IMS core network deployments are edging up as operators put the necessary infrastructure and capacity in place for planned 2014 Voice over LTE launches, according to a new report from ABI Research. Spending for the core network products (HSS, CSC, Media Controllers and Gateways, MSF, IBCF, SBC and P-CSCF) integral to a functioning IMS network will reach $4 billion (€2.94 billion) by 2017, the research firm added. IMS spending comes after operators have invested in launching and stabilising their LTE networks, as compatible mobile devices become available for VoLTE. The leading LTE market, North America, will peak in 2015 to 2016, while the largest market, Asia-Pacific, shows continued growth into the foreseeable future, ABI said. Virtualization will be widespread since much of the IMS solution is delivered on x86 architecture and works on bare metal or virtualized platforms. Release