"Addressing interoperability head-on is very important. It is the number one reason TEMs (telecom equipment manufacturers) aren't reaching the mainstream market for standards-based communications platforms. Once this is tackled, other challenges such as availability and management can be effectively addressed. By developing a consistent methodology for interoperability testing, CP-TA is a logical choice to take on these challenges and help deliver the promise of interoperability that has been unfilled to date." -- Brian Partridge, Senior Analyst, Communications Network Infrastructure, Yankee Group

About CP-TA The Communications Platforms Trade Association (www.CP-TA.org) is a global organization comprised of companies dedicated to accelerating the adoption of open specification-based xTCA communications platforms through interoperability compliance guidelines and member advocacy. Mission The mission of CP-TA is to drive the market expansion of open specification-based xTCA communications platforms by actively cultivating a global ecosystem that delivers interoperable xTCA products. To achieve this mission, CP-TA will: Develop xTCA interoperability compliance and test procedure documents recommended for verifying product interoperability. Base xTCA interoperability compliance guidelines on specifications and profiles developed by PICMG®, Service Availability Forum™, SCOPE Alliance, and The Linux Foundation. Foster industry preference for interoperable xTCA building blocks and tools from CP-TA member companies through proactive marketing programs. Context There is a multi-billion dollar market opportunity for mainstream open specification-based communications platforms comprised of interoperable hardware and software building blocks. When compared to the legacy, proprietary, closed designs of days past, xTCA products offer operators all the advantages of true freedom of choice: more suppliers offering more products more quickly with more innovation and more value. To support this global “open communications” platforms market demand, the industry has developed a rich set of specifications for designing and developing xTCA products, but many operators and infrastructure providers have not yet migrated from their installed base of legacy systems to xTCA-based communications platforms. Reasons for the delay include: the large number of optional requirements; inconsistent interpretations of mandatory requirements of the xTCA specifications themselves; and early product diversity amongst ecosystem members which spawned insufficient interoperability, thereby hindering the industry from achieving its next higher level of commercial success. Enter CP-TA Formed in 2006, the Communications Platforms Trade Association (CP-TA) is a global organization comprised of companies dedicated to accelerating the adoption of open specification-based xTCA communications platforms through interoperability compliance guidelines and member advocacy. CP-TA has created and continues to develop Interoperability Compliance Documents (ICDs) and Test Procedure Manuals (TPMs) that define objective and verifiable parameters such as thermals, manageability, and data transport criteria. Both sets of documents have been developed for xTCA hardware and software products based on profiles and open industry specifications from organizations such as PICMG, Service Availability Forum, SCOPE Alliance, and The Linux Foundation. CP-TA is also working with industry test tool vendors to create “industry-harmonized” test suites to measure xTCA interoperability compliance against CP-TA guidelines. Such interoperability work has been proven to reduce integration time by as much as 75 percent! This is a substantial improvement that brings value and savings to all levels of the xTCA supply chain. CP-TA has also become a vocal advocate for its member companies within the larger xTCA ecosystem. Because any industry has both leaders and followers, CP-TA boldly highlights its members as the ones in front: the most active, influential, and collaborative experts in this field from the top companies. With the backdrop of never-ending news and ever-improving technology, there’s real value in having CP-TA augment members’ own marketing efforts – so that member companies can focus on differentiation while CP-TA touts the collective advantages of xTCA interoperability. Industry Value Proposition As a result of CP-TA’s interoperability and advocacy work, the communications industry enjoys many benefits: Operators:    More supplier choice for xTCA solutions    Faster time-to-revenue    Lower operational costs xTCA Ecosystem Members:    Broader awareness of xTCA products    Faster xTCA component adoption    Lower testing and development costs Network Equipment Providers:    Greater economies of scale    Faster time-to-market    Lower xTCA integration costs And specifically for CP-TA Members:    Influence over xTCA interop guidelines    Credibility with customers, partners, & suppliers    Greater exposure within the  industry Member Value Proposition CP-TA offers its members many opportunities to participate and benefit: Lead.  We are leading the industry to improve xTCA product interoperability and fulfill the promise of open specification-based communications platforms. As a CP-TA member, you will help drive technical work group activities for interoperability compliance guidelines optimized for the telecommunications, data center, military, and aerospace communities. Advocate. Our active marketing work group provides a strong voice in the xTCA industry. With targeted activities throughout the year including webinars, press and analyst outreach, exhibits and speaking slots at industry events, online awareness, and our very own blog, CP-TA magnifies and complements members’ own in-house marketing programs. Learn. CP-TA includes some of the communications ecosystem’s brightest minds on important and relevant xTCA interoperability topics such as thermals, manageability, and data transport. We provide an engaging forum for members to exchange ideas, identify gaps, implement solutions, and share best practices from across markets and around the world. Succeed. Our members enjoy more opportunities for exposure and influence via technical work groups, marketing campaigns, industry-wide plugfests, and collaboration with other organizations. If success means more xTCA business opportunities, a higher industry profile, and tangible return on investment, then CP-TA membership is for you. Join us!