Multimedia Feature Editorial

Ecosystem Turns Complexity Into Value

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Mobile consumers are demanding more from network operators than they ever have in the past, including rich, high-bandwidth content on multiple screens. While providing such content can drive strong revenue streams for network operators, working with multiple vendors to make it happen can cause a significant amount of complexity.

So, why are multiple vendors necessary if they bring complexity, which can translate easily into headache? First, Internet traffic is rapidly increasing and while consumers want more and more all the time, they don't want their price to steadily increase. Therefore, the network operator must be able to contain and control growth. 3G networks have carried the bulk of the load, but are not sufficient to go the long term in carrying larger volumes of lower-value data, making upgrades necessary.

The demand for open access is steadily increasing, providing more accessibility for consumers and revenue opportunities for network operators. To maximize such opportunities, however, network operators must change their business models and provide scalability, agility and QoS in these models and applications. This is best accomplished when partnering with proven players.

With the understanding that the network operator cannot tackle consumer demands all alone, the next step is to determine how to incorporate multiple vendors into one environment without causing more problems than they are meant to avoid. The solution: a proven ecosystem of solution providers who work together to develop innovative options that work together for the benefit of the network operator.

An ecosystem is designed to bring together a wide range of companies who collaborate on everything from research to sales and marketing. This not only ensures the network operators are working with providers who offer products that will interoperate, they also know these companies have gone beyond standard practices to understand the market, the challenges the operator faces and how to maximize performance to capitalize on opportunities.

This is the concept behind the ng Connect program. Founded by Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert), this ecosystem of value players creates an environment for collaboration and innovative development that benefits all involved. Not only do these companies work together to identify market opportunities, they understand market challenges, consumer demands and the complexities of integration.

With such a knowledge base in place, the network operator is much better equipped to move to a new business model and drive new revenue streams in an ever-changing mobile environment. As a result, the operator will be able to leverage the complexities of a multi-vendor network and drive enhanced value for the customer and the bottom line.

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