Enabling Digital Convergence

To accelerate the acceptance of networked-multimedia applications on the desktop, including desktop conferencing, software development environments are coming to market that facilitate a transition from the traditional digital convergence model to what is now being identified as "the next generation" model.

Digital convergence is a technology trend that has led to the integration of 3 basic computer industry arenas, resulting in the availability of viable, long-term distributed applications. These arenas are:

• Application providers delivering networked multimedia software and/or hardware products and services (i.e., MDL)
• Communications equipment suppliers providing the "pipeline" for transmission of voice, video, image and data (i.e., AT&T, Newbridge, 3Com, etc.)
• Enabling component suppliers offering desktop computer systems (i.e., IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, etc.)

The traditional model shows the availability of product from the 3 arenas which have created demand for networked multimedia applications within the 5 computer systems markets, namely information technology, telecommunications, consumer electronics, media and entertainment.

To achieve true digital convergence and accelerate pervasive market demand, however, the next generation applications must be built on an open API development environment that "melds" or "unites" all arenas in the traditional digital convergence model.

This new generation digital convergence model, and real-world applications that emerge from it, will support transparent multiplatform communications, seamless network and telephony connectivity, and multi-algorithm video interoperability.

These primary features are required for networked multimedia applications, namely desktop conferencing, to leap from the early adopter to the mainstream market. They also address key Enterprise information systems issues including: asset protection, business and technical analysis, infrastructure planning and technical implementation techniques.