Convergys Corporation announced the availability of Convergys Mediation Manager Release 3.0. The latest release includes Mediation Manager's ability to perform as a charging gateway function (CGF) for GPRS networks, its dynamic event creation, and its enhanced 1xRTT support. Together, these enhancements enable the rapid and cost-effective introduction of new next-generation offerings with increased flexibility and ease of use.

Convergys Mediation Manager is an application module that collects and correlates raw billing data from a variety of networks and service nodes for use by service providers' operational support systems. Built on Convergys' Next Generation Framework, Convergys Mediation Manager is uniquely able to operate as a stand-alone product or integrate seamlessly with existing billing and customer care systems. This highly flexible and scalable module is designed for the convergent wireless, IP, wireline, and cable and broadband markets.
"Mediation plays an increasingly critical role in the quick - and profitable - delivery of next-generation services, particularly as subscriber demand for the latest technology accelerates," said Randy Mysliviec, Convergys' Senior Vice President, Marketing. "With enhanced 1xRTT support and CGF and dynamic event creation capabilities, our latest Convergys Mediation Manager release is focused on enabling rapid time-to-market for our clients as they unveil new convergent offerings."

Key features of Convergys Mediation Manager Release 3.0 include:

-- Expanded marketing options for next-generation services: Operators
can use the module's dynamic event definition and quality of
service enhancements to configure new service offerings and
mediate event usage quickly according to the level of service
delivered. Compliance with the latest IPDR standards (Version 3.0)
enables the module to mediate records using the new compressed
data format, while enhanced 1xRTT support allows operators to
offer data speeds at up to 10 times the speed used on CDMA
networks.

-- Improved system configurability, flexibility, and ease of use:
Convergys Mediation Manager can now operate as the CGF to mediate
events across network devices or act as the mediation interface to
an operator's preferred third-party CGF. Performing as the CGF,
Convergys Mediation Manager eliminates the need for operators to
purchase CGF network nodes. This feature also optimizes mediation
for GPRS operators and increases efficiency in gathering and
processing event records.

Service providers operating on an AIX platform can take advantage
of the module's new AIX porting to minimize their hardware and
setup costs. Another cost-saving feature is Convergys Mediation
Manager's flexible deployment configuration. The module can now be
deployed in multiple, client-selected arrangements that allow
operators to select the specific functionality they want: for
example, pre-paid only, postpaid only, or roaming processing only.

-- More seamless integration with Convergys' Geneva [tm] and
third-party systems: New network element interfaces for Nortel and
Ericsson GPRS nodes deliver greater out-of-the box operator
support ensuring efficient operation and faster time-to-market. A
two-way messaging interface between Convergys' Geneva rating
engine software and Mediation Manager provides real-time
integration for increased revenue assurance, load balancing, and
failover management.

Release 3.0 also includes enhanced pre- and post-paid capabilities to support high-availability for operators, virtually eliminating downtime and reducing revenue leakage.
Convergys Mediation Manager supports convergent usage mediation, 2.5G and 3G wireless services, real-time revenue generation, and integrated prepaid and postpaid capabilities. It also provides support for multiple systems including rating/billing, revenue assurance, fraud management, inter-operator accounting and settlement, decision support, subscriber management, and network planning and management. Key features include GUI-based interfaces, flexible network element creation allowing operators to create their own network element interfaces, mass error correction, multiple levels and types of security, and multistandard roamer processing through support of CIBER and TAP3 standards.
Convergys' product line of highly scalable end-to-end billing products, pre-integrated application suites, and application modules enables communication providers to create fully integrated billing and customer care environments that are adaptable, reliable, and cost-effective. Convergys products are based on its proven and innovative Next Generation Framework, a component-based architecture that provides unsurpassed flexibility, investment protection, and support for convergent communication services.