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system functions as an offline product reference and master product catalog. The product data that is modeled, managed, and mastered in the PLM application is made available for export to various operational applications that consume the product data to support different business processes. In the second integration mode, the PLM system functions as a real-time transactional product catalogue for order-time product configuration, validation, quoting, and fulfillment-time product decomposition. External applications (e.g. order capture portal, fulfillment system) query and transact with the PLM application to retrieve product details and execute product configuration rules in the system.

Assuring a return on investment from an NGN infrastructure initiative is best enabled through the simultaneous deployment of a comprehensive PLM system. As operators deploy NGN infrastructures, it is recommended that they implement software systems that seamlessly link the front and back office operations, and tightly align service creation, product management, and order management. PLM solutions bridge the gap between the network and marketplace by helping bring new service capabilities to life in the form of market consumable product offerings and packages.