wilamowski-b-m-irwin-j-d-industrial-communication-systems-2011

Multimedia Service Convergence 14-5
A component may expose a number of interfaces. Each interface either provides or requires services
in the form of data attributes and operations. An attribute is a named property value that defines the
characteristics and state of a component. An operation is the implementation of a specific service that
represents the dynamic behavior of a component.
14.4 tailorability
Tailorable software allows generic software to be easily constructed and/or modified to satisfy the
specialized, rapidly changing, unclear, and/or evolving changes in system requirements. It provides a
means for the straightforward creation and modification of software at runtime based on multiple levels
of detail and complexity.
Morch [15] has identified three tailoring activities where the system user interface and underlying
logic can be modified dynamically:
• Customization—Customization refers to user interface modifications.
• Integration—The integration level of tailoring refers to changes in application components,
compositions, interconnections, and their configuration.
• Extension—The extension level of tailoring refers to the addition of new application components
and configurations.
Using a reconfigurable plug and play component-based framework as a basis for the creation and modification
of software, it is possible to construct, customize, integrate, and evolve convergence solutions.
14.5 Multimedia Convergence Using Service Architecture
Reconfigurable converged applications eliminate traditional barriers by offering a new and novel solution
that allows flexible access to enterprise and Internet data. They provide the glue between enterprise
business applications and multimodal forms of converged business communication to access a variety
of telecommunications and data services Connections may be achieved using plain old telephone service
(POTS) telephones, cell phones, PCs, and/or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Multimedia convergence
promotes media collaboration using a variety of communication devices and networks anywhere and at
any time. It enables individuals and teams to interact in a powerful, simple, and convenient manner. The
following approach uses a thin client style that allows system access via a range of devices and connections
with no specialized software. Access is provided online via an Internet browser-based client. Calls, conferences,
and services are provided over wired and wireless telephony and data networks as routed by a software
Private Branch eXchange (PBX). Interaction can be performed using a Web, voice, SMS, video, data,
and instant messaging interfaces. Customized switchboard forwarding and voice mail features are used to
manage calls as required. Whiteboarding, meeting, and presentation management features are also used
to enhance collaboration. Figure 14.2 illustrates a high-level overview of such a convergence approach.
The multimedia convergence center (MC 2 ) convergence solution is proposed using proven open concepts
with a focus on wide compatibility. No specialized hardware devices are deemed to be required.
Computer-aided interaction is performed using a Web instant messaging client and VoIP capability
that communicates with a central convergence server via an asynchronous approach. The approach
illustrated in Figure 14.3 is adopted in order to promote a thin client solution with wide compatibility.
Telecommunications functions are provided by a software PBX solution that couples the features of
computers with a telephone interface (Figure 14.4).
14.5.1 Converged Services
Traditionally, enterprise applications allow users to access corporate data in a static location using a
PC. However, today’s business professionals have a busy schedule and they are frequently on the move.
© 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC