AppTrigger will release a new version of its application session controller next week to make it easier for service providers to “abstract” away call-control elements using Web services, enabling more rapid Web 2.0-style service delivery.

Version 8.0 of the vendor’s Ignite application session controller plays in the same area of the network as service development platforms (SDPs) but focuses more on service delivery than service creation/execution, said Patrick Fitzgerald, AppTrigger vice president of marketing.

“There’s a tremendous amount of discussion and hype around fast application deployment and how to create horizontal, reusable software layers,” Fitzgerald said, noting that while SDPs focus strongly on enabling that software-driven service creation environment, AppTrigger’s product is all about marrying those capabilities “with the control layer and how applications interact with the control layer. We believe the market requires a best-of-breed application connectivity and abstraction solution – there are a lot of complex, moving pieces here.”

AppTrigger distributes its session controller via SI and ISV partners, typified by a recent deal with Unisys. AppTrigger is supplying technology to Unisys, and together the two vendors will chase carrier business, in particular converged messaging opportunities where a single point of network application access is a requirement, Fitzgerald said.

The new release of Ignite is focused on delivering a single application connectivity layer for hybrid carrier environments that span IMS/pre-IMS landline and mobile networks as well as newer IP-driven environments. In the simplest sense, it offers media gateway, signaling and protocol conversion for such network environments.

It also moves core call control out of the switching fabric and into a new connectivity layer to make those capabilities accessible to a wider array of applications. AppTrigger accomplishes this by extending standard Parlay X Web services interfaces with extensions for richer call leg control, including support for services such as presence, mobile positioning and enhanced SMS. Ignite 8.0 simplifies application access by providing a single interface into switching, signaling and media capabilities.

By consolidating network interface points and abstracting them via Web services interfaces, AppTrigger is well in line with the larger trend of opening up carrier service creation to a wider range of developers by enabling the creation of so-called “mashup” apps that combine telephony features with Web and enterprise apps.