720494Virtual Turret ( vTurret )ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKThe Virtual Turret (vTurret) project will demonstrate that it is possible to replace the current proprietary Internet Protocol/Session Initiation Protocol (IP/SIP)-based hardware multi-way voice communications hardware products, used by the trader voice market, with a softwareonly equivalent. Traders require high quality voice communications for many highly dynamic concurrent one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many scenarios using intercom, private line and open conference lines where configurations require rapid real-time changes. Traditionally, such systems require expensive, specialist telephony hardware. A less expensive, more flexible solution is required. The innovation in the vTurret project is based upon: a) A new software-only end-to-end solution that can be used to provide the full range of the equivalent trader voice functionality. This includes the multiplexing of many audio channels into a single IP/SIP stream; b) The adoption of a Software Defined Networking based technology to enable the server and network services virtualisation such that the end-to-end latency and jitter effects are tightly constrained across the wide range of network infrastructures typically encountered in trader voice deployments. The main benefits and likely outcomes with significant impacts that will accrue to users from this new approach are: a) A new set of business models will be enabled such that users will be able to move from the traditional significant upfront installation/deployment costs to ‘pay-as-you-use’; b) The all-software approach means that the typical, significant costs in both standard and specialist telephony hardware become unnecessary. This will reduce environmental impact with fewer unused/unwanted fixed point telephones being required/manufactured/disposed. Prototype demonstrators will be produced and evaluated to confirm the approach and to ensure that the required functionality and performance is achieved.