The present document studies the problems and potential improvements in the way user data is introduced and handled in the 3GPP based networks. Related to these studies this Technical Report investigates the need to introduce a common end-user profile storage framework into 3GPP conformant communication networks. The introduction of a Common Profile Storage Framework of User Data ("Common" in the sense of common to all applications) for network services and management applications could significantly enhance the ability of 3GPP based networks to offer complex and combined services in the areas of:

• Multimedia.
• Data services.
• Value Added Services.
• End-to-end applications.

In light of developments both within 3GPP (e.g. IMS, MBMS, OCS, PCC) and outside 3GPP (e.g. NGN, OMA, etc.) with a growing number of physically disjoint but logically correlated user data stored in several data bases a consolidation and co-ordination of these is needed to prevent further redundancy and possible contradiction and to enable operators to administer and provision complex and combined services. Initial study of the user related data within and outside 3GPP is necessary to assess the properties of such a Common User Profile Storage Framework based on

• the needs of Network Elements like MMS-RS, HLR, HSS, BM-SC; and
• features like Service Management, Subscription Management and Charging Management.

On-going efforts within the mobile and NGN community to define advanced services within the network (i.e. 3GPP, TISPAN) should provide valuable drive for developing the Common Profile Storage Framework functionality for 3GPP.

The present document investigates possibilities to introduce an end-user profile storage framework into 3GPP conformant communication networks. To this end the following topics are covered:

• Analysis of the consequences of creating one common data model structure for an end user:
  • Existing data specifications concerning an end-user or a subscriber in 3GPP, TISPAN, OMA and other relevant standardization groups are listed and used as a basis for the proposal of a structure for a common end-user data model.
  • Topics connected to the fact that one common data model exists, like minimizing data redundancy, access control, providing views for applications are highlighted.
  • The relationship between an end user and a subscriber as defined by 3GPP is revisited in light of the fact that the relations between subscribers (contract holders) and end-users can be n:m.
• Current initiatives connected to subscription information carried out inside and outside 3GPP are covered.
• Analysis of differences and deficiencies concerning 3GPP's current status of specifications (e.g. GUP, SuM, etc.) in comparison to existing/emerging solutions with centralized or distributed storage models.
• Identification of items for standardization as a result of the analysis described in the bullet above.