Managing Transformation Feature Editorial

Identify Key Assessment Areas to Determine Operational Readiness for IP Transformation

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Service providers are making the move toward transformation to all IP as new technologies and business models are driving the effort. Making this move is not easy and should not be taken lightly. In fact, IP transformation should be approached in such a way that makes sense for both businesses and customers. 

To accomplish this, service providers must identify key areas to determine if they are operationally ready to make the transformation. Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) helps in this process by offering a broad range of business consulting services that include assessment, planning and roadmap services, strategy, operations and technical consultation. In working with a proven provider, the service provider can be better equipped to strategically guide customers in their transformation. There are a number of key assessment areas that must be considered before making any type of move toward an all IP environment. 

The first is network performance and QoS (Quality of Service) analysis. The service provider must assess the networks QoS and its impact on business performance. At this stage, network performance optimization is examined and customer experience improvement options are analyzed. The service provider must then consider site consolidation and mobile backhaul audit and design. A detailed analysis and set of recommendations must be created to achieve footprint reduction, site consolidation and real-estate valorization. The service provider can then build the case for reducing cost per bit and backhaul solutions design that ensures it is ready for next generation access technology and services. Sustainable energy audit and design and high leverage network and IP transformation are also key considerations. 

The service provider should optimize energy usage and evaluate options for implementing eco-friendly power and innovative cooling solutions. A high leverage network and IP transformation plan provides a methodological framework to capture requirements and priorities for a predictable transformation. Final key assessments include application enablement, service creation, monetization, operation and OSS/BSS transformation, and fixed and mobile multimedia. 

Revenue generation is most certainly a key priority, and service providers must also address all aspects of people, process, platform and metrics that are affected with operational transformation. As multimedia is in high demand – and growing – this is a key focus for all service providers. Assessing all key areas before making any changes can be a daunting task and one that many service providers are simply not equipped to accomplish on their own. 

To help meet a growing demand in this space, Alcatel-Lucent offers consulting services specifically designed for this space. Experts from Alcatel-Lucent will work with the service provider to cover all key areas and develop a strategy for transformation that is good for the provider and its customer base.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erin Harrison