Communication Service Providers (CSPs) are at the forefront of digital transformation, leveraging advanced Operational Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) to unlock innovative digital services. This article delves into the transformative strategies CSPs are employing, from modernizing legacy systems to monetizing network slicing and fostering ecosystem integration. METAVSHN, a visionary company in this space, exemplifies the shift towards a unified digital service landscape, promising a future of enhanced operations and customer experiences.
Key Takeaways
- CSPs are modernizing their OSS/BSS to become agile, software-driven entities, with cloud-native platforms like Blue Planet facilitating this shift.
- Monetization and operationalization of network slicing are becoming crucial for CSPs, with service orchestration and assurance acting as key enablers for revenue growth.
- Advanced OSS/BSS play a pivotal role in automating processes and enabling continuous innovation, with a focus on upgrading legacy architectures.
- Ecosystem integration and collaboration with partners are strategic imperatives for CSPs, driven by the importance of open APIs and standardization in delivering zero-touch slicing operations.
- METAVSHN’s approach to creating a unified digital service landscape centers on user-centric design, transparent pricing, and flexible deployment, positioning them for future expansion and industry leadership.
The Evolution of Operational Support Systems in CSPs
Legacy Challenges and the Drive for Modernization
As we delve into the modernization of Communication Service Providers (CSPs), we recognize that the journey is fraught with legacy challenges. These challenges are not merely technical hurdles but also encompass the stagnation of revenue and the inertia of outdated business processes. CSPs are pivotal in digital service evolution, offering new services, automating operations, and adapting to technologies like fiber and 5G. However, the path to modernization is not a one-off event; it is a continuous process that demands a strategic approach to overhaul both technology and operations.
The essence of modernization lies in its ability to transform not just the technology but also the very fabric of business operations, fostering a community of practice around content.
To navigate this transformation effectively, we have identified a set of best practices:
- Define goals and success metrics to align modernization with business objectives.
- Conduct a thorough inventory of content and applications to understand the landscape.
- Assess the current state to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Develop a phased modernization roadmap with clear timelines and risk mitigation strategies.
The benefits of embracing modernization are manifold. From enhancing compliance in regulated industries to streamlining governance and making content dynamic and adaptable, modernization equips CSPs to be future-ready. It is a strategic imperative that ensures not only the survival but also the thriving of CSPs in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven market.
The Role of Cloud Native Platforms in Digital Transformation
We recognize that the transformation of Communication Service Providers (CSPs) hinges on the modernization of Operational Support Systems (OSS). Cloud native platforms are pivotal in this journey, offering the agility and scalability necessary to meet the evolving demands of the digital era. By leveraging Blue Planet’s Cloud Native Platform, CSPs can simplify their service lifecycle automation, leading to increased operational efficiency and reduced costs.
In our pursuit of digital excellence, we must embrace an agile transformation of our people and culture. This transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but also about fostering collaboration and refining software delivery processes. It is essential for CSPs to focus on roles, skills, governance, and organizational structures to ensure agile orchestration and assurance in a cloud-native environment.
The adoption of cloud-native platforms is a strategic move that goes beyond technology—it is an enterprise-wide strategy that balances speed with value, enabling continuous transformation and the harnessing of GenAI capabilities.
Our commitment to this transformation is reflected in the services we offer, which include:
- Cloud Native Application Services
- Cloud Edge IoT
- Data & Analytics
- Data Modernization
- Data Engineering
- Data Visualization
- Data Science
- DataOps
- AI and Automation
- Generative AI
- AI/ML
- Hyperautomation
- Cybersecurity
- Core Modernization
- Digital Transformation
By integrating these services, we are not only accelerating our digital transformation but also positioning ourselves to capitalize on the key trends driving innovation and competitiveness in the region.
Consolidating Service Design and Fulfillment for Enhanced Operations
In our pursuit of operational excellence, we recognize the imperative to consolidate service design and fulfillment. This approach not only addresses the shortcomings of our IT capabilities but also optimizes service operations across the board. Automating processes across these consolidated closed-loop service operations is the overarching goal of many IT transformation projects within our industry.
