The need for inter-domain management to control the network of the future

The current (r)evolution in the network utilisation. from voice to data, from circuit switching to packet switching affects the design of the whole network and creates a number of challenges for established operators as well as a number of opportunities for new entrants. This revolution in the network directly impacts the domain of network management. The new data technologies need to be integrated in the current management infrastructure and in the telecommunications management network (TMN) architecture. Technical issues are not the whole story as process considerations are at least as important. Many different network technologies need to converge at some higher level to allow coordinated and integrated service management, customer care and bibbing. This paper proposes a vision for addressing the challenges the operators face in integrating these multiple technologies: how hey drivers in the operators' environment force them move the implementation of an inter-domain management (IDM) function above the specific technological domains like synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), voice switching, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Internet protcol (IP). The paper explains hour the inter-domain management function interfaces with of her hey domains like accounting management or operaions domains. Ultimately, the purpose is and remains to be able to offer to customers a wide range of network services with a minimum of complexity and a maximum of comfort while enabling the operator to use its infrastructure to the highest efficiency possible.