Responding to the rapid convergence of voice and data networks, Cisco Systems and Cap Gemini announced the immediate availability of an all-in-one support framework permitting rapid launch of new IP (Internet Protocol) services.
Called "OSS Solution Sets," the framework ensures carrier-grade quality and logistical and administration support to integrate previously separate voice and data networks into a single, seamless network based on IP protocol. OSS refers to Operations Support Systems, or the basic information systems infrastructure used by all service providers to manage, monitor, provision and guarantee the quality of network services.
Cisco and Cap Gemini also announced the opening of OSS Solution labs in Woking, in the U.K., and in Paris, France at Cap Gemini locations where Cisco will support Cap Gemini`s evolution and enhancement of the OSS solutions, along with a purpose built OSS lab at Cisco`s newly opened building in Stockley Park, Uxbridge in the UK.
Co-developed by the two companies, the pre-integrated framework blends systems integration services and best-of-breed package implementations to save service providers time and money in the race to transform their existing networks for combined voice and data services. OSS, or Operations Support Systems, are not new. But for most service providers, they have been developed internally, with existing systems unable to provide the flexibility for serving customers interactively, or for delivering voice and data services on the same network. By comparison, the OSS Solution Sets use an architectural model and service-mapping framework to allow flexible adaptation of off-the-shelf software packages to existing OSS applications and application components.
As leaders in Internet technology, Cisco and Cap Gemini are providing the thought leadership in the technical architecture required by service providers to manage voice/data convergence. Cap Gemini is the primary services delivery mechanism for the OSS solutions. By working together, the two companies provide the reduced-cost and high reliability benefits of pre-integrated products that fully support open standards.
Additionally, the companies offer application and cost models to help service providers leverage existing investments and clarify the business case for rapid network conversion to Internet Protocol.
"Since we are both leaders in our chosen fields, the solutions that result from us working together will enable Service Providers to deploy optimal new world IP-based services quickly and at maximum speed. Ultimately, the OSS solution ensures that Internet users benefit from the wealth of new voice and data services, the technology offered by using Cisco`s New World OSS Architecture. The complementary skills that Cisco and Cap Gemini bring to their "OSS Solutions Sets" offering are an excellent working example of the Cisco partner `Ecosystem`," said Steve Whipps, Director Alliances and Operations EMEA, of Cisco Systems.
Phil Blades, who heads the OSS development project for Cap Gemini, said that "Cap Gemini has brought all of its telecom and systems integration experience to bear in building an integrated solution set for OSS and BSS in the new world IP infrastructure.
"What we have built is a pre-packaged solution to the integration and workflow issues around complex processes and applications," Blades said.
"We believe this is unique, and will bring positive benefits to those people faced with the challenges of designing, implementing and managing such environments."
Alain Gerset, manager of market planning at Cap Gemini Telecom & Media, said, "It is important to stress the fact that OSS and BSS are totally intertwined in IP."
"You can no longer buy a single package and worry about the integration and information sharing later," Gerset said. "No one else has an Ecosystem that pulls together market- leading solutions based on hardware platforms such as Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems and independent software vendors such as Architel, Concord, Hewlett Packard (OEMF), Micromuse, Portal Software, and Riversoft, among others."
Partners Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems have been particularly instrumental in their provision of technology support to the Cap Gemini OSS Solutions labs in the UK and in France. Ends
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