To achieve better operational efficiency and readiness for innovative services, we must embrace a unified platform strategy. This game-changing move streamlines service lifecycle automation and paves the way for new business models and operational alignment.
Efficient business and measurable processes are essential for removing silos across OSS/BSS building blocks and enabling seamless operations.
We have identified key areas of focus to ensure a successful consolidation:
- Digital architecture: Embrace next-generation systems for greater operational efficiency.
- Organization and governance: Establish improved operational governance to meet demanding organizational objectives.
- Value chain and ecosystem: Enhance capabilities for zero-touch partnering and E2E service quality visibility.
Our commitment to this transformation is unwavering, as we continue to redefine the landscape of digital services.
Monetization and Operationalization of Network Slicing
Maximizing Value Realization in the Telecom Sector
In our pursuit of maximizing value realization in the telecom sector, we recognize that the operationalization of network slicing is a cornerstone for revenue generation. Network slicing emerges as a pivotal strategy for CSPs to seize revenue opportunities, enabling the creation of differentiated connectivity services tailored to diverse customer needs. However, the transition from traditional network operations to innovative slicing scenarios requires a structured operational approach.
Service orchestration and assurance are critical in this transformation, ensuring that new services are not only deployed but also managed efficiently to meet the stringent demands of 5G networks. By focusing on these areas, CSPs can align their business outcomes with operational processes, scaling network slicing profitably.
To effectively manage complexity and drive revenue in the 5G era, it is imperative for network and service operations to transform.
Ericsson’s advisory services play a strategic role in guiding CSPs through this journey, leveraging regional knowledge to facilitate digital services and drive efficient operations. The table below outlines the key areas of focus for operationalizing network slicing:
| Key Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Domain Orchestration | Coordinating across various network domains to ensure seamless service delivery. |
| Scaling Profitably | Implementing strategies for cost-effective expansion of network slicing capabilities. |
| Aligning Outcomes | Ensuring that operational processes support the desired business results. |
As we continue to navigate the complexities of 5G monetization, our collective efforts are directed towards unlocking the full potential of network slicing, thereby fostering a robust ecosystem for CSPs to thrive in the digital age.
Service Orchestration and Assurance as Revenue Growth Levers
In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize that service orchestration and assurance are pivotal in the transformation of digital services offered by Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Network slicing enables efficient resource allocation, reducing operational costs and paving the way for innovative business models, particularly in the realms of IoT and Industry 4.0. Automation, bolstered by artificial intelligence, is not merely a facilitator but a cornerstone in supporting these new paradigms.
By implementing multi-domain and multi-technology orchestration, CSPs can simplify operations and accelerate the deployment of services. This automation is crucial for the dynamic management of network slicing, ensuring that CSPs can meet the ever-changing demands of customers and the market. The table below illustrates the key benefits of service orchestration and assurance:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Operational Efficiency | Streamlined processes and reduced manual intervention. |
| Faster Time-to-Market | Quicker launch of new services and features. |
| Enhanced Customer Experience | Improved service reliability and personalization. |
| Revenue Growth | New opportunities in niche markets and customer segments. |
We are steadfast in our commitment to guide CSPs through the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in the competitive landscape of digital services.
Our advisory services extend beyond mere implementation; they are designed to unlock revenue growth and drive efficient operations. By leveraging our regional knowledge and expertise, we facilitate CSPs in their journey towards operational excellence and service innovation.
Strategic Advisory Services for CSP Transformation
We recognize the critical role of strategic advisory services in guiding CSPs through the complex landscape of digital transformation. Operational alignment is the key to CSP success, and it is here that advisory services prove invaluable. By partnering with seasoned advisors, CSPs can navigate the intricacies of network slicing, orchestration, and assurance with a clear focus on maximizing value realization.
