Modernization

Modernization of the legacy OSS (operational support system)/ BSS (business support system) infrastructure is a key enabler for telecom operators

Telecom operators are desperately looking to create new revenue streams, and with the advent of 5G, newer technical capabilities like network virtualization and network slicing will create possibilities for telcos to develop innovative digital connectivity solutions. However, unless the traditional OSS/BSS systems and applications are modernized to handle operations and billing at these newer revenue-generating services, telecom operators will not be able to obtain the desired revenue growth.

Traditionally, these OSS/BSS systems and applications have been operating in silos, with static and manual workflows. It is imperative for telcos to modernize the decades-old OSS legacy infrastructure. This will allow them to dynamically allocate network resources for their customers on a real-time basis. This capability will help them create new service offerings for existing and new customers. Along with OSS modernization, modernization of the billing stacks is also necessary so that these dynamically provisioned self-services, at a massive scale (connecting billions of devices), can also be billed to customers in accordance with the SLA commitments.

Most of the new service offerings from telecom operators to enterprise customers asks for planning, provisioning and operating in a real-time scenario. This implies the following requirements:

1. Modernization of network planning and optimization function.
2. Fundamental shifts in service provisioning and fulfilment applications for handling of real-time service offerings to customers.
3. Reimagination of network management and billing systems for operating across multiple network slices, both in physical and virtual domains.
4. Service assurance and customer experience management systems to be readied for data flow in both directions, i.e., from network to users and from users back into the network.