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The Market is Ripe for Service Broker Services

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

How important is it for the network provider to rely on a Service Broker? According to a survey released by the Service Broker Forum, there is momentum in this market as service providers recognize they are facing increasing challenges and need proven partners to weather the current storm.

One of the reasons why there is such a growing demand is the reality that service providers are facing new challenges in the market that are demanding network transformation. This transformation is not an easy process, especially while trying to keep quality of service, business models and costs in check. As a result, many network operators are looking to Service Brokers are providing the edge they need in this process.

Findings from this survey revealed that 86 percent of global operators are seriously considering Service Brokers. They are looking to these providers to play a key role in their ongoing strategy for network transformation.

In addition, they are drawn to the ability to leverage the service broker so they can easily and efficiently introduce service innovation. This is a high priority goal within network transformation strategic objectives and service providers are willing to make the investment to get ahead.

Service providers are also considering making use of a Service Broker to leverage existing services and network assets. This is a primary requirement as network operators are moving from traditional to more IP centric architectures.

This rise in demand shouldn’t be surprising for Service Brokers or network operators as there are a number of new challenges at play in the market today. As principal analyst Joe McGarvey notes, operators are seeking to introduce new services to a cross-section of subscribers and to do so, they have to negotiate a labyrinth of protocols, switches and service domains.

As service providers move to advanced IP-based architectures, they also require more flexible and cost effective alternatives to traditional application connectivity models. Service Brokers answer this call in the provision of real-time horizontal service delivery and the control layer. This allows for the mediation and orchestration of services over a full range of networks and application platforms.

With cores market challenges in place, it time for Service Brokers to begin to gain traction in the market, providing mechanisms for equalizing the service creation and agility in the delivery of new services and applications by operators and Web-based service providers. By presenting clearly the values that they offer, Services Brokers can take advantage of growing opportunities.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Stefanie Mosca