By Sanjay Mewada

Cable operators face unprecedented opportunities. Advances in technology have enabled them to transform from distributors of television programming into next-generation communications providers offering a vast array of content and services. New services range from highly targeted digital content to voice, interactive, and mobile services.

To take advantage of new service opportunities and remain competitive, cable operators must transform their operations environments. Transformation projects are complex, but the rewards are substantial — increased revenues, reduced operational costs, and stronger customer relationships.

The Cable Challenge
One of the greatest challenges facing cable operators is their ability to ensure that operations and IT systems can support rapid business growth. This requires significant infrastructure transformation. But what exactly does this transformation look like? What steps must cable operators take to undergo transformation?

Below is an outline of key operational issues that cable operators must address in order to achieve transformation — as well as suggested “Best Practices” for MSOs who are looking to take the plunge.

Beyond Voice. Offering Bundled Services: The majority of cable MSOs have committed to VoIP rollouts, and cable voice services are steadily capturing market share from incumbent landline operators. Bundled services are a powerful acquisition and retention tool that cable MSOs can leverage as they go head to head against Telco and wireless competitors.

The obvious services to add?  Residential high-speed Internet and interactive, personalized services with content that can be customized. In the battle for the eyeballs, the next generation of TVs and electronics

consolidations that created today’s largest operators. In addition, many operators have separate infrastructures for each of their services. The resulting system silos are difficult and expensive to maintain, and the lack of integration precludes end-to-end service views. As mass market and enterprise offers become more sophisticated, feature rich, and interactive, the demands on Business Support Systems will multiply significantly. Therefore, systems consolidation and upgrades to new systems that can seamlessly manage everything from routers to remotes and core networks to home networks become imperative. Adopting the next-generation OSS that can manage Network and IT infrastructure from a single platform, provide the ability to create service bundles on the fly, and provide a deep understanding of the service experience is critical.