by Edwards, Rand

Operations Support Systems (OSS) have been a critical component of any telecommunications company’s business plan. In this paper we examine the history of OSS from the perspectives of maturing support for problem domains, enabling technologies, and system integration. Finally, we will look at the problems posed by the coming “everything over IP” networks, the changing communications provider landscape and the impact on operations support systems.

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9077-6
Online Date: 10/30/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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by Medhi, Deep

Two highly visible public communication networks are the public-switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet. While they typically provide different services and the basic technologies underneath are different, both networks rely heavily on routing for communication between any two points. In this paper, we present a brief overview of routing mechanisms used in the PSTN and the Internet from a historical perspective. In particular, we discuss the role of management for the different routing mechanisms, where and how one is similar or different from the other, as well as where the management aspect is heading in an inter-networked environment of the PSTN and the Internet where voice over IP (VoIP) services are offered.

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9085-6
Online Date: 10/27/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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by

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9087-4
Online Date: 10/24/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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by Betser, Joseph

This report documents the evolution of a number of symposia, along with the evolution of the associated communities. These communities launched the initial conferences, as well as benefited from the growth and evolution of these technical activities. Over the span of a couple decades, the communities grew in breadth and depth. The communities are truly global in both constituency and reach. Both symposia convene in multiple countries within multiple continents, and continue to attract new audiences. In addition, new multiple symposia series were spawned by the communities, and the richness of the technical activities and venues affords the communities enhanced value and interactions.

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9081-x
Online Date: 10/13/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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by Pavlou, George

Network, system and service management has evolved into an important scientific discipline over the last 20 years. While management problem solving is expected to continue ad infinitum, one would have expected that, after 20 years of research and standardization, an agreement would have been reached regarding a common management framework and protocol. But despite relevant progress and various available solutions, there seems to exist a permanent quest for the all encompassing next generation management technology. This paper looks at the evolution of management approaches, frameworks and protocols over the last 20 years, proposes a relevant taxonomy, presents the salient features of the representative tecnologies and discusses relevant issues. The purpose of this paper is to document historically this evolution, highlight important design choices and explain the how’s and why’s behind the various frameworks and technologies. The paper is concluded with a summary and future outlook.

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9082-9
Online Date: 10/13/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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by Bernstein, Lawrence

DOI: 10.1007/s10922-007-9080-y
Online Date: 10/13/2007
Print publication date: 12/1/2007
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