Our approach emphasizes a top-down strategy, ensuring that solution development is in lockstep with operational readiness. This alignment is crucial for de-risking network slicing operational enablement and meeting the high expectations for business value realization. The table below outlines the core areas where strategic advisory services can make a significant impact:
| Area of Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Revenue Growth | Guiding CSPs in unlocking new revenue streams through innovative service offerings. |
| Efficient Operations | Streamlining processes to drive operational efficiency and reduce costs. |
| Digital Service Facilitation | Enabling the delivery of cutting-edge digital services to meet evolving customer demands. |
| Regional Knowledge Leverage | Utilizing local insights to tailor transformation strategies effectively. |
By focusing on roles and skills, governance, organizational structure, and collaboration improvement, we can drive agile orchestration and assurance that are essential for the transformation journey.
In our quest to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape, we must ensure that our transformation efforts are not just about surviving the present but are strategically designed to position CSPs for future growth and innovation.
Innovative Service Delivery through Advanced OSS/BSS
Automating Processes for Business Efficiency
In our pursuit of operational excellence, we recognize that automating processes is not just a convenience—it’s a strategic imperative. Efficient business operations and measurable processes are foundational to dismantling silos within OSS/BSS architectures, paving the way for seamless operations. By automating processes, we aim to achieve a level of efficiency that transcends traditional manual coordination, ensuring that every action is both purposeful and impactful.
Automation serves as the backbone for this digital transformation journey, simplifying end-to-end automation for critical service lifecycle management processes across any vendor, service, or network type.
To illustrate the transformative power of automation, consider the following steps that are integral to our approach:
- Defining business vision and strategic roadmap
- Creating a business case
- Building a target operating model
- Transforming user experience
- Optimizing your processes
- Planning and executing Organizational Change Management
- Building new technical solutions
- Transforming and modernizing existing solutions
- Application portfolio rationalization
- Assisting in making solution choices and approach selections
On a common platform, automation provides a game-changing strategy to improve operational efficiency and streamline service lifecycle automation. This is not just about cutting costs—it’s about accelerating service delivery and securing a competitive edge through embracing automation.
The Impact of Continuous Integration and Delivery on Service Innovation
We recognize the transformative power of continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) in the realm of service innovation. By adopting CI/CD practices, we enable a more dynamic and responsive development environment. Major research has underlined the advantages of adopting CI/CD, offering accelerated iteration cycles, heightened quality assurance, and seamless deployments.
The implementation of CI/CD pipelines facilitates the incremental introduction of new features and services, ensuring minimal disruption to existing operations. This approach aligns with our commitment to enhancing accessibility, collaboration, security, scalability, and overall efficiency. The table below illustrates the core benefits of CI/CD in service innovation:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | Rapid iteration and faster time to market |
| Quality | Improved testing and quality assurance |
| Reliability | Consistent and predictable deployments |
| Scalability | Easier management of increased workloads |
Embracing CI/CD not only streamlines development processes but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, which is essential for staying competitive in the digital landscape.
In conclusion, the integration of CI/CD into our operational framework is a strategic move towards achieving greater operational efficiency and delivering innovative services that meet the evolving demands of our customers.
Assessing and Upgrading Legacy OSS/BSS Architectures
In our journey towards digital transformation, we recognize the critical need to assess and upgrade legacy OSS/BSS architectures. Efficient business and measurable processes are essential for removing silos and enabling seamless operations across OSS/BSS building blocks. We must define clear operational activities, sequences, prerequisites, and steps for scenarios such as slice-enabled service ordering and provisioning. Business process reengineering, aligned with IT capabilities, is crucial for achieving operational efficiency.
An Open Digital Architecture (ODA) approach, supported through OSS/BSS functional capabilities recommended by TM Forum’s Applications Framework (GB929), is the recommended way to approach the overall assessment of a CSP’s “As-Is” functional architecture. This involves performing a gap analysis and formulating a target digital architecture blueprint to drive the architectural evolution needed.
Network slicing capabilities significantly impact CSPs‘ operations and OSS/BSS domains, requiring advanced capabilities for dynamic offer creation, fulfillment, assurance, and billing. To enable cost-efficient and agile slice orchestration and assurance, a detailed maturity assessment of legacy OSS/BSS architecture is imperative.
