An operations support system (OSS) is an IT or computer system that communication service providers use to manage their networks and, along with business support systems (BSSs), serve customers. This report examines the trends in OSS evolution (particularly in 5G), outline the market opportunities that OSS vendors must support in 5G, and illustrate how the OSS software must change to support emerging market needs. Detailed profiles of four leading OSS providers are included.

The focus of OSSs is on supporting network operations through management functions such as network inventory, service provisioning, network configuration, and fault management. BSSs support customer-facing activities; revenue, customer, product, and order management have been the traditional core set of BSS processes. There are several reasons why a modern OSS based on next-generation technologies is critical for the success of 5G. Significant underlying changes to the network architecture, along with emergence of new operational and business models in 5G, are the prime reasons expected to drive OSS transformation.

Author: Vikrant Gandhi