Leading Telecommunications Vendors Form Working Group Focused on Active OSS Solutions
Group to Focus on Creating PlugandPlay Framework for NextGeneration Operations Support Systems Applications —
ATLANTA – June 8, 1999 – A group of leading software vendors, hardware vendors and systems integrators to the telecommunications, cable and ISP industries today announced the formation of a working group focused on Active OSS solutions. The purpose of the group is to define a framework for operations support systems and business support systems (OSS/BSS) applications that will best meet the needs of both existing and new service providers as they deploy network services to their customers. Specifically, the group will promote the creation and adoption of interfaces based on Component Object Model (COM) technologies, enabling network equipment providers and software vendors to create new applications that meet the requirements of today’s service providers. Those requirements include increased integration of systems and data, the use of component technology, adaptability to quickly changing market forces, and support for new customer self-service capabilities.
Building on the Active OSS Framework announced by Microsoft Corp. at SUPERCOMM ’98, the working group brings together vendors representing all telecommunications management network (TMN) functional areas including element management, network management, service management and business management. The goal of the group is to deliver true plug-and-play application integration, interface standardization and a community of best-of-breed solutions that can be quickly and easily integrated together or with legacy systems to create complete solutions for service providers.
The current members of the working group are AIMetrix Inc., Arkipelago Inc., BroadJump Inc., CableData Inc., Clarify Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., Daleen Technologies Inc., Eftia OSS Solutions Inc., FORE Systems Inc., FirstTel Systems , Group1 Software Inc., Intertech Management Group Inc., Magellan Network Systems , Mantiss Information Corp., MetaSolv Software Inc., Microsoft , Minacom International Inc., O/E ISP Enterprise Services , Palm Associates Inc., Portal Software Inc., System Management Arts , TransPoint LLC, USHA Communications Technology , Vertel Corp., Visual Networks Inc. and WorldWerx Inc.
The working group operates with open membership that is committed to defining and delivering COM-based interfaces for managing network equipment and the exchange of data between applications. Member benefits include access to interoperability test facilities, access to detailed technical and architectural information, participation in developers’ conferences and co-marketing initiatives.
“As service providers deploy ever more advanced services and networks to meet their customers’ expanding requirements, the need for flexible and functional OSS solutions that enable rapid deployment of new services has never been greater,”
said Jonathan Usher, telecom industry marketing manager for Microsoft.
“Microsoft is pleased to be working with leading industry vendors in this working group on solutions that enable these capabilities for service providers around the world.”
More information, including details about how to participate in the working group, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ISN/events/operations_support_s.asp or by e-mail at [email protected].
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EDITORS’ NOTE, December 30, 2004
— This page has been revised since original publication.