IMS

IMS is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts across technology, statistics, and industry. The most widely recognized in telecommunications is the IP Multimedia Subsystem, an architectural framework for delivering IP-based multimedia services over mobile networks. Defined by the 3GPP, IMS uses SIP signaling and a set of core components, including proxy, serving, and interrogating session control functions and the Home Subscriber Server, to enable services such as VoIP, video calling, and instant messaging. It aims to provide interoperable, QoS-aware service delivery across different networks and roaming environments, and has influenced the evolution of mobile and fixed-line multimedia services, though deployments vary in scale and technology generation.

In statistics, IMS refers to the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, a professional society founded in the early 20th century. It promotes the development and communication of statistical science, publishes several scholarly journals, and organizes conferences and meetings that bring together researchers and practitioners from around the world.

In quality and management systems, IMS often stands for Integrated Management System, a framework that combines multiple management standards into a single, cohesive system. Commonly it integrates ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), with some variants including information security or other standards. The goal is to streamline processes, audits, and governance, though implementing an IMS can be complex and organization-specific.

IMS Health, historically a major provider of health care data and analytics, later became part of IQVIA after a merger with Quintiles. The combined company offers data, technology, and services to support pharmaceutical, biotech, and health care decision-making.

Context usually clarifies which IMS is meant; the acronym can also appear in other fields as a shorthand for information management systems or organizational terms.