The following table outlines the key areas for assessment and upgrade within legacy OSS/BSS architectures:
| Area of Assessment | Current State | Desired State |
|---|---|---|
| Offer Creation | Static | Dynamic |
| Fulfillment | Manual | Automated |
| Assurance | Reactive | Proactive |
| Billing | Fixed | Flexible |
By addressing these areas, we pave the way for a new state of operational agility and efficiency, essential for the future of digital services.
The Strategic Imperative of Ecosystem Integration
Mapping Customer and Partner Journeys for Superior Service Experiences
In our quest to enhance digital service delivery, we recognize that CSPs play a crucial role in personalizing customer engagement and achieving operational excellence. By leveraging data and AI, we can transform digital strategies into tangible benefits for both customers and partners.
To ensure that we provide superior service experiences, we meticulously map out customer touchpoints and partner interactions. This approach is not only about understanding the journey but also about optimizing it to be as seamless as possible. Here’s a brief overview of our process:
- Identify key customer segments and define their unique journeys.
- Analyze back-office processes to ensure they support these journeys effectively.
- Orchestrate and assure service delivery across both our own network and our partners‘ ecosystems.
By focusing on these areas, we aim to close the loop between service orchestration, assurance, and the customer experience, thereby creating a cohesive and efficient operational environment.
Our commitment to this strategy is evident in the way we handle the entire service lifecycle, from management to automation. The end goal is to achieve a level of service that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations, fostering loyalty and driving growth.
The Importance of Open APIs and Standardization in Digital Services
In our pursuit of digital excellence, we recognize that standardized connector infrastructure is crucial for interoperability and innovation within the telecommunication sector. The adoption of uniform APIs simplifies integration, reduces costs, and enables quick adaptation to market demands. We are committed to embracing an Open Digital Architecture (ODA) and aligning with the TM Forum’s recommendations to ensure a seamless transition to a future-proof digital ecosystem.
By fostering an environment of open collaboration and standardization, we enable a more agile and responsive service delivery model that can meet the dynamic needs of our customers.
To achieve this, we follow a structured approach:
- Identify integration points within the existing infrastructure.
- Standardize APIs for consistent system-wide communication.
- Utilize middleware for complex integrations when necessary.
- Thoroughly test and monitor to ensure seamless interoperability.
Embracing openness in our APIs and striving for standardization across our digital services is not just a technical requirement; it is a strategic move that empowers users and catalyzes change within the industry.
Collaboration for Zero-Touch Slicing Operations
In our pursuit of operational excellence, we recognize that collaboration with partners and ecosystem integration are indispensable for achieving zero-touch slicing operations. The enablement of network APIs and standardization efforts are not merely technical requirements; they are the catalysts for automation and innovation that allow us to offer complex digital services seamlessly.
An enablement approach is necessary to align slicing capabilities across business, technical, and operational domains, thereby transforming the existing operating model. This approach ensures that our operational support systems (OSS/BSS) are primed to operationalize new use cases and capitalize on revenue opportunities.
The Digital Target Operating Model (DTOM) provides a framework for aligning business models with network slice operations. It encompasses eight dimensions that require careful consideration to assess the impact of slice-based service operations.
To operationalize network slicing effectively, we focus on key areas such as:
- Automated Service Orchestration and Assurance platform operations
- Business-driven slice management and operations
- Multi-domain orchestration
- Scaling network slicing profitably
- Aligning business outcomes with operational processes
METAVSHN’s Vision for a Unified Digital Service Landscape
The Genesis and Aspirations of METAVSHN
At the heart of METAVSHN lies a vision that is both transformative and pragmatic. We set out to create a unified operational software solution that would cater to the intricate needs of Telecom operators and SaaS businesses globally. Our journey began with a clear understanding of the operational challenges these enterprises face, and a commitment to delivering a streamlined platform that integrates billing, customer management, and support systems into one cohesive unit.
Our Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is deeply rooted in our extensive experience within the telecom sector. We leverage this expertise to build solutions that are not only distinctive but also profoundly intuitive and user-centric. Our standardized connector infrastructure and automated provisioning systems are testament to our innovative approach, which prioritizes flexibility and ease of use.
