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Operations support system
Operations support system
Operations support system
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Operations support systems (OSS), operational support systems in British usage, or Operation System (OpS) in NTT[1] are computer systems used by telecommunications service providers to manage their networks (e.g., telephone networks). They support management functions such as network inventory, service provisioning, network configuration and fault management.

Network inventory typically includes both physical assets, such as routers, switches, fiber-optic links and base stations, and logical resources such as IP addresses, VLANs and virtual circuits. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory is considered essential for provisioning new services, troubleshooting network issues, and planning capacity. Industry research highlights that communication service providers are modernizing inventory platforms to support automation, analytics, and integration with OSS/BSS systems.[2][3][4]

Together with business support systems (BSS), operations support systems support various end-to-end telecommunication services. BSS and OSS have their own data and service responsibilities. The two systems together are often abbreviated OSS/BSS, BSS/OSS or simply B/OSS.

The acronym OSS is also used in a singular form to refer to all the Operations Support Systems viewed as a whole system.

Different subdivisions of OSS have been proposed by the TM Forum, industrial research labs, or OSS vendors. In general, an OSS covers at least the following five functions:

History

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Before about 1970, many OSS activities were performed by manual administrative processes. However, it became obvious that much of this activity could be replaced by computers. In the next 5 years or so, the telephone companies created a number of computer systems (or software applications) which automated much of this activity. This was one of the driving factors for the development of the Unix operating system and the C programming language. The Bell System purchased their own product line of PDP-11 computers from Digital Equipment Corporation for a variety of OSS applications. OSS systems used in the Bell System include AMATPS, CSOBS, EADAS, Remote Memory Administration System (RMAS), Switching Control Center System (SCCS), Service Evaluation System (SES), Trunks Integrated Record Keeping System (TIRKS), and many more. OSS systems from this era are described in the Bell System Technical Journal, Bell Labs Record, and Telcordia Technologies (now part of Ericsson) SR-2275.[5]

Many OSS systems were initially not linked to each other and often required manual intervention. For example, consider the case where a customer wants to order a new telephone service. The ordering system would take the customer's details and details of their order, but would not be able to configure the telephone exchange directly—this would be done by a switch management system. Details of the new service would need to be transferred from the order handling system to the switch management system—and this would normally be done by a technician re-keying the details from one screen into another—a process often referred to as "swivel chair integration". This was clearly another source of inefficiency, so the focus for the next few years was on creating automated interfaces between the OSS applications—OSS integration. Cheap and simple OSS integration remains a major goal of most telecom companies.

Architecture

[edit]

A lot of the work on OSS has been centered on defining its architecture. Put simply, there are four key elements of OSS:

  • Processes
    • the sequence of events
  • Data
    • the information that is acted upon
  • Applications
    • the components that implement processes to manage data
  • Technology
    • how we implement the applications

During the 1990s, new OSS architecture definitions were done by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) in its Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) model. This established a 4-layer model of TMN applicable within an OSS:

  • Business Management Level (BML)
  • Service Management Level (SML)
  • Network Management Level (NML)
  • Element Management Level (EML)

A fifth level is mentioned at times being the elements themselves, though the standards speak of only four levels. This was a basis for later work. Network management was further defined by the ISO using the FCAPS model—Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security. This basis was adopted by the ITU-T TMN standards as the Functional model for the technology base of the TMN standards M.3000 – M.3599 series. Although the FCAPS model was originally conceived and is applicable for an IT enterprise network, it was adopted for use in the public networks run by telecommunication service providers adhering to ITU-T TMN standards.

A big issue of network and service management is the ability to manage and control the network elements of the access and core networks. Historically, many efforts have been spent in standardization fora (ITU-T, 3GPP) in order to define standard protocol for network management, but with no success and practical results. On the other hand IETF SNMP protocol (Simple Network Management Protocol) has become the de facto standard for internet and telco management, at the EML-NML communication level.

From 2000 and beyond, with the growth of the new broadband and VoIP services, the management of home networks is also entering the scope of OSS and network management. DSL Forum TR-069 specification has defined the CPE WAN Management Protocol (CWMP), suitable for managing home networks devices and terminals at the EML-NML interface.

Modern OSS architectures increasingly combine network inventory with geospatial (GIS) visualization and automation to improve operations and service assurance.[6][7]

TM Forum

[edit]

The TM Forum, formerly the TeleManagement Forum, is an international membership organization of communications service providers and suppliers to the communications industry. While OSS is generally dominated by proprietary and custom technologies, TM Forum promotes standards and frameworks in OSS and BSS.

