H.350 Standard - the future for IP videoconferencing just got a little simpler

Earlier this month the ITU announced that it has adopted the new H.350 standard. 

While it may seem technical, this new standard is significant for IP voice and video communications in that, for the first time, databases that store user information for multimedia conferencing and communications will be standardized. 

This new standard is an extension of the LDAP database schema which is commonly used in enterprises and institutions worldwide. 

Universal Dialing Plan

By implementing LDAP as the core database, with H.350 extensions, now communications managers will be able to make video and VoIP information available globally to all end points, significantly simplifying calling.   Now anyone can call anyone else in the enterprise using the standards-based calling directory.   And it sets the stage for calling directories to be shared across enterprises and create a global dialing plan. 

End Point Mobility

Also, the new standard helps with user device configuration and end point portability.  When a user logs into an end point, that end points just queries the H.350-based database and it automatically receives all preset user configurations.    So any end point can be tied to a user bust just by logging in.  Similar to IM where you can use any PC to log into IM, making that PC “yours.”

Enhanced Authentication

Finally, H.350 provides a convenient and easy to access central database to store authentication credentials – resulting in a more secure and integrated environment for video and VoIP conferencing.  IT mangers can require all new end points to log in with user name and password which can then be checked against that information stored in the central database. The Authentication process also provides credible tracking capabilities for billing purposes.

Authorization/Management

H.350 provides the ability to assign levels of authorization to the users.  This allows IT managers to control bandwidth, specify what service levels are allowed for each user, and any other centralized management plan the administrator wants to implement on individuals or classes of users.

Summary

As long as caller information is based on proprietary vendor solutions, we cannot move video to replicate the ease of use of telephony.  However, with the new H.350 standard we have many of the components necessary to bring IP communications to the next level and set the stage for a true standards-based communications network that extends worldwide, not just enterprise wide.

RADVISION is committed to this standard and plans to implement it in its next release of its ECS (version 3.5) – expected in early Q4.