The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is the next-generation standard in telecommunications network architecture, enabling a leap forward for voice, video, data, and multimedia applications. Telecommunications companies will soon use IMS technology to offer new services that subscribers can access from any location on a wide variety of devices.

Georgia Tech, AT&T, and Nokia Siemens Networks have created a new research program in IMS networks. This initiative brings the students and faculty of Georgia Tech an opportunity to gain early, first-hand access to the latest telecommunications application architecture. The IMS program is a joint effort of the Georgia Tech Research Network Operations Center (GT-RNOC) of the Office of Information Technology and the Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC). During 2006, Nokia Siemens Networks installed the IMS technology platform (valued at $5 million) in the GT IMS lab located in the Technology Square Research Building. The lab includes a full IMS core and numerous enabling services such as Presence, Push-To-Talk over Cellular and several types of media gateways. For connectivity, the lab is connected to both the GT campus Wi-Fi infrastructure and the AT&T cellular network. Students and researchers at GT can access the lab facilities from across campus and around the world.