How Cloud BSS/OSS Platforms Will Optimize Your Network
- Published
- 3 min reading
Flexible configuration, re-usability, ready to use templates and configuration wizards are all typical of cloud-based solutions such as cloud BSS and cloud OSS, which aim to simplify the process of launching and supporting new products and value-added services (VAS) from third parties. They also allow organizations to learn from best practices, operational procedures and well-proven business models.
The benefits of moving BSS/OSS into the cloud
Re-usability is made possible by the configuration capabilities of modern cloud BSS/OSS solutions, which prepare each fulfillment process in run-time. This approach combines the smallest possible configuration elements in a smart way using model-defined dependencies. The operator need only define mini workflows (service factories) explaining how to activate, modify and terminate the service, and add any required dependencies to existing service models. For multi-party offer management, cloud-based BSS/OSS platforms facilitate the management of each party’s product and service catalog, multi-party quotations, investments, wholesale agreements and inter-partner or reseller prices and commissions, and simplifies trouble-ticketing and problem-solving.
OTT services and SDN/NFV-powered networking (SDN – software defined networks; NFV – network function virtualization) additionally facilitate the dissemination of best practices which are quickly replicated. For example, video-based OTT services will be managed in a similar manner and will have similar dependencies – bringing clear and significant savings.
Cloud solutions (such as cloud BSS and OSS) allow the integration of third-party solutions, because quite often the only requirement is to integrate once, then deliver functionalities as an extension to core platform operations. A standardized API (ideally compliant with TMForum Open APIs) with a flexible cloud service enabling the installation of add-ons will give third-party solution providers access to all cloud platform customers, while the operator benefits as app store host.
OTT services and SDN/NFV-powered networking (SDN – software defined networks; NFV – network function virtualization) additionally facilitate the dissemination of best practices which are quickly replicated. For example, video-based OTT services will be managed in a similar manner and will have similar dependencies – bringing clear and significant savings.
Cloud solutions (such as cloud BSS and OSS) allow the integration of third-party solutions, because quite often the only requirement is to integrate once, then deliver functionalities as an extension to core platform operations. A standardized API (ideally compliant with TMForum Open APIs) with a flexible cloud service enabling the installation of add-ons will give third-party solution providers access to all cloud platform customers, while the operator benefits as app store host.
Improve performance with OSS and BSS in the cloud
Capacity, performance, day to day operations and dynamic shaping can all be improved by moving OSS into the cloud. Increased capacity and improved performance result from implementing a cloud-native solution following VNF principles, while the growing number of functions delivered as software running in the cloud reduce the limitations imposed by physical hardware.
Cheap and easily available commodity hardware and standardized software interfaces speed up deployments and simplify automated tests to optimize average hardware use. With SDN, a network can automatically be reshaped, and capacity can be added or optimized. Thus, cloud OSS solutions facilitate smoother delivery processes.
Cloud BSS/OSS platforms employ the same basic processes and functionalities based on standardization and re-usability, but with slightly adapted configurations. This results in fewer errors, less work and lower costs. And, with a standardized, automated solution for cloud BSS, human resources can be shared and take on greater responsibility while remaining productive and cost-effective.
Cloud BSS and cloud OSS: Summary
Moving BSS/OSS into the cloud allows CSPs to introduce new services faster, to integrate VAS on an “integrate once, deploy infinitely” model, enables best practice sharing, improves network capacity and performance, and reduces OPEX.
