By
Robert Emery and Chun-Ling Woon
Web 2.0 refers to a large set of ideas and techniques behind many new Web sites and services that encourage user interaction, communication, and collaboration. Communication service providers (CSPs) can take advantage of this new breed of web- based communities and hosted services known as Web 2.0 to enable more flexible service delivery mechanisms and greater revenue opportunities.
In order for CSPs to gain a competitive advantage and monetize these new services, a next generation OSS solution that is Web 2.0 enabled with catalog management and order handling is critical for success. Faced with an exponential increase in back-office complexity due to next-generation services, CSPs cannot remain dependent on a cookie-cutter approach to order fulfillment. They must create an order management strategy that incorporates new service capabilities available in the rich experience of Web 2.0 to drive order fulfillment and orchestration across multiple networks and systems.
As the industry continues to immerse itself in the world of Web 2.0, it is essential that CSPs leverage the capabilities offered in Web 2.0 to drive and extend order fulfillment capabilities for their customers. To do this, CSPs need to refresh interaction points with end users to enable a rich Web 2.0 experience. Using Web 2.0 capabilities to drive a self-service environment can effectively reduce the time-to-market needed to introduce and enable rapid product adoption and customization. By enabling smoother order fulfillment and
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From what we've learned in our work with the TMForum on revenue assurance, about three or four years ago, there was a complete lack of standards. |
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that enables a rich Web 2.0 experience. Examples of this includes using an enabling technology such as GWT / AJAX, and utilizing a portal, complete with underlying order configuration and catalog browsing portlets in order to facilitate a self-service environment.
The ability to generate a multitude of new service bundle offerings adds to the complexity in back-end management. In order for end users to manage the complexity of this next-generation ecosystem, they need to have the ability to package and configure their own solution from a set of underlying services in the form of a centralized product catalogue that establishes customer-facing product orders. CSPs need to deliver product offerings and features that customers are
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orchestration to support the customer's dynamic product lifecycle management (PLM) needs, CSPs can successfully keep up with the demands of a rapidly evolving telecom industry while maintaining a competitive advantage in a crowded market.
Creating a Self-Service Environment
Creating existing enablers for customers helps drive new customized services and revenue opportunities. CSPs can help customers leverage 2.0 capabilities by creating a self-service environment based on technology
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actually willing to pay for in order to ensure that they are not commoditizing services amidst the explosion in new bundled offerings.
To accomplish this, CSPs can utilize Web 2.0 to create a self-service environment that delivers a broad, customized portfolio that blends access, services, products, applications and content. These services may be a collection of CSP-hosted services, or services provided by suppliers. Given the evolving environment, the set of services offered are dynamic, resulting in a much shorter product life cycle than previous versions of bundled services.
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