Mobile client software-maker Openera Technologies this week revealed a new peer-to-peer video-sharing application, which integrates directly into its Active Phone Book user interface used by Lucent Technologies in its IP multimedia subsystem architecture platforms.

As a peer-to-peer application, the software allows a user to initiate a direct video link with another user sharing the same client, obviating the need for a network hosting server or any additional network infrastructure. Powered by session initiation protocol, the application is designed to utilize the existing data and voice capabilities of the network, tying them into a unified service over the IMS control plane, instead of requiring a carrier to deploy a dedicated video conferencing solution, said Joel Hughes, CEO of Openera.

"Our goal is to make a set of applications that all work on a single client," Hughes said. "Different applications need different enablers. By combining those different enablers you get new applications. But it's on the handset where they all come together."

The Active Phone Book is a presence-based client, which combines the look and feel of an instant messaging application with multiple IMS-based services. While many unified messaging apps have been introduced that allow customers to initiate voice calls, short message service and instant messaging from the same client, Hughes said it is trying to create an open standards-based interface that encompasses every possible communication tool on the handset and allows for new applications to be introduced as they become available. The client currently supports push-to-talk over cellular and direct voice mail in addition to the usual portfolio of messaging apps. The new video application, however, can integrate video into any of those applications, allowing a customer to initiate a real-time video stream while in a voice call, a push-to-talk conversation or a messaging session. While the application could be used to create a fully integrated video conferencing service, Hughes said, it isn't limited to that application. It could be used for push-to-show type services or any service to which carriers want to add a real-time video feature.

Lucent has made Openera's handset a major component of its IMS platform, elements of which it has sold to numerous carriers, including Sprint, Cingular, BellSouth and SBC Communications in the U.S. Lucent said it will immediately begin offering the new video app in its IMS portfolio.