The Cloud-Native Journey Expands 5G Growth
Cloud-native BSS/OSS can drastically speed development and deployment while improving scalability and security.
Operators must use cutting-edge transformation software to move beyond connectivity and offer new services for greater revenue growth in the 5G era. The BSS/OSS of the future must intelligently unify edge cloud, monetize different cloud domains, automate virtual RAN and leverage partner-centric revenue streams for multiple verticals. Operators should develop cloud-native BSS/OSS with five fundamental characteristics to support 5G services.
Cloud-Native Architecture
Cloud-native architectures use microservices to provide unprecedented flexibility, eliminating the need for monolithic solutions so that full-stack solutions or specific best-of-breed components can be deployed as needed. The multitenancy of the cloud builds consistent processes across a company and scales based on service demands to minimize customizations and significantly reduce development investments, resulting in lower TCO.
Ultra-Low Latency
The online charging systems of BSS must evolve to support charging for the ultra-low latency services of 5G, such as AR/VR or Industry 4.0 applications. Ultra-low latency is also crucial in driving the evolution of OSS to support automation and edge cloud services, including Open RAN, MEC applications, 5G network slicing and multicloud platforms.
Flexible Deployment
Cloud-native BSS/OSS for 5G must also achieve continuous operations and zero downtime with rolling updates for uninterrupted introduction of new versions of microservices and minimized hardware consumption. BSS/OSS vendors for 5G services must be able to support diverse deployments to match the needs of operators worldwide, including the following scenarios:
- Maintaining several versions of the same microservice to ensure stability and rollbacks if necessary
- Rolling out new code and features to small groups of users as an initial test
Advanced Security
The increased connectivity of the cloud makes cloud security a paramount issue. Cloud-native BSS/OSS must employ an industry-leading security framework that applies strict security policies across infrastructure, development lifecycles and operations to protect customer data and guarantee regulatory compliance regardless of location.
Partner-Driven Growth
Moving from costly proprietary technologies to open-source tools and databases like PostgreSQL and Cassandra is another important aspect of BSS/OSS for 5G services. Conforming to the data models, APIs and specs of industry standards organizations, such as TM Forum, helps operators achieve mission-critical interoperability and support a partner-centric ecosystem of service delivery. An operator BSS should be able to support diverse partnership models and multiparty compensation with partner, agreement and contract management.
Cloud-native BSS/OSS vendors must also be able to work with service providers in continuous joint development initiatives with DevOps and CI/CD methodologies. Customers can influence product development, build their own microservices and integrate them with their own solution for maximum flexibility and adaptability.