1. Intent-based and closed-loop network automation is a fundamental innovation for service providers to tackle the challenges of complexity.
In the intricate landscape of hybrid cloud and legacy systems, service providers are grappling with service execution. Within this hybrid milieu, network automation emerges as a crucial element, offering dynamic, automated capabilities and policies. This enables comprehensive end-to-end management of both slice and non-slice-based services. Since the start of the current decade, service providers have made substantial investments in streamlining their legacy networks and enhancing their access networks, which now include advanced FTTP and 5G technologies. The consensus is largely positive for the forthcoming half of the decade, as they anticipate leveraging this era to capitalise on their investments. Network automation stands central to their strategies, serving a dual purpose: it’s pivotal for driving service innovation and for optimising internal efficiencies, thereby delivering exceptional value to their customers.
Figure 1: Which operational use cases are driving your implementation of end-to-end service orchestration? (Select top three)
Figure 1 shows that all categories have significant levels of support, however, two stood out: optimisation (72%) and orchestration (68%). These results confirm that service providers’ initial focus in an end-to-end orchestration context centers around managing components and achieving peak network efficiency.
Whilst the value of E2ESO is recognised by a large percentage of service providers, only 38% currently feel equipped to support it
2. End-to-end Service Orchestration (E2ESO) plays a pivotal role in monetising 5G and cloud services.
According to a March 2024 Heavy Reading report, 93% of service providers surveyed recognise it as critical for monetisation, with 49% deeming it ‘very important’ and 44% considering it ‘important’. E2ESO enables telcos to monetise their 5G investments by facilitating network slicing, driving automation, enabling self-monitoring networks, and unlocking IoT opportunities. It also future-proofs networks, fosters innovation, and provides customised 5G offerings for business needs. One of the key benefits of the E2ESO solution lies in its ability to transform CSPs’ existing network domain-based orchestration layer into a comprehensive end-to-end lifecycle management system. This orchestration spans diverse domains and vendors, including CPE & devices, mobile access, fixed access, core network and data center & cloud. However, whilst the value of E2ESO is recognised by a large percentage of service providers, only 38% currently feel equipped to support it.
3. E2ESO is a key enabler of innovative revenue-generating services and supports new business models.
E2ESO facilitates seamless integration and interaction between different software applications, thereby opening new avenues for revenue generation. Service providers carefully evaluate and carry out due diligence on a diverse set of benefits when making decisions about E2ESO purchases. These benefits stem from total cost of ownership (TCO) optimisation, faster time-to-market, enhanced customer experience, as well as from the ability to generate revenue.
Telco network operations must become more agile, scaleable and energy efficient – E2ESO has become more critical than ever.
4. Open RAN Service Management & Orchestration (SMO) empowers service providers for E2ESO automation.
The telecommunications industry is undergoing significant change due to 5G, leading to a demand for more agile, scalable, and energy-efficient networks. Managing and orchestrating RAN has become more critical than ever, particularly as the introduction of Open RAN adds complexity to this task. In today’s evolving landscape, E2ESO becomes crucial, providing a comprehensive solution that ensures Open RAN SMO integrates smoothly with the industry’s wider ecosystem. By optimising services across the network and extending orchestration deep into the RAN right down to individual users, the platform facilitates the development of new, innovative, and profitable services, supporting the industry’s exploration of Open RAN’s potential in real-world scenarios.
5. E2ESO is instrumental in the complex task of charging for both slice and non-slice services in hybrid cloud and legacy environments.
Amidst the complex challenges faced by service providers, E2ESO is instrumental in automating and simplifying service management. It collaborates with charging triggers to ensure precise and efficient charging mechanisms, aligning them with network service usage for accurate billing. E2ESO aids in maintaining service quality, optimising network utilisation, and promoting cost-effectiveness, all in compliance with 3GPP standards.
By automating service management and ensuring efficient utilisation of resources, E2ESO allows service providers to offer a diverse range of services through APIs
6. E2ESO plays a crucial role in enabling an API market economy for service providers.
It facilitates seamless integration and interaction between different software applications, thereby opening new avenues for revenue generation. By automating service management and ensuring efficient utilisation of resources, E2ESO allows service providers to offer a diverse range of services through APIs. This not only enhances their service offerings but also fosters innovation and competitiveness in the market. E2ESO also enables service providers to adhere to industry standards and regulations, enhancing the credibility of their APIs in the market and making them more attractive to potential customers. By automating routine tasks, E2ESO allows service providers to focus on innovation. This can lead to the creation of unique and valuable APIs, giving service providers a competitive edge and differentiation in the market.
7. Service Assurance and GenAI accelerate the path to Network Automation and E2ESO.
Amdocs Service Assurance plays a crucial role in detecting network issues impacting the quality of service (QoS) and displaying them on the assurance dashboard. By ensuring optimal performance of both services and underlying network resources within agreed-upon service standards, it supports closed-loop systems and contributes to improved customer satisfaction and quality of experience. By seamlessly incorporating GenAI through Amdocs’ amAIz TelcoGPT platform, CSPs can effectively manage costs, security, scalability, and efficiency while optimising token usage. This integration empowers CSPs to address complex challenges, achieve fault, performance, and service quality management, and pave the way for superior business results.
About the author: Paul Saunders is Head of Sales, Amdocs Networks.
Learn more about Amdocs End-to-End Service Orchestration and Amdocs Service Assurance Suite.
To access additional resources, explainers and videos on End-to-End Service Orchestration, see this interactive visual from The Mobile Network and Amdocs. Click on the pulsing icons in the image to understand more about the benefits of intent-driven, end-to-end service orchestration.
- This is a sponsored article.