Our aspirations for the future are bold yet achievable. We aim to refine and enhance our solutions continuously, ensuring they evolve alongside the needs of our clients. By maintaining our commitment to transparent pricing and flexible deployment, we anticipate expanding our reach and establishing ourselves as industry leaders in innovative BSS/OSS solutions.
Expansion and industry leadership are at the forefront of our strategic vision. We foresee a future where METAVSHN becomes synonymous with excellence in operational software solutions, driving efficiency and innovation across the telecom and SaaS landscapes.
User-Centric Design Philosophy and Unique Selling Proposition
At the heart of METAVSHN’s ethos lies a commitment to user-centric design, a philosophy that places the needs, preferences, and behaviors of users at the forefront of our product development lifecycle. This approach is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect that differentiates our solutions in a crowded marketplace. By focusing on the user experience, we ensure that our applications are not only functional but also intuitive and satisfying to use.
Our Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is deeply rooted in our Engineering First mindset, which emphasizes practicality and innovation in our software solutions. We leverage our extensive experience in the telecom sector to create products that are not only distinctive but also address the real-world challenges faced by telecom operators and SaaS businesses. Our standardized connector infrastructure and automated provisioning systems exemplify our commitment to seamless integration and operational efficiency.
Our vision for the future is clear: to refine and enhance our solutions continually, to meet the evolving needs of our clients, and to maintain our leadership in providing innovative BSS/OSS solutions.
We are proud to offer a unified backend that supports multiple roles, transparent pricing, and flexible deployment options. Our dedication to regular, non-disruptive updates and customizable customer portals ensures that we stay ahead of the curve, anticipating and shaping the future of digital service delivery.
Anticipating the Future: Expansion and Industry Leadership
As we look to the future, our vision at METAVSHN is to continuously evolve and expand our offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the telecom and SaaS sectors. Our commitment to innovation positions us at the forefront of the industry, where we aim to lead by example in delivering user-centric solutions that drive operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
Our roadmap includes scaling our standardized connectors and automated provisioning systems, which are essential for seamless integration and management of complex digital services. We are dedicated to enhancing our user-centric design, ensuring that our solutions not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients.
Our strategic expansion is not just about growing our footprint; it’s about deepening the value we deliver to our clients through our innovative solutions.
We foresee a future where our influence extends beyond current markets, as we leverage our experience and the insights gained from our ownership of an established Swiss Operator. This will enable us to offer unparalleled advisory services, guiding CSPs through their digital transformation journeys with a clear focus on monetization and operationalization.
- Enhance solution capabilities
- Expand market reach
- Strengthen industry leadership
- Drive continuous innovation
By adhering to these principles, we anticipate not only expanding our reach but also impacting a broader spectrum of enterprises and solidifying our position as a leader in providing innovative BSS/OSS solutions.
METAVSHN is revolutionizing the digital service landscape with a unified platform engineered to replace your entire BSS/OSS stack. With 26 years of telecom experience, our solutions offer a vertically integrated product catalog, custom billing strategies, and a comprehensive customer 360° view. Embrace the future of telecom by visiting our website and discover how METAVSHN can empower your business with cutting-edge technology and seamless customer experiences. Take the first step towards a unified digital service landscape today!
Conclusion
As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Communication Service Providers (CSPs) are at the forefront of a transformative journey. By leveraging innovative BSS/OSS solutions like those offered by METAVSHN, CSPs are streamlining their operations, enhancing customer experiences, and unlocking new revenue streams. The integration of AI, cloud-native platforms, and service orchestration and assurance are pivotal in this transformation, enabling CSPs to become agile, software-driven entities capable of delivering a wide array of digital services efficiently. The future promises even greater advancements as CSPs modernize their legacy systems, embrace network slicing, and foster collaborative ecosystems. The commitment to continuous improvement and the adoption of flexible, scalable technologies will ensure that CSPs remain competitive and responsive to the ever-changing demands of the digital economy.
