The Second Wind for BSS: How to Adapt It to 5G and IoT

In this Article:

1. How technologies affect BSS transformation

2. What Should You Focus on to Tailor BSS to the New Reality

2.1 Microservices architecture

2.2 Digital service platform

2.3 Enhanced digital experiences

3. Embracing the potential of 5G Cloud with upgraded digital BSS

4. BSS Transformation: Where to Start?

5. Critical steps for a successful BSS transformation

5.1 Identify existing deficiencies

5.2 Legacy application integration

5.3 Rigorous testing

6. The Bottom Line

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A few years ago, Ericsson helped Vodafone Egypt to perform BSS transformation, making it flexible and seamless. They joined forces to ensure IoT and 5G readiness.

Meanwhile, what should you do with your BSS to prepare for technology implementation?

We aim to tell you about it during the next five minutes. Scroll down to discover what BSS would suit 5G and IoT and where to start your transformation.

How technologies affect BSS transformation

The introduction of the 5G BSS architecture has initiated a remarkable transformation compared to its predecessor, LTE (Long Term Evolution). As we look ahead to the upcoming year, we can anticipate the rise of innovative network architectures that will showcase substantial advancements in this cutting-edge technology. These developments will create a new era of possibilities, setting the stage for remarkable progress in the telecommunications industry.

CSPs are transforming business processes to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like 5G, IoT, AI/ML Ops, and Cloud. This strategic move aims to expand their market presence and offer unparalleled benefits to their users. The year 2023 is marked by a strong focus on creating customized experiences. Businesses leverage real-time data through solutions like BSS digital transformation to engage with customers and deliver their finest services, ultimately enhancing customer value.

Considering the wide range of opportunities presented by 5G, CSPs are currently directing increased resources toward this transformative technology. Over the next five years, the telecommunications industry is projected to invest $1.9 trillion in fixed and mobile networks and operations. However, it is noteworthy that a substantial portion, approximately 66.3% of their revenues, will be allocated towards operating expenses related to the implementation of 5G.

What Should You Focus on to Tailor BSS to the New Reality

Microservices architecture

The majority of Business Support Systems remain monolithic. This architecture also has some pros. However, now CSPs face some significant challenges making them migrate. It's arduous to tailor legacy BSS to the new 5G IoT reality since it doesn't match the core principles of these technologies' operation.

Communication service providers have two ways to do with their monolith-based BSS considering 5G and IoT implementation: to transform or leave it as is. The case is that it's not a solution to uplift the burden on any legacy system because, sooner or later, it will stop working. Its crash will lead to long-term and costly downtime.

Meanwhile, microservices can change the approach to BSS business processes and help companies implement 5G IoT easier. Owing to its peculiarities, this architecture will provide your BSS with the desired flexibility, scalability, and performance.

Microservice-based BSS is favorable for 5G and IoT implementation since it ensures a smooth operation, excellent integration with all involved systems, and real-time data processing.

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Digital service platform

CSPs need one more innovation to get the most out of IoT and 5G. They should transform their legacy BSS into a well-designed digital service platform. It's like gathering all components under one roof, allowing employees and customers to boost their user experience.

BSS's digital service platform is more intelligent. Due to the convenient interface, it will help users perform their duties or solve their issues faster. Moreover, it can also provide an appropriate level of accessibility and run all the processes using only the management point.

Frequently, CSPs use low code platforms, like XME.fast code one, to set up digital service platforms faster. This approach allows businesses to speed up time to market, save development costs and focus on customization, not creating from scratch.

Digital service platform helps set up 5G and IoT by creating an ecosystem where technologies, software, processes, and people exchange data. Meanwhile, 5G and IoT are catalysts of all customer business processes.

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Enhanced digital experiences

Modern BSS will boost your customers' experience. They can pay for subscriptions faster, receive personalized offers, use convenient channels and services, and communicate fruitfully with your customer support agent.

Excellent digital experience works in your favor, broadening the loyal audience and opening more business development opportunities.

