Telecommunications industry has come a long way…..Basics…..part 1
After my recent blog "The telecom ecosystem is changing....Can BPM help?", I have been pondering over the 'What' and 'How' of my next blog (which is this very blog you are reading). Today, there are many events (change factors) taking place in the telecom industry. I believe, it is prudent to have a basic understanding of all the events, to appreciate the 'new' telecom industry and role of BPM-EAI products.
I now know what I would write in this blog and the ones to come. Consider this as the first part (in a series of blogs) that I would write to unravel the Telecom industry - covering basic Industry understanding, latest technological trends, challenges, and how does BPM-EAI fit in. I am tempted to start with technology trends and BPM-EAI, but I would start from the basics….building up with each blog. So let us start….
Telecommunication services:-
Telecommunications has come a long way from the days when a Telecom operator was a firm providing pure phone services. Chances are that today, the same operator would be bundling a plethora of services that are not limited to phone services. Sometimes, I ask my self 'What sectors (read business verticals) would Telecommunications cover?". I believe, telecommunications would encompass firms providing the following services:-
- Broadband and Wireless Internet (Internet Service Providers)
- Phone services (Wireless and Wire line)
- Television (Media and Entertainment)
- Value added services (on-demand services, mobile banking, etc.)
Why do I say so ? Today, I can buy a bundle of services from a single operator. E.g. BSNL (Indian Telecom PSU) today can give me a broadband service, IPTV and a landline (PSTN) or mobile (Wireless- cellular) connection. Or Airtel (Private Telecom Player) can give me the same services along with satellite TV ! What you are witnessing here is 'convergence' of services and technologies.
Technology landscape:-
Most operators maintain multiple networks for different services. These networks are managed by multiple IT systems. Broadly speaking, the IT Systems in place manage everything - Networks, Customers, Suppliers, product lifecycle , and other support functions. And believe me, this is a very complicated system. You can have a look at the Applications map at the tmforum Application Framework website.
These multiple networks have created complex management problems, and maintenance issues. Multiple IT systems have created data islands that make it difficult to get a 360 degree view.
To summarize - 'Telecom operators today create and manage multiple networks to provide multiple services (covering voice, data, & video). Multiple IT systems are used to manage the overall functioning of an operator'.
This would be all for now.....
