In recent years, we have seen the integration of multiple technologies transform the entire network landscape around the globe. The most recent & major players in this field are OSS (operations support systems & BSS) and BSS (business support systems). These two systems can also be called the foundation stones of telecommunications, which are actually a collection of hardware and software tools. 

Today the world is becoming more rapidly digitized and connected. As a result, virtualization, microservices, and adaptive security models have become the key elements of today’s network design. Therefore, this resulted in the increased significance of the Internet of Things.

This blog will discuss and highlight more about the most recent and remarkable advancements in the IoT world.

Read on and stick till the end to learn more about:

• The significant telecom systems (BSS and OSS) 
• How BSS & OSS Systems can support your business to accelerate growth, optimize performance, and increase revenue. 

The Next Generation of OSS/BSS Platforms: Built for IoT

Operational Support System (OSS) and Business Support System (BSS) platforms are key components of network connectivity and management, often transparent to end users. 

Operational Support System (OSS): An OSS that focuses on networks and services is typically used by network planners, service designers, and engineering teams. It orchestrates and automates back-office network management functions.

Business Support System (BSS): Business support systems include applications that support business, revenue, and customer relationship activities. OSS and BSS provide all the functionality a service provider needs to operate a network and sell services.

Advanced IoT-driven Support Systems

The new standard for network operators is the ability to securely connect, activate and monitor IoT devices at scale in a multi-tenant, multi-vendor environment – ​​and across a wide range of applications. 

Nowadays, network providers must be able to manage network server OSS/BSS functions, packet core, data streaming, security, radio access network (RAN) performance, and adaptive data rates of end devices (RF tuning). 

In addition, the carrier-provided IoT application management environment should enable efficient gateway deployment and provide scalable and secure tools for device onboarding, application service deployment, and visualization.

Engage In The IoT Ecosystem In a Flexible Way

‘IoT partner enablement in BSS: Preparing CSPs for New IoT Market Opportunities’, a study by Analysys Mason (leading management consultancy focused on TMT), claims that a change in Business Support Systems (BSS) is required to optimize positioning in the IoT value chain. 

Their opinion is that it is important to consider options other than simply providing connectivity services to attract and retain the best IoT partners effectively.

Moreover, monetizing offerings is crucial for accelerating the adoption of contemporary BSS partner management platforms. 

The report’s main conclusions are as follows:

• In order to survive and remain relevant, CSPs (Communication service providers) must view support for IoT ecosystem business models as strategically important.
• To improve their support for developing IoT applications and business models, CSPs must get ready to transform their BSS partner management platforms specifically for IoT within the next two years.
• Enterprises must recognize how crucial it is to support tech-forward IoT-based business models for CSPs’ BSS platform capabilities.

Also Read: IoT Ecosystem – What is it & What are Its Key Elements

Enabling CSPs To Create Revolutionary IoT Business Solutions

As 5G IoT solutions improve business outcomes for enterprises, they can also aid CSPs in maximizing their ROI. Innovative use cases across industries are difficult to create because they must consider pricing strategies, the total cost of ownership (TCO), and benefits.

It’s time for CSPs to ensure that their BSS solutions are prepared to support the new value that 5G will bring. Now that 5G monetization models have been optimized, CSPs can find the right partners, coordinate solid transactions, and support the advanced, data-driven decision-making necessary to support developing IoT opportunities and use cases.

The 5G Revolution Is Coming. Is Your Business Support System Ready?

Did you know? Most 5G revenue depends on BSS transformation. We could probably close the blog here and save both of us some time, but let’s add a little more context and direction to the conversation.

IoT is an opportunity for CSPs to expand their service models and integrate value-added services that move them away from pure connectivity providers into digital service providers. You should understand what we mean when we say IoT-ready. It’s all about preparing your business for the IoT-driven 5G future.

Also Read: 5G – the catalyst for innovation in IoT

Beyond Connectivity

With 5G, the IoT extends connectivity to devices, systems, and things. As a digital service provider, you want to handle new and exciting used cases, such as medical devices for healthcare, smart meters for utilities, and agricultural irrigation. Think of more solutions like Smart Cities that combine all these use cases. It’s a whole new world!

Third-Party Integrations

Traditional business management systems serve as a communication layer and billing system for you and your clients. IoT, on the other hand, has to be prepared for anything and invites more partners into the conversation right from the start.

Future-Oriented Pricing Models

It’s also important to consider dynamic pricing and how you will enable that feature for your customer. Think of a well-accepted business model like Airbnb. An overnight stay costs customers more during peak hours than off-peak hours. This is a long-standing business model that should surprise no one. However, recently even during off-peak hours, the algorithm can raise the price to meet demand if there’s a sudden rush for a particular city. Conversely, if a rental property remains vacant in the high season, the price may drop to encourage travellers to book. This can happen dozens of times a day.

The IoT makes this possible for all conceivable networked business models and allows data to be priced based on supply and demand. But just because the IoT says yes doesn’t mean your BSS will allow it. Traditional CSPs will have to deal with a traditional pricing model without being able to benefit from a peak in demand.

Supporting Smart Business Growth

With so many services to connect with the rise of IoT, an IoT-ready BSS should include an intelligent Customer Relationship Management platform (CRM) with a 360-degree view of the user. This way, organizations can create funnels for upselling subscribers based on their usage history and leverage metrics such as retention and upsell opportunities. The customer-centric element of this all-in-one CRM also allows a forward-thinking business to leverage communications and bring together an end-to-end user experience.

Most Popular Questions 

Question: What are OSS and BSS in 5G?

Answer: Operational Support Systems/Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS) are at the heart of the telecom business and will be heavily impacted by 5G-based applications and services.

Question: What is the difference between OSS and BSS?

Answer: To put simply, OSS covers the operations and network side of telecoms, while BSS covers the business and customer side.

Question: How does BSS & OSS work?

Answer: Communication service providers support a wide range of services and functions with their OSS/BSS. BSS mainly includes order entry, customer relationship management, and telecom billing. While OSS covers order management, network inventory management, and network operations.

If Your BSS Isn’t IoT-Ready, You Aren’t Either!

It may sound rude, but the IoT differs from traditional mobile connectivity. If you don’t have the kit, you’ll have to stay away from the game. If you don’t have a next-generation cloud-based low-code BSS designed for the complexity of operations covered by the IoT, you’ll lose your ground. Instead, if you have it, it will give you visibility and control from the start. So think about the difference it can make!

Want to chat with our experts about your IoT roadmap? Let’s schedule a call.

 

 

 

 

 

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