Many communication service providers (CSPs) want to extend their value propositions beyond connectivity, so they’re exploring advanced 5G services, such as cloud gaming and smart manufacturing, to create new monetization opportunities. But delivering these advanced services is significantly more complex that offering voice, data, and text. New, innovative services must be able to integrate with a range of applications and be configured individually to meet customer needs – and then be delivered as simply as a “one-click” purchase for some customers.

However, it’s been a challenge for CSPs to meet these evolving needs with traditional BSS/OSS systems, which are often cumbersome and siloed. The only way forward is to automate as much as possible – from initial ordering to eventual deployment and assurance of these new services; and CSPs must prioritize BSS/OSS transformation today as new entrants continue to bring flexible, cloud-native service operations to the expanding digital ecosystem.

Six key criteria for BSS/OSS transformation to meet enterprise demand in 5G

We believe there are six key pathways forward for CSPs to overhaul legacy BSS/OSS and make them more responsive to enterprise service demand. The good news is that each of these criteria can be implemented without scrapping existing infrastructure.

1. Digital storefronts: Successful CSPs in 5G will be those who make services easy to buy. Several players already use e-commerce platforms through which customers can order customized solutions by selecting individual components. Flexible charging software will be the key to making this work.
    
2. Cloud-native and microservices: BSS and OSS need to be cloud-native and use microservices, which will these systems more scalable, reliable, and adaptable to customer needs. This doesn’t have to be done all at once. It’s possible to start small with individual new apps and build momentum; and a vendor that can help a CSP build an BSS/OSS evolution blueprint based on the CSP’s current cloud maturity will be a valuable partner in this step.
    
3. Software-as-a Service (SaaS) delivery: A monthly subscription model for BSS/OSS delivered over the cloud offers huge financial advantages. There’s a lower total cost of ownership; no requirements for on-premises equipment or maintenance; they’re continually updated; and IT costs are shifted out of capital expenditure into OPEX spending. All of this helps CSPs accelerate the introduction of new enterprise services.
    
4. AI everywhere: AI is an integral element of new-generation BSS and OSS which will power everything from customer recommendations to real-time network optimization and assurance.
    
5. Open APIs: Many of the emerging 5G applications require access to network functions and data – for example, to enable third-party customer support systems to notify customers of any network issues, or to enable an app developer to request a priority service for a cloud gaming service or factory assembly robot.
    
6. Closed loop automation: All of these capabilities are possible in a network environment able to sense and respond to demand. An enterprise customer should be able to visit a CSP’s digital storefront, choose solution components, such as a factory automation solution , and simply click to buy for the solution to self-configure, self-deploy, and self-assure.

These criteria can help CSPs get closer to the vision of ‘business intent service operations’ – where BSS and OSS can automatically adapt to customer requirements with no need for manual intervention.

Rethink BSS and OSS to embrace 5G monetization opportunities

There is no single strategy for CSPs to migrate from legacy, on-premises BSS and OSS to business-intent operations capable of benefiting from 5G monetization opportunities. But as CSPs look to dynamic enterprise verticals as major sources of new revenue, there’s never been a better time to start.