IoT BSS and 5G BSS here will only support your customer-centric direction. They ensure you with the approaches and tools to:

• collect valuable data on client behavior and preferences

• launch successful marketing campaigns

• provide room for a new commercial offering

• uplift the service provision speed

This variety of options helps clients receive customer-centric quality services and the company - remain to flourish in highly competitive conditions and a dynamic market.

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Embracing the potential of 5G Cloud with upgraded digital BSS

In the years to come, the telecommunications industry will prioritize service-based revenues, emphasizing the development of agility and establishing a sustainable support system. Implementing cloud-based software solutions within Telecom Business Support Systems is crucial to enhance business outputs and drive efficiencies that carve out a distinct market presence.

5G has bridged the gaps left by previous networks like 4G, revolutionizing connectivity between devices by simultaneously accommodating more users. Leveraging the power of high-performance tools, Telecom Digital BSS Solutions will streamline its operations and take center stage. Adopting Cloud systems will grant users the flexibility to deploy their business needs and leverage multiple resources across various channels.

Unlike its predecessor, 4G, which required intricate processes, signals, and dedicated service providers, 5G has eliminated these constraints. Consequently, in the upcoming year, CSPs can expect to phase out their data centers, reducing operational costs gradually.

On top of that, by implementing network slicing, operators would be able to adapt to the unique demands of targeted clients, creating new income streams through differentiated services. Because of its increased network cell density, 5G has the potential to provide a smooth transition to a Digital BSS.

BSS Transformation: Where to Start?

Before you upgrade your BSS in any suitable way, profoundly discover your current conditions. It will help you to reveal your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

Each case is different, and there's no standard for ensuring BSS readiness. However, a few crucial directions will help you define the entry point.

• Product Catalog: The centralized and well-designed catalog can simplify product management, fulfillment, and charging. Since the core CSP's asset is its offering, the product catalog is one of the first things a company should consider when boosting its BSS.

• Online charging system: This software ensures seamless real-time charging and proper control over all involved processes and documents. You will benefit from IoT and 5G when this system works like a Swiss clock.

• Billing system: It's the core one connecting with various back-office systems (including frequently legacy ERP and CRM), processing all documentation accompanying payments for service provision. Optimized processes there allow CSPs to use the full potential of 5G and IoT by eliminating blockers.

You may also like: Digital BSS in Telecom Industry 2023 

Critical steps for a successful BSS transformation

Embarking on a BSS transformation journey holds tremendous potential but requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. It's essential to recognize that it entails more than merely upgrading IT software; it necessitates a holistic reinvention of the entire business strategy. To implement a successful BSS transformation project, consider the following key steps.

Identify existing deficiencies

Begin by assessing the shortcomings of your current system. Understand where the pain points lie and determine how the new BSS solution can effectively address and alleviate these challenges. This awareness will help guide your transformation strategy.

Legacy application integration

Evaluate the compatibility of your legacy applications with the new system. Identify potential integration points and assess if any interoperability measures need to be implemented. Ensuring a seamless interaction between the new and existing components is crucial for a smooth transition.

Rigorous testing

Establish a robust testing process to validate the functionality and security of the new BSS system. Early and comprehensive testing is essential to identify and address issues before the system goes live. This approach will help maintain a positive customer experience and safeguard against cyber threats during and after the transition.

The Bottom Line

BSS remains one of the core points for CSPs to begin their digital transformation and tailor the entire system to new technologies. To perform that process smoothly, companies should perform:

• step-by-step migration from monolith to microservices

• turn their legacy BSS into a cutting-edge digital service platform

• create a favorable environment to create excellent digital experiences

It seems clear, but many companies are confused because they don't know where to start. To achieve a successful BSS transformation, CSPs need to focus on key areas such as modernizing legacy systems, implementing a microservices architecture, establishing digital service platforms, and enhancing digital experiences for customers. These initiatives enable organizations to optimize operations, improve customer satisfaction, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by 5G and IoT.

If you're looking for a solution that can help you boost BSS - let us know. Our specialists will advise you on the most appropriate way of modernization and relevant toolkit to make the process faster.