This couldn't be controlled from one intelligent network (IN) as every manufacturer had its own proprietary version of the intelligent network application protocol (INAP). Tele2 turned to us: they wanted one large IN to provide number portability (NP) for all of Tele2's fixed and mobile operations throughout Europe. The solution had to speak all different proprietary INAP variants, be able to deal with country-specific NP logic and last, but not least be highly scalable and reliable.
We had the solution for Tele2. Instead of running telecommunications protocols (e.g. SS7, INAP, SIP) on expensive proprietary hardware modules, we had our own protocol stacks, which are nothing more than software running on standard PCs, and we knew how to adapt these protocols to the proprietary variants used by other vendors to lock in their customers.
In 2001, we provided our first INtellECT® Intelligent Network to Tele2 running many services including number portability for 13 different European countries. In so doing, we helped Tele2 save very significant costs for the termination of ported numbers by operating one IN solution instead of many. This contributed to Tele2's competitive edge, the great prices they offer their customers and their profitability. Tele2 has kept ECT as their vendor of choice and to date we have supplied Tele2 with four next-generation intelligent networks (NGIN).
With the implementation of IN and later next-generation architecture, we provided all our customers with more network choices for their value-added services. Today, we implement services in legacy, SIP and IMS architecture with Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Software Architecture Evolution (SAE) soon to follow. And as all services are developed and operate independent of the network layer, our customers can implement multiple architecture and migrate services easily.
