Virtual Unified Service Model

Recognising the need for an innovation capable of dealing with complex operational and technical issues, Ontology Systems have dispensed with traditional approaches to integration, schema mapping and modelling.   

The result is OSS/CAD - an agile, practical, software suite that semantically tags existing systems and legacy data. Rather than using the traditional approach of schema mapping in a tightly coupled Unified Service Model, loosely coupled systems are joined using a shared semantic framework. The benefits of this approach include: 

  • Legacy data can be immediately translated into a format OSS/CAD can classify and reinterpret.

  • Semantic technology identifies significant data by higher order classification. Doing away with the necessity for a master schema by providing a virtual Unified Service Model ensures data (with minimal pre-defined structures) can be imported into OSS/CAD.

  • The virtual Unified Service Model gives service providers a blueprint of their applications, systems, data silos, customers and the logical relationship between them.

  • The use of semantic models allows the user to modify the OSS/CAD by using a graphically represented, external model to avoid code changes and recompilation of the OSS system.

  • OSS/CAD presents systems which are loosely coupled, reducing both the cost and risk of making changes.

  • The ontological model dispenses with the initial design phase used in traditional data federation projects. Instead, the Unified Service Model is controlled by the OSS/CAD user.

  • Service providers can combine semantics with domain-specific knowledge to interpret the validity, usability and integrity of data across their OSS and BSS infrastructure.      

Solutions Diagram

Fundamentally, OSS/CAD gives service providers an incremental, practical way to deftly avoid the development and costs normally associated with OSS transformation programmes. With a radical new way to interpret and query their data, service providers can maximise the legacy data held within their infrastructure, whilst minimise the need for altering their operational supports systems.

OSS/CAD USM Capabilities 

By using OSS/CAD to recast service provider’s applications as a virtual Unified Service Model, the traditional rigidity, up front development costs, brittleness and risk of failure involved in OSS transformations, can be avoided.  Key features of the Unified Service Model approach include:   

  • Modelling & managing services - OSS/CAD operators can generate multiple Unified Service Models in order to present a complete service inventory. By directly querying legacy applications via a service inventory, service providers are provided with a single service view of their entire OSS. 

  • Data integrity - The underlying ontological model can intelligently interpret where data integrity has been breached.

  • SIA and Change Management - OSS/CAD’s query and analysis tools can provide Service Impact Analysis; both as a response to fault information and as an aid to Change Management planning and processes.  

In essence, a Unified Service Model based around semantic technologies provides: 

  • A natural evolution to next generation OSS; without the high risk of standard ‘big bang’ transformations.

  • Much more effective control of current services and systems.

  • Assurance that systems will operate as they should, without errors.

  • Peace of mind that services can be offered to customers in the knowledge SLAs can be met.


 

Clearly, carriers realize that the biggest hurdle to achieving nimble service delivery architecture is their siloed, disparate BSS and OSS systems. Carriers that can create a seamless order-to-cash-to-care process through technology integration will more easily achieve the holy grail of customer-centricity sought by every carrier around the globe.
Arinjam Banerjee
Director, Enabling Technologies Service Provider Software Solutions
Yankee Group, 2008