Telecom Transformation
Encyclopedia
Telecom Transformation, or IP Transformation, is a term that describes the evolution of the telecommunications industry from a capital-intensive, technology-focused model to a user-centric service-delivery model. The reasons for this transformation vary in different parts of the world, but some concerns are common to most Telecom Service Providers. Drivers for transformation include threats such as competitive pressures and the disruptive business models of players in other technologies affect the traditional business of the service providers. (E.g. As this page is written, the traditional voice-service business of PSTN Service Providers are facing threats from the disruptive business models of Internet
based service providers such as Google
and Skype
when they already were battling to fend off new competitors such as Multi-Service operators.)
In order to maintain their market, the service providers are introducing new attractive services to the end-users, which require modifications to their current infrastructure (aka legacy infrastructure) into what is typically termed as a Next-Generation infrastructure. The process of converting or modifying the network elements, end-user services and business-processes of the service provider to achieve the competitive advantages offered by the newer technologies is known as Transformation. This transformation is enabled by Internet Protocol (IP)-based technology. The introduction of the new infrastructure, services and business-processes may or may not be accompanied by the dismantling of the legacy setup.
In cases where service providers are looking to reduce operating expenses in addition to creating new end-user services, elimination of the legacy network becomes a requirement. In these transformation scenarios, carriers replace aging legacy network elements and systems in favor of more efficient technologies. These types of transformation programs may require carriers to transition subscribers and commercial services from the legacy to the new networks.
While these are the three main categories of network and systems change within the carrier environment, there are additional fundamental changes that service providers will undertake to adapt their business and organization to a new operating model.this telecom provides a seamless access to communicate one mobile to another
, Backbone network and Access network
. The typical activities include the following:
and Business Support System infrastructure with the transformed network. The typical set of activities that characterize this sub-process include:
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
based service providers such as Google
Google
Google Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
and Skype
Skype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system...
when they already were battling to fend off new competitors such as Multi-Service operators.)
In order to maintain their market, the service providers are introducing new attractive services to the end-users, which require modifications to their current infrastructure (aka legacy infrastructure) into what is typically termed as a Next-Generation infrastructure. The process of converting or modifying the network elements, end-user services and business-processes of the service provider to achieve the competitive advantages offered by the newer technologies is known as Transformation. This transformation is enabled by Internet Protocol (IP)-based technology. The introduction of the new infrastructure, services and business-processes may or may not be accompanied by the dismantling of the legacy setup.
In cases where service providers are looking to reduce operating expenses in addition to creating new end-user services, elimination of the legacy network becomes a requirement. In these transformation scenarios, carriers replace aging legacy network elements and systems in favor of more efficient technologies. These types of transformation programs may require carriers to transition subscribers and commercial services from the legacy to the new networks.
Transformation Sub-processes
The telecom transformation process is a combination of the following three sub-processes.- Telecom Network Transformation
- End-user Service Transformation
- IT Systems Transformation
While these are the three main categories of network and systems change within the carrier environment, there are additional fundamental changes that service providers will undertake to adapt their business and organization to a new operating model.this telecom provides a seamless access to communicate one mobile to another
Telecom Network Transformation
The Network Transformation sub-process refers to the activities adding new elements in the Core NetworkCore network
A core network, or network core, is the central part of a telecommunication network that provides various services to customers who are connected by the access network. One of the main functions is to route telephone calls across the PSTN....
, Backbone network and Access network
Access network
An access network is that part of a telecommunications network which connects subscribers to their immediate service provider. It is contrasted with the core network, which connects local providers to each other...
. The typical activities include the following:
- Network planning and design
- Equipment/vendor selection
- Verification of equipment through lab-demos, simulations and interoperability testing
- Devising and using network configuration data transfer mechanisms & tools
- Migration planning and implementation
- Network Deployment
- Cut-over plans along with fall-back/roll-back plans
End-user Services Transformation
This sub-process is aimed at ensuring that the services offered in the legacy network and availed by the end-users continue to be available during the transition phase and up to a planned future. This sub-process is also concerned with introduction of new end-user services into the next-generation network. Typical activities include:- Identifying mechanisms to glue legacy services to the new network
- Designing and developing network abstraction layers for implementing new service applications
- Developing proof-of-concept to validate new services in labs
- Developing and executing migration services to transition subscribers from legacy to the new network
IT Systems Transformation
This refers to the sub-process that is involved in aligning the Operations Support SystemOperations support system
Operations support systems are computer systems used by telecommunications service providers. The term OSS most frequently describes "network systems" dealing with the telecom network itself, supporting processes such as maintaining network inventory, provisioning services, configuring network...
and Business Support System infrastructure with the transformed network. The typical set of activities that characterize this sub-process include:
- Streamlining Fulfillment, Assurance and Billing processes
- Rationalizing existing applications to merge, consolidate or retire systems
- Designing and implementing end-to-end solution
See also
- BT 21CNBT 21CNThe 21st Century Network programme is the network transformation project of the UK telecommunications company BT Group plc for data and voice. It had been intended to move BT's telephone network from the present AXE/System X Public Switched Telephone Network to an Internet Protocol system...
: Transformation in British Telecom's network - U-VerseU-VerseAT&T U-verse is a registered service mark under which AT&T offers Internet access, television, and telephone services in various parts of the United States. It began in 2008 to serve mostly residences and small businesses in urban and suburban areas.-Services:...
: Transformation in AT&T's network