13.1 Introduction

Designing and building a large IP network is only a part of creating a carrier-scale IP network. The other significant part, without which no network could be called carrier-scale, is the operational support systems (OSS) the collection of systems that are used to deliver and manage the network and its services. The effectiveness and the integration of the OSS has a direct impact on the quality of the services and the profitability of the network. In a carrier-scale environment, the OSS has to be a scalable system. With IP networks, new services are continuously being developed with the consequence that the OSS needs continuous redevelopment. This chapter describes the OSS, its relationship to the network and services, and methods for streamlining its design and future development.

The Internet protocol (IP) domain is one of rapid change, vigorous growth and stiff competition. Change is having an impact upon technology, market opportunities and service offerings, vigorous growth is occurring in traffic and numbers of customers, and competition is rife between numerous different Internet service providers (ISPs). In mid-1999 there were around 420 ISPs in the UK [1]. This number continues to change with new entrants to the market and the consolidation of others into larger groupings. BT's goal is to be at the forefront of providing innovative customer services supported by highly efficient operational processes.

BT's growing range of IP services includes fixed and dial access, point-to-point and...