What do end-users expect? What do they require? What keeps them coming back for more? This is a relatively complex question when it comes to telecommunications, so let's peek into a simpler world: what do you expect to receive when you buy a hot dog?

Well, some things go without saying: A bun. A frankfurter. Maybe a napkin or two. You expect some condiments to be complimentary (mustard and ketchup, for example), and are probably ok with paying extra for some others (say, chili and cheese). However, if you order that hot dog and end up with a moldy bun and a cold frank, or no condiments at all, or undisclosed charges for the condiments you do receive, you'll find another place to get your hot dogs from then on.

Therefore, the hot dog vendor is well-advised to institute some controls to make sure the process of preparing the hot dog is reliable and transparent to keep the customers coming back.

Let's face it: If hot dog stands ran like some CSPs, they'd be out of business in a heartbeat. Unreliable service. Strange billing. Fees for services that have become de rigueur.

So where can we begin to stem that tide? One step is through reliable performance management solutions. In this issue of Pipeline, we focus on the present and future of performance management as a way to streamline services, maximize ARPU, decrease churn, and generally increase profitability.

We are pleased to bring you perspective from the LTC, International team on QoS (as well as unified messaging), as well as Ed Finegold's thoughts on the latest in mobile technology and how it impacts the consumer, the provider, and the OSS/BSS firm, alike. We also have input from Tekelec, InfoVista, Narus, and NetScout on the present and