 eXtensible Markup Language XHTML HTML reformulated as an XML application Introduction 1.1 THE BOOK IN BRIEF This book is follow-up of Understanding Telecommunications 1 and 2, published in 1996-98 by Telia and Ericsson. The main author of all the books is Anders Olsson. The basics of various networks (PLMN, PSTN/ISDN, ATM, Internet etc.) are not repeated here. This book instead provides an integrated holistic view of users, telecom business and networks at a time when telecom, datacom and media industries are converging. See Figure 1.1. It offers the reader a cross-scientific, generic and well-structured overview of the tele- com area. A main objective is to understand what competencies are required to become successful within the converging telecom world of today. The technical content is fairly generic but with the main focus on an all-access network and also some focus on UMTS. 1.1.1 THE PROBLEM The multidimensional paradigm shift and an increased overall complexity create a sig- nificant need for new competencies, which go beyond only technique. Some of the main Media industry Content IP (Initial position) ATM (Initial position) Frame relay Tele-centric Data-centric Figure 1.1 The three converging parties Understanding Changing Telecommunications - Building a Successful Telecom Business. Edited by A. Olsson C 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd ISBN: 0-470-86851-1 Understanding Changing Telecommunications - Building a Successful Telecom Business changes are shown in Figure 1.2. The overall change is even bigger when the integration of the media industry is included. The datacom industry is concerned when involving real-time voice and multimedia transfer, priority mechanisms and a more sophisticated charging in the data transfer. 1.1.2 SUPPORTING COMPETENCE CREATION The telecom market is indeed large with a number of players. The main ones are indicated in Figure 1.3. The focus in this book includes stakeholders 1 to 3 and the network. The supplier (4) is represented by new enabling technologies. The approach is top-