Challenges in designing and integrating a multi-operations systems solution

Technology advances have created new demands and new opportunities for telecommunication providers to offer a wide range of services over increasingly diverse networks. The management and operation of such complex networks have become major challenges. Because of the diversity of equipment in these networks, it is common for service providers to use several different systems to perform typical functions, such as provisioning, maintenance, trouble management, reporting, and billing. This, in turn, requires telecommunication vendors to provide their customers with simpler and more effective complete solutions to handle their day-to-day operations. Consequently, the ability to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive end-to-end operations systems solution has become a competitive differentiator for network suppliers. This paper discusses solutions to a number of challenges encountered in successfully integrating multiple operations systems into one solution and thereby delivering high-quality products to customers. (C) 2004 Lucent Technologies Inc.