Managed Evolution

Managed evolution, in telecommunications, is a process by which a Communications Service Provider (CSP) may deploy and use new network or software technologies in concert with existing network assets, Operations Support Systems (OSS) and/or Business Support Systems (BSS) for technical or financial benefit, while investing in and deploying New Generation OSS (NGOSS).

Managed Evolution leverages methodologies, expertise, and technology tools that focus on building a single or federated view of data across all network layers (e.g. OSI Model) and services. Typically, a single system has responsibility for stewardship of data and federates only the necessary data to systems serving other layers or domains. The approach is designed to reduce risk, lower operations expenses, improve time-to-market and enhance the overall end-user experience.

Typically, CSPs evaluate the following business areas when following a managed approach to evolution. These areas commonly span financial, technical, human resource and business process concerns and include:

• Operational expenditure (OPEX)
• Capital expenditure (CAPEX)
• The speed with which new telecommunications services be offered based on new and existing network and operational capabilities.
• The interoperability of new systems with existing systems in the network
• The risk to current operational continuity of implementing new systems

Managed evolution applies to any new technology initiative that seeks to leverage existing assets. This could include using SONET/SDH networks to provide Metro Ethernet or using a mix of copper and optical access facilities to deliver Fiber to the x (FTTX) broadband services, as examples.