Crucial Functions
As service providers stretch to deliver more services across greater geographical footprints, the OSS
is a critical determinant. Not only can it standardize ordering, provisioning, and assurance, but it
also can reveal extremely valuable subscriber data. It also is the lynchpin that connects the multiple technologies and systems inherent to a global network.
Specifically, crucial OSS functions that support global network expansion include, “discovery and
multi layer and technology support like CORE/FTTx access/Layer 2 VPNs etc., across vendors and
with a strong set of APIs for interfacing with other OSS systems,” says Anand Venkat, Director of
Global Solutions, APAC, at Telcordia.
Marie Fiala Timlin, an executive at Sandvine, connected with Pipeline to discuss the importance of
OSS regarding subscriber metrics:
“Carriers are recognizing that their Operations Support Systems are treasure troves of information
regarding subscriber behavior. In the past, networking equipment was only needed to make the network
run and effectively troubleshoot connectivity issues. Now, due to the rapid adoption of new devices
(e.g. tablets, gaming consoles) and increase in demand for video and real-time applications, networks
are experiencing a large strain on their capacity. Carriers need to be one step ahead of subscriber
demand, in order to maintain and grow a loyal customer base. That is only possible by understanding
subscriber behavior and usage patterns, and this type of data is readily obtained from OSS, such as
inline policy control devices.”
Michael Kearns, CEO of Amartus, sees the OSS as a key factor in the ability to enable partnering and
service catalog growth. The OSS will also gain increased relevancy with cloud services, which will
introduce a new layer to the equation.
“Going global is all about partnering, few service providers have the means to build their own global
networks,” said Kearn. “Service Providers and Network Operators have an opportunity to differentiate
and create new service revenue streams as both buyer and seller of ‘service reach’. The OSS is an
important determinant in their ability to deliver and consume these services. Most of today’s OSSs
were designed to deliver on-net services and lack the support required to actively manage or provide
off-net services. The goal from a services perspective, should be to treat on-net and off-net services in
the same way. This means to order, provision, and assure the service regardless of whether it is on your
network or partners.”
“Furthermore, the rapid growth in cloud-based services is driving demand for dynamic end to end
service fulfillment that goes beyond the traditional network as a service to incorporate the ICT
components in a single service,” Kearns continued. “Cloud services introduce a whole new dimension
for the OSS beyond the boundaries of the network.”
Tall Hurdles
Service providers around the world are preparing for the transition from legacy TDM and ATM
technologies to all-IP/packet networks. They are simultaneously implementing plans to erase the
seams between multiple partners and services, which will become more pronounced as multi-vendor
deployments proliferate. The operators are migrating to LTE networks, and IPv6 protocol. Congestion
and service assurance will be prime customer-facing challenges, and recouping capital investments will
be the topic of discussion in board meetings.
