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TeleManagement Forum (TMF) with its enhanced Telecoms Operations Map (eTOM) that has traditionally focused on operational processes for ‘factory’ services and products, is beginning to pay attention to the needs of solution providers with large and complex enterprise solution problems.

The IPsphere Forum (IPSF) has recently been established with a sole focus on multi-factory, end-to-end solutions. Its membership comes from all parts of the ICT supply-chain, from content providers through to core network infrastructure providers. The MFA Forum is currently working on an inter-carrier interface (ICI) implementation agreement. This agreement defines the features and implementation requirements for multiple converged IP MPLS based data services to be transported across single inter-operator network to network interfaces. This interface definition will become invaluable for solutions providers looking at the network impact of providing holistic multi-domain ICT solutions to their business services customers.

Conclusion

In all cases, results more relevant to solution providers will come more rapidly if greater energy is provided. This energy must come from business network and IT outsourcer staff themselves rather than the Internet-focused engineers typically found in these groups. The confluence of business process, engineering disciplines and IT systems expertise requires individuals with these skills to be involved. So, it is hoped that commercial and strategy, process and systems people join their engineering brethren to provide needed energy to solve these pressing problems.