By 2005, developments in OSS architecture were the results of the TM Forum's New Generation Operations Systems and Software (NGOSS) program, which was established in 2000. This established a set of principles that OSS integration should adopt, along with a set of models that provide standardized approaches. NGOSS was renamed Frameworx.

Frameworx models

[edit]

The TM Forum describes Frameworx as an architecture that is:

The components interact through a common communications vehicle (using an information exchange infrastructure; e.g., EAI, Web Services, EJB). The behavior can be controlled through the use of process management and/or policy management to orchestrate the functionality provided by the services offered by the components.

The early focus of the TM Forum's NGOSS work was on building reference models to support a business stakeholder view on process, information and application interaction. Running in parallel were activities that supported an implementation stakeholder view on interface specifications to provide access to OSS capability (primarily MTNM). The MTNM work evolved into a set of Web Services providing Multi-Technology Operations System Interfaces MTOSI. Most recently,[when?] the OSS through Java initiative (OSS/J) joined the TMF to provide NGOSS-based BSS/OSS APIs.

Ongoing work - Open Digital Architecture (ODA)

[edit]

Open Digital Architecture (ODA) offers an industry-agreed blueprint, language and set of key design principles to follow. It will provide pragmatic pathways for the journey from maintaining monolithic, legacy software solutions, towards managing nimble, cloud based capabilities that can be orchestrated using AI. It is a reference architecture that maps TM Forum’s Open APIs against technical and business platform functions.[8]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Operations support system

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An Operations Support System (OSS) is a suite of software applications, tools, and processes designed to help telecommunications service providers monitor, control, analyze, and manage their network infrastructure and related services. These systems handle critical network-facing operations, enabling efficient provisioning, maintenance, and optimization of networks, including , , and mobile services. OSS has been integral to the for decades, evolving from early systems supporting analog switches to modern platforms that incorporate digital, IP-based, and cloud-native architectures. Key functions of OSS include network inventory management, service provisioning and activation, fault detection and resolution, performance monitoring, and . For instance, OSS tools track components like IP addresses, analyze traffic patterns, and automate workflows for and , ensuring minimal and high . In contemporary deployments, OSS often integrates advanced features such as AI-driven , multi-cloud support, and to handle the complexities of networks and IoT ecosystems. OSS operates within a layered architecture, commonly based on the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) model, which includes levels such as Business Management (BML), Service Management (SML), Network Management (NML), Element Management (EML), and Network Element (NEL). At the NML, functions align with the FCAPS framework—covering Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security management—to provide comprehensive oversight. Distinct from Business Support Systems (BSS), which focus on customer-facing operations like billing and order management, OSS emphasizes technical network control, though the two are interdependent and often integrated as OSS/BSS stacks for holistic service provider operations. The benefits of robust OSS implementations include reduced operational costs through , enhanced scalability for growing networks, improved via reliable service assurance, and strengthened compliance with regulatory standards. Early examples from the era, such as the Trunks Integrated Record Keeping System (TIRKS) and Switching Control Center System (SCCS), laid the groundwork, but these have largely been supplanted by vendor-agnostic, software-defined solutions from providers like , , and . As evolves toward (SDN) and (NFV), OSS continues to play a pivotal role in enabling agile, resilient infrastructures.

Overview

Definition and Purpose

An Operations Support System (OSS) comprises a suite of computerized systems employed by telecommunications providers to monitor, manage, and maintain network infrastructure and services. These systems encompass software, tools, and processes that handle core technical functions essential for network operations. The primary purpose of an OSS is to facilitate efficient day-to-day telecommunications operations by enabling fault detection, performance optimization, and , thereby ensuring service reliability and (QoS). According to the , OSS originated to make network operations as efficient and reliable as possible, supporting specialized teams in aspects such as upkeep and service delivery. This focus on technical distinguishes OSS from customer-facing business processes, where it complements (BSS) to support overall telco operations. In practice, OSS performs tasks like real-time monitoring of bandwidth usage to prevent congestion and maintain performance levels across the network. It also supports automated fault resolution, such as proactive detection and isolation of issues using AI-driven analytics to minimize downtime and restore services swiftly. These capabilities underscore OSS's role in sustaining robust, scalable environments.

