A testing event for IP multimedia subsystems (IMS) next month will include user interfaces and service provider administrative tools for the first time, the IMS/NGN Forum announced.

The group’s fifth IMS Plugfest will include tests for the GM interface, which is a connection of the session initiation protocol between an IP network and user equipment such as phones, set-top boxes and videoconferencing systems.

The plugfest also will test of policy controls, load balancing/sharing, charging/billing, user profiles, authorization credentials, service profiles and femtocell integration.

Tests will occur June 2-6 at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab.

The forum will present the results June 18 at the NXTComm event in Las Vegas.  Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Radvision, Sonus Network and ZTE are currently scheduled to  participate in the tests.