By Tim
Young
Worth It
There are many reasons for network consolidation. Acquisitions. OPEX reduction. Attempts at network simplification. Every reason is valuable and obvious in its necessity and practicality. Network consolidation is something that's been addressed many times in the last few years, and it continues to be a big issue for SPs. M/C Venture Partners, in naming its Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2008 list for the communications space lists consolidation at number two. They note that “consolidation will continue to be a driving force in the telecommunications services industries. Wireless carriers, CLECs, fiber carriers, and rural carriers are all improving their business models through consolidation, enabling higher profitability and quality services for their customers.”
As rollouts continue, bandwidth is at more of a premium than ever, so the ability to ensure that all the aspects of the network are located, consolidated, streamlined, and used to their full potential is truly mission-critical.
There are obvious economic concerns behind the move. Sure, consolidation, like any process that involves extensive research and auditing of available resources, can be expensive and painful, but it ultimately produces a leaner, more efficient network that maximizes resources. A bit of CAPEX now, reduced OPEX later. Spend money to make money, eh? |
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As rollouts continue, bandwidth is at more of a premium than ever, so the ability to ensure that all the aspects of the network are located, consolidated, streamlined, and used to their full potential is truly mission-critical. |
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Network awareness is vital for a wide variety of reasons, but its ability to foster consolidation and increased efficiency within the network is near the top of the list.
Another key to easing the burden of network consolidation is the always-growing role of standards. Isn't that a big part of what
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So Much To Do, So Little Time
So what are the necessary elements to facilitate network consolidation? Where does a telco or enterprise begin?
One key to solid network consolidation has got to be network visibility. Does your solution have to combination of overall visibility combined with the drill-down capability to examine pockets of the network that may cause you problems and cost you money?
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standards are all about? Interoperability? And when is a lack of interoperability more glaringly, painfully obvious than when you're attempting to consolidate multiple networks into one? For years, standards were an afterthought and equipment manufacturers essentially designed hardware and accompanying software on a proprietary basis, leaving CSPs to cobble together disparate elements into a smooth and fluid network. Where did that get us? A standards-based
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