Tools to Enable Network Operators to Streamline Managing the Multi-Vendor Network

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

In today’s global market, it is not uncommon for companies to be operating within an infrastructure that is supported by a number of different vendors. This is especially true in an environment where acquisitions or mergers have occurred – a common practice in the telecommunications space.

Such an environment is extremely complex, putting a tremendous amount of stress on the IT department as they attempt to effectively and efficiently manage and maintain such a network. Most companies do not have the option of removing all systems and building a streamlined system from the ground up. Instead, they can benefit from an ecosystem of blended solutions that enable streamlined operations and processes.

When companies embrace an ecosystem type of solution, they can effectively streamline the overall concept to implement applications, services and devices that are designed to work together to deliver value to the customer instead of complexity over the wide range of solutions attempting to work in tandem.

The challenge of complexity is especially true as networks are moving toward LTE (News - Alert) networks. IT managers will be challenged to make this migration seamless for customers and users while also ensuring the full value is captured in the solution. A solid ecosystem ensures that the speed of arrival of high-bandwidth services increases through combing the strengths and resources of innovators in infrastructure, devices, applications and content.

The demand growing in the market surrounds mobile connectivity. To meet this demand, network operators must be able to not only keep the network at optimal performance, they must also deliver the same performance and accessibility through mobile platforms. As mobile broadband services are expected to lead and shape tomorrow’s market, companies need access to innovative solutions that deliver anytime, anywhere access, across all devices and networks.

The complexity within the multi-vendor environment can be streamlined through an ecosystem that does so much more than simply combine options. Instead, a powerful ecosystem will drive enhanced business value from the complexity. This can be done by driving top line revenue through increasing the use of wireless data services such as video.

By monetizing third parties and entering the value chain of over-the-top application providers, network operators can increase their competitive advantage. At the same time, they can lower their OPEX (News - Alert), reduce churn by meeting all customers’ needs for communications and entertainment services and leverage assets across networks.

A robust ecosystem can also create new business models, enabling a shift from terminal and service subscriptions to user subscriptions and generating new incremental revenues. In addition, it can accelerate time to market and speed resolution of standards and regulatory issues. In maximizing any of these opportunities, network operators have the power to enhance the business value of a multi-vendor network.

(source: http://next-generation-communications.tmcnet.com/topics/end-to-end-lte/articles/79259-tools-enable-network-operators-streamline-managing-multi-vendor.htm)