An announcement from IPDR.org (the Internet Protocol Detail Record Organization) describes a live demonstration of systems interoperability using version 2.0 of the IPDR.org Network Data Management - Usage (NDM-U) Specification. The NDM-U standard defines technical information "that is sufficient for practical implementations of interchange of usage data among service elements participating in the delivery of IP-based services, either within a single enterprise or across multiple enterprises." The NDM-U specification language is given in W3C XML Schema notation; "the XML record structure and service definitions provide a means to begin representing service usage information in a consistent, self-describing, human readable format. These structures allow for the creation of documents by one system in a format that can be easily understood and used by another. The dynamic operation of IDPR document transport has been specified using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). A group of three IPDR.org companies will show how the NDM-U specification can be used to deliver a robust Carrier Grade, Next-Gen BSS/OSS solution. The overall objective of the demonstration is to provide exciting demonstrations using next-generation data services that highlight the effectiveness of the IPDR.org standard. The interoperability demonstration will focus on the Video on Demand (VoD) service, and will show the download and playing of a VoD video displayed on an Internet terminal. From there, the customer will be able to follow the process through to the creation of the final invoice for the content data service."

From the announcement:

Today, the Internet Protocol Detail Record Organization (IPDR.org) will be showcasing a demonstration of systems interoperating using the IPDR.org Network Data Management -- Usage (NDM-U) Specification Version 2.0. The demonstration is being supported by ACE*COMM, Info Directions, and Virtual Summit. It will take place at the TeleStrategies Value-Based IP Billing Seminar March 14-15 in Washington, DC.

The group of three companies will show how the NDM-U specification can be used to deliver a robust Carrier Grade, Next-Gen BSS/OSS solution. The overall objective of the demonstration is to provide exciting demonstrations using next-generation data services that highlight the effectiveness of the IPDR.org standard, and to show how providers are able to cost-effectively offer next- generation services as the industry adopts the IPDR.org standard.

"It is always exciting for IPDR.org to see companies demonstrating the completed work done within the organization," said Dr. Matthew Lucas, President of IPDR.org. "The NMD-U specification is beginning to be seen as the industry's way forward, and these companies are at the forefront."

The demonstration will focus on the Video on Demand (VoD) service, and will show the download and playing of a VoD video displayed on an Internet terminal. From there, the customer will be able to follow the process through to the creation of the final invoice for the content data service. It will show how the process can be monitored, tested and validated. Each company will highlight its own products and show how they enable this high-level of interoperability.

IPDR.org was formed to help facilitate the exchange of service usage data between network elements, operations support systems, and business support systems. IPDR.org is a collaborative effort made up of Service Providers, Equipment Vendors, System Integrators, Billing and Mediation Vendors. The primary goal is to define an open, extensible, flexible record that encapsulates the essential parameters for any IP transaction. IPDR.org Charter Members include: Accenture, ACE*COMM, Agilent, Amdocs, AP Engines, Apogee Networks, Aptis Inc., AsiaInfo, AT&T, Clarent, Convergys, Digiquant, ECtel, EDB4tel, empowerTel Networks, Hewlett-Packard, Intec Telecom Systems, Intel, IP23, Lucent Technologies, Narus, Savera, SCC Communications, Sema Telecom, Sprint PCS, Telesens, TeleStrategies, Telus, Xacct.