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Network Element Provider Customer Solutions

FAQ for OSS Network Integration Services

What are Telcordia OSS Network Integration Services?
Equipment manufacturers that offer Network Elements (NEs) and Operations Systems (OSs) to the RBOCs must be certain that these products interoperate with the RBOCs' large embedded base of operations systems. These operations systems provide mechanized support for the various services.

To help meet these requests, a modification procedure for Telcordia, OSMINE Services was established. OSMINE Services (Heritage) are processes that integrates equipment manufacturers' network elements or products with Telcordia-developed heritage and next generation network operations systems. These Services support the RBOC requirement for "automated flowthrough" in their networks.

Why the need for Network Integration Services?
When developing a new product or enhancement, equipment manufacturers have to be certain that it will function properly when implemented in a network. Products must be developed so they can be supported on multiple software platforms and multiple environments. This is especially true with telecommunications equipment. If equipment manufacturers plan to sell their products and have them implemented into the Regional Bell Operating Companies' (RBOCs) networks, these products must have operations systems flowthrough support or automation. In a nut shell, flowthrough is the provisioning of services to RBOC customers on an automated basis. This is accomplished through the interaction of a number of Telcordia Technologies supplied operations systems. The goal is to provide service with the least amount of human involvement possible. Flowthrough support is critical to the RBOCs because it enables them to provide Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) of services in a timely fashion and on a volume basis. Without flowthrough, the OAM&P functions are done manually - a slow, inefficient, and costly process. It is an advantage to equipment manufacturers to offer products that are Network Integration ready to meet the needs and expectations of their customers.

What Products Will Typically Have to Go Through the Network Integration Services Process?
NEs and OSSs have to go through the OSMINE Services process. NEs traditionally fall into four major categories: transport; access; switching; and data. NE products include digital facility terminals, digital loop carrier terminals, digital cross-connect systems, Synchronous Optical Networks (SONETs), Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexers (DWDMs), add-drop multiplexers, circuit switches, signal transfer points, routers, and packet switches. Many of the NEs have new operations capabilities, as well as unique physical characteristics, and contain varying amounts of internal memory that define transmission parameters, software options, and working connections and translations.

As part of the OSS Network Integration Services process, Telcordia offers project management and account executive support to develop an operations systems package for the equipment manufacturer's products. Telcordia project managers will work with the equipment manufacturer and our OS teams to reduce cost and provide on-site representation of the equipment manufacturer's issues. The project manager will facilitate the communication flow between the equipment manufacturer and our OSS Technical Staff.

Why are Telcordia OSS Network Integration Services Important to Equipment Manufacturers?
Products that have been through the OSS Network Integration process have greater marketability and salability to the RBOC client. The process also helps ensure that the product will integrate with the embedded OSS systems when a product is deployed. Thus, the RBOC customers now have automation or flowthrough support. In addition, the equipment manufacturer can have multiple product lines or network elements that are OSMINE Services supported. At Telcordia, the equipment manufacturer can also be assured that all products and features are kept confidential.

What benefits do equipment manufacturers receive by going through the OSS Network Integration Services process?

  • Enables network products to operate seamlessly with service provider who have deployed Telcordia OSSs
  • Better positions Network Element Providers in the US $26 Billion market
  • Increases marketability of equipment to service provider market
  • Network Element Providers control when and what features are supported
  • Provides complete “flowthrough solutions” interoperating with Telcordia OSS Solution to meet market needs
  • Initial investment enables interconnection to multiple service provider networks with common OSSs
  • The current market requirement is for high volume systems which in turn results in high volume NE sales

What are Telcordia’s deliverables after the OSS Network Integration process is complete?

  • Interface testing degree of compatibility and incompatibility between products and Telcordia OSS systems
  • Consultation to help the equipment manufacturer understand interface requirements and Telcordia OSs implementation of those generic interface requirements
  • Development of equipment manufacturer specific reference data that is done for the inclusion of Telcordia OSSs
  • Database and software modification in which Telcordia OSSs accommodate the entry of OS-NE specific data
  • Circuit design updates
  • Development of methods, procedures, and job aids applicable to the equipment manufacturer's products that interface with Telcordia OSSs

With Network Integration Services, software testing is performed to confirm that new capabilities and interface specifications work and function properly. Testing usually takes place before, during, and after the OSS modification process. In addition, Telcordia writes and provides documentation for OSS modifications to the equipment manufacturer and the service provider (RBOC). This consulting will walk the equipment manufacturer through the process. It is important that the equipment manufacturer contact the Telcordia Account Executive or the OSMINE Services project management for their account.

What OSSs are impacted and what happens to the OSSs?
OSS interfaces are identified and developed. These include Telcordia OSS interfaces to the equipment manufacturer product and, in some cases, OSS to OSS interfaces to communicate equipment manufacturer product data from one OS to another. Telcordia also develops equipment manufacturer specific issues regarding Telcordia OSS Consultation, Reference Data, and OS databases. The OSSs impacted will depend on the complexity of network element or product enhancements. Common OSSs that require modifications through OSS Network Integration Services are:

  • LFAC
  • TIRKS System
  • SWITCH
  • NMA
  • Transport Element Activation Manager (TEMS)
  • Network Configuration Manager
  • Surveillance Manager
  • Network Performance Monitor
  • Network Capacity Manager

What is the relationship between the CLEI Code Process and the OSMINE Services Process?
If COMMON LANGUAGE® codes (CLEI codes) are needed for mechanized support of an equipment manufacturer NE or OS have not yet been developed, the equipment manufacturer should obtain them before the start of the OSMINE Services process. COMMON LANGUAGE® codes can be obtained from Telcordia under processes separate from OSMINE Services.