System Architecture and Implementation

In June 2001, we were hired by Simulsync to design their original system architecture and implement a working proof-of-concept demonstrating the Simulsync architecture and business.

Simulsync's system bridges the SS7 telephone-switching network with the Internet to add on-screen visual experiences to telephone calls. With the Simulsync system, two people in a phone conversation can have their desktop computers automatically and instantly connected. This allows either the caller or the called person to drive Web-based display on the other person's computer screen.

We designed and implemented a series of components for Simulsync.

On the server side, we implemented an SS7 listener that connects to the telephone-switching network and receives messages for the lifecycle of a telephone call. The SS7 messages are stored and directed to desktop computers over the Internet.

On the client side, we implemented Beacons that interface with the server and manage the message flow from the telephone-switching network. These Beacons also interface with a Web browser to display Web-based content on the desktop.

To complete this implementation, we learned about the SS7 switching network and message flow. We also developed a software interface to a specific type of SS7 switch. In addition, we leveraged our experience with both server-side and client-side Internet-based systems. The Internet components for Simulsync were developed using Java, JavaScript and ActiveX. Server technology was implemented with ASP and SQL. Communication between components uses XML-RPC.

Simulsync used this architecture and implementation for demonstrations with potential customers and investors.