OSS Application Interfaces

 
Many OSS software developers follow a markedly different approach to OSS software integration
by working toward standardization of common application programming interfaces
(APIs) rather than comprehensive interoperation standards. Such APIs permit software to
exchange information and pass through commands in regard to specific operations, but they
do not form the basis of a common unified control plane.
In the face of such unsatisfactory standards-based solutions to integration, most network
operators strive to form a primary relationship with one OSS vendor that offers a number of
modules and form other relationships with a sufficient number of specialized vendors such that something approaching a single turnkey system may be imposed upon the wireless network.
Because no two diversified OSS vendors offer complete solutions but rather solutions
that are incomplete in various particulars, and because the needs of individual network operators
diverge depending on the size and scope of the network and the types of services offered,
I hesitate to make specific recommendations. Some of the OSS companies that offer software
suites capable of handling more than one aspect of OSS are NetCracker, Ai Metrix, Granite Systems,
Cramer Systems, Eftia, Convergys, Cisco Systems, MetaSolv Software, Telcordia
Technologies, and Syndesis. Unfortunately, none of these companies makes specialized products
aimed at wireless broadband service providers. NextNet, a manufacturer of broadband
wireless radios and base station equipment, makes such a system, but it is intended for use
with NextNet’s own equipment.
Wireless broadband, it must be said, lags behind other access technologies in deployment,
so software developers see little possibility of achieving large sales volumes. And large amounts
of investment are not flowing into broadband wireless networks, so this makes them even less
attractive to the OSS software community.