In today's rapidly evolving telecommunications industry, staying ahead requires adaptability and efficiency. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining competitiveness lies in the infrastructure supporting operations, particularly the Business Support Systems (BSS). The magic of BSS revolves around the ability to launch new products and services quickly, streamlining processes, and facilitating customer interactions. Traditionally, businesses have sought to tailor software solutions to meet their unique needs through customization. However, a paradigm shift is already underway, advocating for the adoption of configurable products instead. But, is there really a marketplace with a significant demand and supply for configurable off-shelf products in Telecom industry?
In this article, we delve into the reasons why saying no to software customization and embracing configurable products can bring tangible benefits to telecom BSS, and we prove that while the demand for configurable off-shelf products is slowly raising, the supply is already there with a very strong value proposition to Telecom operators.
Agility in a Dynamic Industry: Telecom markets are subject to constant change, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and regulatory updates. In such an environment, agility is paramount. Configurable products offer the flexibility to adapt quickly to these changes without the overheads associated with customizations. By configuring rather than customizing software, telecom companies can respond promptly to market shifts, launch new services swiftly, and stay ahead of the competition.
Cost-Effectiveness: Customizing software solutions often entails significant expenses, not only in terms of initial development but also ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Conversely, configurable products provide a cost-effective alternative, as they leverage a modular approach that allows for adjustments without the need for extensive coding or redevelopment. By minimizing customization efforts, telecom businesses can allocate resources more efficiently, directing investments towards innovation and growth initiatives.
Enhanced Time-to-Market: In today's fast-paced telecom landscape, speed is of the essence. Configurable products offer a streamlined path to market, enabling companies to expedite the deployment of new services and features. With pre-built modules and configurable options, telecom BSS implementations can be completed in significantly less time compared to customized solutions. This accelerated time-to-market not only improves competitiveness but also enhances the overall customer experience by delivering innovative offerings promptly.
Scalability and Future-Proofing: As telecom businesses expand their operations or enter new markets, scalability becomes a critical consideration. Configurable products are inherently scalable, designed to accommodate growth without requiring extensive reengineering. This scalability ensures that BSS solutions can grow in tandem with the business, eliminating the need for frequent overhauls or replacements. By future-proofing their infrastructure with configurable products, telecom companies can sustain long-term growth trajectories and adapt to evolving market dynamics seamlessly.
Reduced Technical Debt and Complexity: Customizations introduce technical debt, complicating software landscapes and increasing maintenance overheads over time. Conversely, configurable products minimize technical debt by adhering to standardized configurations and modular architectures. This reduction in complexity simplifies maintenance and upgrades, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than grappling with legacy systems. By reducing technical debt, telecom businesses can foster a more agile and responsive IT environment, laying the foundation for continued innovation.
In conclusion, while the allure of software customization may seem enticing, telecom businesses stand to gain significantly by embracing configurable products for their BSS needs. From agility and cost-effectiveness to enhanced time-to-market and scalability, the benefits are compelling. By saying no to software customization and opting for configurable products, telecom companies can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving industry landscape. As the pace of innovation accelerates, embracing configurability is not just a choice but a strategic imperative for telecom BSS modernization.
At Marand, we strongly believe in a customer-centric approach. We have been nurturing this value for more than 20 years of our existence and this helped us to create customer friendly solutions. Over the last couple of years, Marand has invested into building a microservice and cloud native portfolio of products that provide Telecom Operators with very modern components to support BSS. Currently, in our portfolio you can find the following off-shelf products that are compliant with TM Forum Open Digital Architecture standards, and invoke TM Forum Open APIs.
Unified Product Catalog https://marand.com/en/products/upc
360 Customer Inventory https://marand.com/en/products/cim
If you are interested in understanding the details of our value proposition, or you want to see real case studies regarding the deployment of our products, please feel free to drop us a note! We will be very happy to have a chat with you!