Simplifying real-time multimedia application development using session descriptions

This paper presents the Multi-party Multimedia Middleware ((M3), which offers a novel approach for simplifying real-time multimedia communication applications development and service provision. M3 adopts the declarative programming approach: it allows media streams and channels, QoS, security and charging requirements to be specified in a session description for use within M3 to invoke appropriate application, communication, QoS management, charging and security procedures. Applications built using the M3 middleware are only required to declare their real-time communication needs and are no longer required to code the creation and management of these communication requirements. The middleware handles media streams creation, monitors hosts and network resources for the purpose of adapting the streams' quality of service.