Distinction from BSS

Business Support Systems (BSS) are the suite of applications and processes that handle the commercial and customer-facing operations in , including (CRM), billing, product catalog management, order handling, and revenue assurance. In contrast, Operations Support Systems (OSS) focus on the technical infrastructure, managing network elements such as switches and routers, and monitoring key performance indicators like uptime and latency to ensure network reliability and . This distinction aligns with frameworks like the TM Forum's eTOM, where OSS maps primarily to resource and domains, while BSS aligns with customer and service management domains. The following table summarizes the primary differences:
AspectOSS FocusBSS Focus
Core ResponsibilitiesNetwork provisioning, fault management, performance monitoringCustomer subscriptions, billing, CRM
OrientationTechnical and operational (e.g., infrastructure elements like routers)Commercial and customer-centric (e.g., revenue streams)
MetricsUptime, latency, fault resolution times, revenue accuracy,
Despite these differences, OSS and BSS are interdependent for seamless operations; OSS provides critical network data—such as availability and capacity—to BSS for accurate billing and service activation, enabling integrated end-to-end processes from order to delivery. In modern , there is increasing convergence between OSS and BSS through shared platforms and APIs, driven by , yet the operational separation persists to maintain clarity in network versus business functions.

Historical Development

Origins in

The origins of operations support systems (OSS) in trace back to the , when the industry faced rapid network expansion and the onset of that challenged traditional manual operations. In the United States, the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against , filed in 1974, culminated in the company's on January 1, 1984, divesting it into seven regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) and spurring the need for automated tools to manage increasingly complex, competitive networks. This shift from a monopoly structure to competitive markets demanded scalable systems for monitoring and maintaining analog networks, transitioning from labor-intensive processes to computer-assisted to ensure reliability amid growing subscriber demands. Early OSS implementations were custom-built tools developed primarily by Bell Laboratories to address fault detection and basic network oversight in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). One of the first notable prototypes was the Automated Repair Service Bureau (ARSB), initiated in 1971, which automated loop maintenance and troubleshooting for customer lines from the local switch to premises, replacing manual repair dispatching with mechanized testing and record-keeping. Similarly, the Switching Control Center System (SCCS), developed in the early 1970s, provided centralized monitoring and control for telephone switches. The Trunks Integrated Record Keeping System (TIRKS), introduced in the late 1970s, provided automated inventory and assignment of trunk circuits, evolving from paper-based records to digital databases for efficient equipment tracking in early digital transitions. These systems marked a departure from pre-1970s manual administrative workflows, incorporating computer technology to handle analog and nascent digital elements like electromechanical switches. The primary drivers for these early OSS developments were the imperatives of scalability and cost efficiency in an era of exploding telecom infrastructure. As networks grew to support millions of lines, manual methods proved inadequate for rapid fault isolation and service restoration, leading to economic pressures that incentivized to reduce operational expenses and improve response times. ' prototypes, such as ARSB, SCCS, and TIRKS, exemplified this focus on fault management and provisioning, enabling and emerging RBOCs to maintain while adapting to deregulation-induced competition. These pioneering efforts in the and set the stage for subsequent formalized standards, including the ITU-T's Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) framework.

Key Milestones and Standards

The introduction of the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) by the in 1988 marked the first international standard for operations support systems (OSS), providing a structured architecture to manage telecommunications networks through defined layers such as element management, , and service management. This framework emphasized interconnection between diverse network elements and systems, laying the groundwork for automated OSS functionalities beyond manual processes. In the 1990s, the model—encompassing Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security management—was widely adopted within OSS, first formalized by ITU-T Recommendation M.3400 in 1992, with revisions in 1997, which integrated these functions into the TMN architecture to standardize network oversight and maintenance. This model enabled systematic handling of operational tasks, such as fault detection and performance monitoring, across heterogeneous telecom environments. The emergence of the enhanced Telecom Operations Map (eTOM) in the early 2000s, with initial releases to members in 2001 and an approved version (GB921 v3.0) in mid-2002, further advanced OSS by standardizing processes for telecom operations, including service fulfillment and . Building on TMN principles, eTOM promoted a process-oriented approach to align OSS with evolving needs. The shift toward IP-based networks in the early necessitated OSS adaptations, as traditional systems designed for circuit-switched environments struggled with packet-based services like VoIP, prompting developments in IP-specific management tools and protocols to support scalable, multi-service infrastructures. These milestones collectively fostered among multi-vendor systems and reduced in global telecom operations by enforcing standardized interfaces and processes.

