Fraunhofer FOKUS sets up a new technology partnership in Malaysia

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Kuala Lumpur recently to formalise the partnership.

Berlin-based Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) and MIMOS recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a research and development collaboration in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) with an ultimate aim to deliver new application components for local and international markets.

Fraunhofer FOKUS collaborates with MIMOS on Research and Development in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) technologies and also to promote the OpenFMC lab as IMS Center of Excellence (CoE) for SIP/IMS based applications development.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Kuala Lumpur recently to formalise the partnership.

Berlin-based Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) and MIMOS recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a research and development collaboration in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) with an ultimate aim to deliver new application components for local and international markets.

It is also the objective of the collaboration where FOKUS would serve as one of MIMOS advisors on driving and facilitating IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) / Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) application and content developments through the establishment of a CoE in MIMOS OpenFMC lab. MIMOS OpenFMC lab serves as the platform where developers, content providers, operators and service providers could collaborate, exchange ideas, develop, test, promote and exhibit innovative technologies and applications.

IMS is an architectural framework that allows Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), to seamlessly switch between networks. IMS also enables the convergence of fixed, mobile and internet networks.

“So with IMS, users can start VoIP at home connecting to WiFi, then switch seamlessly to WiMAX while driving to the office, and later switch to the desktop and upgrade it into a video call on an LCD screen,” said Dr Mazlan Abbas, Head of Wireless Communications Cluster, MIMOS.

“MIMOS' focus on IMS is in line with our initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide as IMS enables different networks to be seamlessly interoperable regardless of the underlying technologies,” added Dr Mazlan.

Under the MoU, MIMOS will work closely with FOKUS to build and enhance IMS capabilities among Malaysians and spur local IMS/SIP applications with the ultimate aim of nurturing domain experts.

About MIMOS
MIMOS is the premier applied research centre in frontier technologies aimed at growing globally competitive indigenous industries. MIMOS pursues exploratory and industry-driven applied research through multi-stakeholder smart partnerships with local and international universities, research institutes and industries and the Malaysia Government with a focus on frontier technologies.

MIMOS' applied research / technology areas are refined into eight (8) technology clusters – Knowledge Grid, Knowledge Technology, Information Security, Wireless Communications, MEMS, Advanced Informatics, Micro Energy and Nano Clusters.

MIMOS' focus is on driving globally recognized Centres of Excellence to promote and license MIMOS technologies or IPs to qualified indigenous ICT companies to strengthen their abilities to compete globally and move Malaysian ICT industry higher up the value chain. MIMOS is the recipient of the Asia HRD Congress 2008 Award under the 'Contribution to the Organisation' category for outstanding contribution to the field of Human Resource Development and the Frost & Sullivan's Growth Excellence Award 2007 for Industry Innovation & Advancement (Precision Agriculture) for its application and development of Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) in the field of precision agriculture.

About Fraunhofer FOKUS
The Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) in Berlin, Germany has been researching and developing communication and integration solutions for international partners in industry, research and public administration in the fields of software development, telecommunications, automotive engineering, and eGovernment for more than 20 years.

Researchers from the FOKUS competence center Next Generation Network Infrastructures (NGNI) have become internationally recognized. as Next Generation Network (NGN) test bed experts.