether to control access or bandwidth utilization. Ideally, these tools would also draw information from the enterprise directories allowing an administrator to create permissions from already existing groups.

Configuration tools are also a key consideration. The system must be flexible enough to allow easy, rapid changes to its configuration to support the changing landscape of today’s enterprise environment.

Scalability is another critical requirement. Any enterprise solution must be able to address the changing needs of an enterprise as it grows. It must be able to support thousands of concurrent users across the face of the globe. Hundreds of sites need to be able to integrate intelligently to maximize bandwidth and provide optimal access to limited network resources.

Finally, security of the servers themselves, the data they have access to, and the data being transmitted is a crucial enterprise requirement. Securely encrypted media delivery is critical to many enterprises where sensitive information may need to be sent over the public Internet or broadcast on wireless devices.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

CONCLUSIONWe began the architecture discussion by stating that three goals must be achieved for the product vision to become reality. The following summarizes how Ossia meets these goals.

Ubiquitous access across multiple networksWhile Ossia™ resides on an IP network, the gateway architecture enables access to any network or protocol. In particular, the PSTN is integrated into the user experience of the product so that the end-point device used to complete a connection is irrelevant to the user. Access is not limited to a specific end-point device or network. A call can originate in the PSTN or on an IP network and simultaneously connect multiple targets on either or both networks. This is a significant development in terms of reach and convenience for the user. The product’s design provides the flexibility to accommodate any network in order to provide the benefit of convergence across all networks.

Utilization of existing infrastructureOssia not only utilizes, but harnesses existing infrastructure to deliver its value. Whether accessed through an IP network or by a telephone over the PSTN, Ossia is about convergence and adding capability to existing systems. Specifically, the ability to connect with people outside the product’s registered user base is made possible because it leverages already deployed systems such as the PSTN. Ossia allows every user to work the way they prefer, using the devices of choice, and widens the contact horizon of their preferred tools without requiring an enterprise to acquire thousands of new end-point devices or replace costly telephone equipment.

Intelligently manage the communication processConceptually, the product was designed to simplify everyday communication while providing easy access, user control, and user choice in both inbound and outbound modes. Every user has detailed control of where they wish to be reached, when, and by whom. At the same time Ossia provides automated persistent searches to reach anyone in the system with one single command.

Designed with maximum flexibility in mind, Ossia provides cutting edge communication capabilities today, allows for utilization of emerging networks and protocols, and protects existing infrastructure investments.

Ossia Version 1.0 represents Axiom8’s first generation solution. The capabilities of Ossia will continue to grow and expand dramatically with each release. Functionality featured in future releases will be based upon customer input and technical feasibility, to encompass the afore noted critical issues for the global enterprise.

The world of modern communications will never be the same again.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications

Axiom8, Inc.421 Wadsworth Street Middletown, Connecticut 06457

www.axiom8.com860-343-5366

This white paper is for informational purposes only. Axiom8, Inc. makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the information in this document.

Copyright © 2001 Axiom8, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Printed in the USA.

Ossia is a trademark of Axiom8, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Axiom8 Ossia™ – Dynamic Collaborative Communications