Modernizing Operations Using Microservices
Microservices enable service providers to achieve short-term goals while on the path to a longer, large-scale digital transformation.
Microservices are transforming the way service providers design, manage and deploy infrastructure. Stratecast's white paper, "Microservices: The New Architectural Framework for Communications Software Infrastructure," highlights the increasing adoption of microservices, which, in some way or another, do not necessarily represent a new approach. The idea of breaking down highly complex and large-scale systems into smaller parts has been around for some time.
A microservices-based approach to architecture means constructing applications using a suite of smaller services that can be delivered and managed on their own. Each of these smaller pieces serves a single, or at least narrowed, purpose, such as providing a cloud-based charging function that's pre-integrated with the existing BSS. Because the services are small, their deployment can be independent, automated and quick. Likewise, their size and specific functionality enables their management to be less complex.
While the idea of microservices is not new, the uptick in adoption can be contributed to the overall market's push toward modernized, agile, cloud-based operations. With microservices, service providers can implement the functionality they need in order to meet critical internal or external (customer- or partner-facing) demands. Microservices enable two-speed, or multispeed, architecture, which means service providers can embrace longer, large-scale transformation while simultaneously making small, quick changes to meet short-term objectives. Overall, these characteristics mean service providers can become more agile.
Netcracker has incorporated microservices into the BSS/OSS layer via a cloud-native architecture, which allows service providers to accelerate BSS/OSS deployment across any type of environment (hybrid, public, private cloud). Netcracker's approach uses DevOps and Agile methodologies. Netcracker's method allows service providers to transform at their own pace by starting with specific applications and gradually evolving their entire network through continuous deployment.
Be sure to download Stratecast's white paper for more details about microservices and Netcracker's approach.