Core Functions

Network Management

Network management within operations support systems (OSS) encompasses the ongoing supervision and control of network elements to ensure reliability, efficiency, and optimal performance in environments. It involves continuous monitoring of network health, detection of anomalies such as unexpected or degradation, and proactive optimization of key metrics including throughput, latency, and error rates to maintain . The foundational framework for network management in OSS is the FCAPS model, established by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) in Recommendation M.3400 as part of the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN). FCAPS delineates five core functional areas: Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security. Fault management focuses on detecting, isolating, logging, and correcting network faults to minimize disruptions, incorporating processes like alarm correlation and root cause analysis to enable rapid restoration. Configuration management handles the setup, maintenance, and tracking of network device parameters, including hardware inventories, software versions, and change controls to ensure consistent operation across elements. Accounting management tracks resource usage, such as bandwidth consumption and user sessions, to support fair allocation and optimization without directly influencing real-time operations. Performance management monitors quality-of-service (QoS) indicators like packet loss and utilization rates, using statistical analysis to identify trends and prevent bottlenecks. Security management enforces access controls, authentication, and protection against threats, safeguarding network integrity through encryption and audit trails. OSS employs specialized tools and processes to execute these functions effectively, including real-time dashboards for visualizing network status, automated alerting systems that notify operators of thresholds breaches via protocols like SNMP, and advanced root cause analysis algorithms that correlate events across domains. These capabilities enable operators to respond swiftly to issues, such as correlating alarms from multiple elements to pinpoint failures. A practical example is in networks, where OSS-driven proactively adjusts bandwidth allocation in response to traffic surges, preventing outages by dynamically reallocating based on real-time performance data.

Service Provisioning and Assurance

Service provisioning in operations support systems (OSS) encompasses the automated allocation and configuration of network to fulfill customer orders, transforming high-level service requests into operational network configurations. This typically begins with order , where service orders are broken down into actionable components such as assignments and activations, often adhering to the TM Forum's level 2 like Service Configuration and Activation. For instance, provisioning a (VPN) involves dynamically assigning bandwidth, routing paths, and security parameters across multiple network domains, ensuring seamless integration from order receipt to service activation. Circuit activation represents another core aspect of provisioning, where OSS automates the setup of physical or virtual circuits, such as in optical or IP networks, by interfacing with element management systems to apply configurations without manual intervention. This automation reduces deployment times from days to minutes, supporting scalable service rollout in modern environments. Integration with systems is essential here, as OSS platforms query and update resource availability in real-time to prevent over-allocation and maintain an accurate view of network capacity. Service assurance follows provisioning to verify and maintain end-to-end functionality, focusing on post-deployment testing, compliance with agreements (SLAs), and continuous quality validation. In eTOM, this aligns with level 2 processes such as Service Quality Management and Analysis, where OSS monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) like latency, throughput, and to ensure services meet predefined thresholds. Post-deployment testing involves automated validation scripts that simulate traffic and confirm connectivity, while SLA compliance checks correlate service metrics against contractual obligations, triggering alerts or adjustments if deviations occur. Ongoing validation in assurance extends to proactive measures, such as periodic checks and trending, to sustain over the lifecycle. OSS systems achieve this through closed-loop , where detected anomalies prompt resource reconfigurations or scaling to uphold SLA guarantees, often integrating with policy management for rule-based enforcement. This ensures reliable service delivery, minimizing disruptions and supporting in dynamic network environments. Workflows in service provisioning and assurance rely on orchestration across heterogeneous network domains, coordinating actions from core OSS components like order management to domain-specific controllers. These workflows leverage standardized APIs, such as those defined in TM Forum's Open APIs suite, to enable end-to-end automation, including synchronization with inventory for resource tracking and allocation. For example, a multi-domain service order might orchestrate provisioning in IP, optical, and cloud domains simultaneously, ensuring atomicity and rollback capabilities if partial failures occur. In (SDN) environments, zero-touch provisioning exemplifies advanced OSS capabilities, allowing automated service rollout without human intervention through intent-based orchestration. SDN controllers, integrated with OSS, interpret high-level service intents—such as "provide 10 Gbps connectivity with 99.99% availability"—and dynamically provision virtual resources, including network slices in contexts. This approach, aligned with TM Forum's Zero-Touch Operations principles, accelerates deployment and enhances agility, as demonstrated in industry proofs-of-concept. Such mechanisms complement broader practices for comprehensive operations.

Architecture

Traditional OSS Architecture

The traditional architecture of Operations Support Systems (OSS) is rooted in the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) framework developed by the , which establishes a hierarchical layered model to manage telecommunications networks systematically. This model comprises five primary layers: the Business Management Layer (BML), responsible for strategic decision-making, resource investment optimization, and enterprise-wide budgeting; the Service Management Layer (SML), focused on service-level operations such as order handling, (QoS) assurance, and (SLA) management; the Network Management Layer (NML), which oversees network-wide coordination, performance monitoring, and capability provisioning across elements; the Element Management Layer (EML), handling direct interfacing and control of individual or groups of network elements, including fault detection and configuration; and the Network Element Layer (NEL), consisting of the physical and logical network elements, such as switches, routers, and transmission systems, which provide the actual resources for network operations. These layers enable a structured , where lower layers provide raw data and control to higher ones for aggregated decision-making. In conceptual terms, data flow in this ascends from the NEL, where device-specific metrics and are generated by network elements, through the EML for and , the NML for network-level and analysis, to the SML for service impact assessment, and finally to the BML for alignment—facilitating end-to-end visibility from physical to operational goals. Early implementations of this in the and often featured siloed applications, with separate, standalone systems for functions like fault or provisioning, leading to isolated operations and integration difficulties. By the 2000s, the industry evolved toward distributed yet integrated suites offered by vendors, combining multiple OSS functions into cohesive platforms to reduce silos and improve , driven by the need for efficient service delivery in expanding networks. Key characteristics of traditional OSS architecture include reliance on proprietary protocols for element communication, which limited vendor interoperability and required custom adaptations; extensive customization to fit specific network environments, often resulting in complex, vendor-locked configurations; and inherent scalability challenges in legacy systems, where rigid, hardware-tied infrastructures struggled to handle growing data volumes and rapid provisioning demands without significant overhauls. These traits, while enabling tailored control in early telecommunications deployments, contributed to operational inefficiencies as networks scaled.

Components and Layers

Operations support systems (OSS) comprise several core components that enable the monitoring, control, and maintenance of . Fault management systems are essential for detecting, isolating, and resolving network faults through alarm collection, correlation, and root-cause analysis, often integrating with element management systems (EMS) to process real-time notifications from network elements. Performance monitors collect and analyze key performance indicators, such as bit error rates and throughput metrics, to ensure and support proactive optimization across network domains. Configuration databases serve as centralized repositories for network inventory data, including device parameters, software versions, and topology information, facilitating consistent provisioning and updates. Order management modules handle the lifecycle of service orders, from creation and validation to fulfillment and status tracking, ensuring alignment with customer requests and resource availability. At the data layer level, OSS integrate systems (NMS), which provide a unified view of multi-vendor networks by aggregating from multiple EMS; EMS, in turn, manage specific network elements at the element management layer, abstracting device-specific details for higher-level systems. OSS aggregators further consolidate information from disparate EMS and NMS to enable end-to-end visibility and decision-making, often within the telecommunications management network (TMN) layered model. Inter-component communication in OSS relies on standardized interfaces and protocols to ensure interoperability. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is widely used for polling device status, sending traps for faults, and basic configuration tasks, particularly in IP-based networks. Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) facilitates object-oriented interactions between layers, such as between EMS and NMS, supporting distributed management in multi-technology environments as defined by TM Forum standards. Data models, including those based on shared information/data (SID) from TM Forum, promote consistency by standardizing representations of network resources and services across components. Integration challenges in multi-vendor OSS environments arise from heterogeneous protocols, proprietary implementations, and varying data formats, necessitating robust mediation layers and adherence to standards like those from ETSI and ITU to mitigate interoperability issues and reduce operational silos. These components and layers align with traditional OSS architecture, providing the foundational structure for network operations.

Standards and Frameworks

TM Forum and eTOM

The is a non-profit global industry association founded in 1988 as the OSI/Network Management Forum, dedicated to enabling collaboration among telecommunications service providers, suppliers, and partners to develop standards, best practices, and frameworks for operational management and . With over 800 member organizations generating more than $2 trillion in annual revenue and serving billions of customers worldwide, the Forum focuses on addressing challenges in cost efficiency, agility, and service delivery through initiatives like Open APIs and process standardization. A cornerstone of the TM Forum's contributions is the enhanced Telecom Operations Map (eTOM), now formally known as the Business Process Framework, which serves as a comprehensive, hierarchical model for business processes. This framework decomposes processes across four primary domains—Strategy (focusing on business planning and market dynamics), Infrastructure and Product (encompassing resource development and management), Operations (handling day-to-day service delivery), and Enterprise Management (covering , , and financial controls)—into a structured of levels 0 through 3. Level 0 provides a high-level, enterprise-wide overview of core business activities; Level 1 breaks down domains into major process categories; Level 2 details process groupings; and Level 3 specifies core process elements with defined inputs, outputs, and triggers to guide . Within Operations Support Systems (OSS), eTOM's Operations domain is particularly relevant, with its Fulfillment, Assurance, and Billing (FAB) sub-domains providing standardized processes to streamline service provisioning, performance monitoring, fault resolution, and revenue assurance. These elements enable OSS to achieve end-to-end and integration, reducing operational and improving in managing network resources and interactions, as outlined in guidelines aligned with international standards. This builds briefly on earlier milestones like the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) by extending process-oriented guidance for modern service providers. Since the early 2000s, eTOM has seen widespread adoption among global telecom operators to align internal processes, enhance , and support initiatives. For example, utilized eTOM as the foundation for its Blueprint in 2016, creating a customer-centric framework that standardized operations across 15 countries and facilitated digital service delivery improvements. Similarly, implemented eTOM-based end-to-end processes for and activation, achieving formal conformance certification in 2022 and realizing gains in service agility and reduced deployment times. These cases illustrate eTOM's role in driving operational alignment and cost savings for major operators worldwide. The framework continues to evolve, with version 25.0 of the Business Process Framework suite released on November 16, 2025.

Open Digital Architecture (ODA)

The Open Digital Architecture (ODA) is a framework developed by the to enable telecommunications service providers to transition from traditional monolithic operations support systems (OSS) and (BSS) to modular, interoperable ecosystems composed of reusable components. Launched in early 2018, ODA promotes a blueprint for by emphasizing disaggregated architectures that facilitate faster innovation and reduced through standardized interfaces. This approach builds on established process frameworks like eTOM to support agile deployment in dynamic network environments. At its core, ODA is guided by principles of composability, openness, and autonomy, which collectively aim to create resilient, scalable systems. Composability involves breaking down functionalities into microservices-like components that can be assembled and reassembled as needed, allowing operators to mix and match capabilities from multiple vendors without custom integrations. Openness is achieved through the mandatory use of standardized Open APIs, ensuring seamless interoperability and data exchange across ecosystems, regardless of underlying technologies. Autonomy focuses on designing self-managing components capable of self-healing and adaptive operations, minimizing human intervention while enhancing reliability in complex deployments. Key to ODA's implementation is the ODA Canvas, a and deployment tool that structures components into distinct layers: the engagement layer for customer-facing interactions, the for orchestrating end-to-end services, and the resource layer for managing underlying network and IT assets. These layers integrate via TM Forum's Open APIs, such as those for product catalog management (TMF620) and service ordering (TMF622), enabling automated workflows and real-time visibility across the stack. This component-based model supports cloud-native principles, allowing for containerized deployment and / (CI/CD) pipelines. In 2025, ODA has seen significant enhancements to bolster AI integration and cloud-native capabilities, aligning with the demands of and emerging networks for more intelligent, automated operations. Updates include the AI-Native Blueprint, which provides guidelines for embedding AI-driven decision-making into ODA components to enable scalable, secure AI adoption in telco environments. In October 2025, the was updated to version 1.2.4 ahead of Innovate , incorporating reference implementations, open-source code, use cases, and test kits to support modular architecture, component management, , identity configuration, secrets management, and dependency management. Adoption has accelerated, with major operators like Verizon achieving "Running on ODA" accreditation in June 2025, demonstrating practical implementation of these updates for and ecosystem .

Cloud-Native and Automation

The transition to cloud-native architectures in operations support systems (OSS) has accelerated since the mid-2010s, driven by the need for greater scalability and flexibility in networks. , open-sourced by in 2014 and reaching version 1.0 in 2015, emerged as the de facto standard for container orchestration, enabling telecom operators to decompose monolithic OSS into . This adoption gained momentum around 2019, with leading communications service providers (CSPs) like and integrating alongside Docker containers to support hybrid and multi-cloud environments, allowing seamless scaling across public, private, and on-premises infrastructures. Automation has become integral to cloud-native OSS, leveraging orchestration tools such as to enable zero-touch provisioning and reduce manual interventions in network operations. By integrating practices, including continuous integration/continuous deployment () pipelines, telecom operators achieve faster deployments and operational efficiency; for instance, Red Hat's Automation Platform facilitates automated workflows across OSS domains, supporting large-scale radio access network (RAN) deployments with minimal human oversight. This shift minimizes downtime and error rates. Despite these advantages, cloud migration for OSS presents challenges, particularly around and cost management at telco scale. concerns, stemming from regulatory requirements for localized data storage, are often addressed through , which processes sensitive information closer to the network edge to comply with laws like GDPR while maintaining low latency; providers such as Verizon have deployed edge solutions integrated with to mitigate these issues. Cost models in telco clouds vary by resource usage, region, and metering, necessitating advanced forecasting tools to avoid overruns in high-volume environments, where expenses can escalate due to persistent storage and network traffic demands. In 2025, OSS transformations have emphasized API standardization to accelerate stack refreshes, aligning with principles like the Open Digital Architecture (ODA) for modular, interoperable systems. For example, CSPs are migrating to API-first, microservices-based architectures using MACH (microservices, API-first, cloud-native, headless) designs, enabling 3–4 month sprints for updates and reducing cost-to-serve through standardized interfaces. The global OSS and business support systems (BSS) market, projected to reach $70 billion by 2025, increasingly favors cloud-based solutions with open APIs to support rapid innovation in telecom services.

Integration with AI and Autonomous Networks

(AI) integration into operations support systems (OSS) enables predictive capabilities and self-managing functionalities, transforming traditional reactive into proactive, intelligent operations. (ML) algorithms analyze vast OSS datasets to predict anomalies, such as or equipment failures, by identifying patterns in real-time data before issues escalate. further enhances root cause analysis in OSS by processing logs, alerts, and performance metrics to generate explanatory narratives and hypotheses, accelerating from hours to minutes. These AI applications build on cloud-native foundations to process distributed data efficiently. Autonomous networks represent a pinnacle of AI-OSS synergy, with the defining six maturity levels where Levels 4 and 5 emphasize full and zero-touch operations. At Level 4, networks achieve intent-based , where OSS self-optimizes configurations using AI-driven insights without human intervention, a targeted by major operators for key domains by 2025. As of September 2025, the average maturity level across network domains is 1.9, indicating ongoing progress toward higher autonomy. Level 5 extends this to collaborative autonomy across ecosystems, enabling OSS to dynamically adapt to multi-vendor environments and external factors like traffic surges. This progression allows OSS to shift from manual oversight to AI-orchestrated self-healing, contributing 30% to the estimated $800 million in annual benefits for CSPs, including operational cost reductions. AIOps platforms integrate OSS data streams with AI for real-time decision-making, correlating events across network layers to automate responses like resource allocation or fault isolation. In telecommunications, platforms such as those leveraging big data analytics and ML unify OSS/BSS data, enabling predictive actions that minimize downtime. A key example is predictive maintenance in 6G networks, where AI models forecast hardware degradation using sensor data from radio access networks, preventing outages and extending equipment lifespan by analyzing patterns in signal quality and power consumption. These integrations support 6G's ultra-reliable low-latency requirements, with AI optimizing maintenance schedules to achieve near-zero unplanned interruptions. Looking ahead, ethical AI deployment in OSS prioritizes fairness and transparency to mitigate biases in , such as equitable across user segments, guided by frameworks that embed from design stages. Standardization efforts, including TM Forum's AI agents for OSS best practices and proposals for federated AI operating systems, aim to harmonize AI-OSS fusion across telcos, ensuring and scalable adoption by 2027. These initiatives focus on open APIs and data standards to facilitate ethical, collaborative AI ecosystems in .

References

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  6. https://www.tmforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OSS-of-the-Future-White-Paper-release-1.pdf
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  13. https://desire2do.blogspot.com/2014/01/overview-on-oss.html
  14. https://tridenstechnology.com/oss-in-telecom/
  15. https://umboss.com/blog/open-digital-architecture-oss-future/
  16. https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-M.3010-198811-S
  17. https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-M.3400/en
  18. https://www.scribd.com/document/236688685/Fcaps-Tmn-Itil
  19. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/suite/gb921-business-process-framework-etom-suite/
  20. https://www.hitachihyoron.com/rev/pdf/2000/r2000_04_108.pdf
  21. https://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/1001/telecom.html
  22. https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/FCAPS
  23. https://intellias.com/oss-bss-automation/
  24. https://www.tmforum.org/open-digital-architecture/process-framework-etom/
  25. http://www.hit.bme.hu/~jakab/edu/litr/OSS_eTOM/Cisco_eTOM_white_paper_c11-541448.pdf
  26. https://www.tmforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Frameworx-18.5-Final-Certification-Report-for-NMS-Works-CygNet-OSS-v17-v1.0.pdf
  27. https://www.tmforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DCLM-5.0.2-Digital-Customer-Lifecycle-Manager-eTOM_R19.0.1_Conformance-Tecnotree-V3RF.pdf
  28. https://www.tmforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/HP_OSSAssuranceSuiteV1_4_ProductsAssessment_eTOM__CertificationReport_V1.4.pdf
  29. https://inform.tmforum.org/features-and-opinion/leveraging-oss-for-network-monetization-and-digital-service-assurance
  30. https://www.tmforum.org/standards/standarized-interfaces-apis/operations-management-interfaces/
  31. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/standard/ordering-business-agreementordering_business_agreement-v1-2/
  32. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/toolkit/agile-ops-zero-touch/
  33. https://www.tmforum.org/press-and-news/unlocking-the-real-value-of-sdnnfv-moving-toward-business-ready-zero-touch-network-as-a-service/
  34. https://inform.tmforum.org/research-and-analysis/proofs-of-concept/the-simplified-market-for-network-slicing-and-zero-touch-provisioning
  35. https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-M.3010-199605-I/en
  36. https://www.eweek.com/networking/oss-to-the-rescue/
  37. https://engage.tmforum.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=73cf0a67-df09-4b77-b0cd-0198ac91726a
  38. http://www.hit.bme.hu/~jakab/edu/litr/TMN/ems.pdf
  39. https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/132100_132199/132101/04.02.01_60/ts_132101v040201p.pdf
  40. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/suite-specification/suite-ossj-soa-enablement-apis-order-management/
  41. https://www.tmforum.org/ossj/
  42. https://www.ntt-review.jp/archive/ntttechnical.php?contents=ntr202307gls.html
  43. https://www.tmforum.org/about/operating-information/
  44. https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-M.3050.1-200703-I!!PDF-E&type=items
  45. https://inform.tmforum.org/research-and-analysis/case-studies/telefonica-adopts-customer-journeys-and-a-process-driven-approach
  46. https://www.tmforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TMF-eTOM-21.0-CertificationReport_VodafoneZiggo-E2E-Order-to-Use-eTOM-Certification-v1.0-1.pdf
  47. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/publication/open-digital-architecture/
  48. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/reference/gb998-open-digital-architecture-oda-concepts-principles-r18-0-0/
  49. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/guidebook/gb991-tm-forums-core-frameworks-concepts-and-principles-v24-5-0/
  50. https://www.tmforum.org/open-digital-architecture/how-to-apply-oda/
  51. https://www.tmforum.org/open-digital-architecture/implementation/open-apis/
  52. https://www.tmforum.org/resources/standard/gb998-open-digital-architecture-oda-concepts-principles-v2-1-0/
  53. https://www.tmforum.org/open-digital-architecture/components-canvas/
  54. https://www.tmforum.org/open-digital-architecture/deployment-runtime/oda-canvas/
  55. https://www.tmforum.org/press-and-news/turning-vision-into-value-dtw-ignite-2025-advances-composable-autonomous-and-ai-driven-telco-transformation/
  56. https://www.tmforum.org/events/innovate-americas/agenda/Reimagining-Telco-IT-Operationalizing-AI-and-ODA-for-AN-1918
  57. https://github.com/tmforum-oda/oda-canvas
  58. https://www.tmforum.org/press-and-news/tm-forums-open-digital-architecture-continues-industry-impact-as-verizon-achieves-running-on-oda-accreditation/
  59. https://www.ipinfusion.com/resources/kubernetes-and-the-cloud-native-evolution-on-telecom/
  60. https://blog.risingstack.com/the-history-of-kubernetes/
  61. https://symphonica.com/white-paper/cloud-native-oss-revolutionizing-telecom-networks-for-the-future/
  62. https://www.suse.com/c/rancher_blog/the-history-of-cloud-native/
  63. https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/telecommunications/zero-touch-provisioning-and-telco-automation-at-red-hat
  64. https://www.vc4.com/blog/oss-automation-in-telecom-a-necessity-for-efficiency/
  65. https://www.apriorit.com/dev-blog/760-cloud-benefits-and-nuances-of-cloud-computing-for-telecom
  66. https://inform.tmforum.org/features-and-opinion/oss-transformation-closing-the-chapter-turning-a-new-page
  67. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-telecom-outlooks/telecommunications-industry-outlook-2025.html
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  72. https://inform.tmforum.org/features-and-opinion/introducing-tm-forums-autonomous-network-mission-the-roadmap-to-true-autonomy-in-telecom
  73. https://www.tmforum.org/press-and-news/validated-progress-proven-value-dtw-ignite-accelerates-the-pathway-to-autonomous-network-maturity-for-the-connectivity-ecosystem/
  74. https://inform.tmforum.org/features-and-opinion/the-economics-of-autonomous-networks-800m-reasons-to-automate-in-2025
  75. https://www.xenonstack.com/insights/aiops-solution-for-telecom
  76. https://jqst.org/index.php/j/article/view/173?articlesBySimilarityPage=20
  77. https://www.keysight.com/blogs/en/tech/educ/6g-and-ai-using
  78. https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2022/4/ethical-frameworks-ai-telecom
  79. https://www.tmforum.org/catalysts/projects/C25.0.843/omniboss-the-ai-agent-for-b47oss-best-practices
  80. https://arxiv.org/html/2506.17259
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