Editor's note: Service delivery platforms (SDPs) are transforming the way telecom service providers have operated their networks for decades. As legacy services, operations, systems and networks are replaced with these software-driven frameworks, the traditionally separate IT and telecom networking worlds are also converging.
The whole point of transitioning separate legacy networks into one next-generation network IP architecture is to sell next-generation services. Unless service providers can take advantage of their converged network infrastructure to get a good return on investment (ROI), there's no reason to change decades of traditional five-nines telecom services.
The question is how to get there from here. One answer is investing in SDPs to create flexible, personalized next-generation services. The success of next-generation networks will be decided by how services are created and sustained in this new environment, which makes this new convergence the most important one of all.
The following articles in this holistic guide by telecom industry consultant Tom Nolle address how SDPs fit into next-generation network architecture and the business advantages they provide for carriers.
Next-gen
services convergence hinges on SDP common elements
If telecom service providers are to see the real value of IP network convergence and move away from
separate legacy networks to service-independent networks, emphasis needs to go beyond the network
architecture to focus on common elements that can be used to help monetize the IP network
investment and make new service creation flexible and efficient.
Service
delivery platforms enable service differentiators
Software-based SDPs can allow network operators speedy service deployment and validation, as well
as offer differentiated services that increase revenue and customer value. Service providers can
also capitalize on the information they have about customer preferences to increase ARPU and
customer value.
Advanced
service creation requires new network model
SDPs enable advanced service creation using a new model that separates service and applications
control layers in the network from the transport layer, using middleware to connect four key
communications elements.
Service
delivery platforms facilitate advanced service management
Network operators are dependent on the processes that support lifecycle management of cross-network
services and their components. SDPs facilitate an advanced service management vision by offering
APIs and protocols that connect to OSS/BSS, network equipment and other service resources.
SDPs drive
business goals to increase network value
SDPs can help telecom carriers make their networks more valuable to customers by adapting flexible
services customized to individual customer behavior without causing performance and operations
problems that would overwhelm the opportunity with costs.
This was first published in August 2009