Service Delivery Platforms
The SOA-enabled Path to Integrate
Legacy and IMS Networks

Published: December 2007
100 Pages
Author: Kaustubha Parkhi
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Overview

Service Delivery Platform (SDP) can be loosely defined as a standards based framework that facilitates the design, development, implementation and management of services required to run the operations of network services providers. The services could range from the basic voice connectivity to the state-of-the-art rich multimedia services. The most critical value-addition offered by the SDP methodology lies in its ability to abstract controlling parameters such as location, media control, integration and others. SDP interface with the network elements, OSS/BSS, telco IT infrastructure and partners such as application developers and content providers.

This report evaluates the potential for SDP as a dependable, scalable and flexible platform for core business functions, next generation applications, and independent services. SDP is examined within the context of its relationship to the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and the objectives to respond more rapidly to shifts in market conditions, customer demands, new revenue opportunities, and competitive threats. The report includes revenue forecasts by geography, function, and media type through 2012.

SDP, SOA, and IMS

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) driven initially by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to add centralized control to IP applications for GSM and later augmented by the 3GPP2 to support CDMA networks has many of its foundations in work done by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). IMS has also been transformed through the ETSI vision for Next Generation Networks with their TISPAN reference architecture. IMS has also been evolved for cable networks and MSO companies through the work of Cable Labs and the PacketCable standards. Finally, Verizon has implemented a proprietary version of IMS referred to as A-IMS.

SDP and SOA environments complement IMS (and vice versa) as the latter provides the centralized control for application logic and the ability to offer blended multimedia services across all networks and devices. Anyone considering IMS must also have a SDP strategy and vice versa as the so-called Telco 2.0 services will depend on both.

The report includes:
  • Evaluation of SDP and SOA in the context of their potential to provide added value to IMS implementations
  • Analysis of SOA and SDP with respect to their drivers, challenges, implementation methodologies and case studies
  • Vendor analysis, strategies and portfolios of leading SOA and SDP vendors
  • Quantitative analysis and conclusions in terms of the market for SDP and SOA products and services
Target Audience for the Report
  • Anyone with a vested interested in SDP, SOA, and IMS
  • Wireless, fixed, cable, and NGN operators
  • NGN infrastructure and applications suppliers
  • Service bureaus and managed communication service providers
  • Systems integrators and consultants

Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary 5
2 Introduction to SOA and SDP 7
2.1 IMS: Definition and Evolution 7
2.2 Business and Technology Drivers for IMS 8
2.2.1 Value-Added Services 8
2.2.2 Transparency in Access 9
2.2.3 Scalability 9
2.3 Business and Technology Challenges for IMS 9
2.3.1 Supporting Legacy Framework 9
2.3.2 Unmet Expectations 10
2.4 SDP and its Appeal 10
2.4.1 Definition 11
2.4.2 Evolution 11
2.4.3 Benefits of SDP 12
2.5 SOA 14
2.5.1 Definition 14
2.5.2 Evolution 15
2.6 Conclusion 16
3 Value Propositions of SDP and SOA 17
3.1 Functional Modules of OSS/BSS 17
3.1.1 OSS 17
3.1.2 BSS 18
3.2 Middleware - The Glue that Binds the SDP with the Applications 19
3.3 OSA/Parlay - Interconnecting the SDP with the Network Elements 20
3.4 The Structure of SDP 23
3.4.1 SDP Architecture 23
3.4.2 Java and JEE - The SDP Fabric 24
3.4.3 OMA Service Environment (OSE) - The Quest for the Elusive SDP Standardization 25
3.5 SOA - Enabler for SDP 26
3.5.1 SOA Drivers 26
3.5.2 SOA Workflow and Concepts 28
3.5.3 SOA Implementation Methodologies 35
3.5.4 SOA implementation methodology - the HP way 36
3.5.5 Challenges Confronting SOA 42
3.6 SOA in Telco Environments 44
3.7 Piecing together SDP 46
3.7.1 The SOA-SDP Interplay 46
3.7.2 SDP Case Studies 47
3.7.3 SDP as a Progression to IMS 50
3.7.4 Challenges Confronting SDP 51
3.8 Conclusions 51
4 Vendor Analysis 53
4.1 Telecom Network Infrastructure Vendors 53
4.1.1 Key Players and their Strategies 53
4.2 Software SOA Specialists 54
4.2.1 Key Players and their Strategies 55
4.3 SDP Focused Start-ups and Specialists 57
4.3.1 Key Players and their Strategies 57
4.4 Summary of Key Facts of Selected Vendors 58
4.4.1 Accenture 58
4.4.2 AePona 59
4.4.3 Alcatel - Lucent (ALU) 61
4.4.4 BEA Systems 61
4.4.5 CapeClear 63
4.4.6 Contec Innovations 64
4.4.7 Ericsson 65
4.4.8 Fiorano 66
4.4.9 Hewlett Packard 67
4.4.10 IBM 69
4.4.11 jNetX 70
4.4.12 Microsoft 71
4.4.13 Motorola 72
4.4.14 Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) 73
4.4.15 Oracle 75
4.4.16 SOA Software 76
4.4.17 Software AG / webMethods 77
4.4.18 Telenity 79
4.4.19 Tibco 80
4.4.20 Vitria 81
4.5 Conclusions 82
5 Numerical Analysis and Forecasts 83
5.1 Methodology 83
5.2 Markets for SDP Solutions 84
5.3 Functional Break-up of SDP Solutions Revenue 84
5.2 Mediawise Break-up of SDP Solutions Revenue 86
5.3 Geographical Break-up of Mediawise SDP Solutions Revenues 88
5.4 Markets for SOA Platforms 94
5.5 Conclusions 97
List of Figures

Figure 2 1: IMS Components 7
Figure 2 2: The network simplification achieved by SDP 12
Figure 3 1: OSA/Parlay Framework 20
Figure 3 2: SDP and OSA-Parlay 21
Figure 3 3: SDP Block Diagram 23
Figure 3 4: OSE Schematic 25
Figure 3 5: Web service protocol stack 31
Figure 3 6: IBM SOA foundation 34
Figure 3 7: SOA maturity - Top Level 38
Figure 3 8: Computation of Assertion Score 39
Figure 3 9: Enterprise Target Maturity Profile 40
Figure 3 10: HP SOA Agility Assessment Analysis 41
Figure 3 11: SOA in Telco Environment 45
Figure 3 12: Oracle SDP 47
Figure 3 13: SDP Scope 52
Figure 4 1: Position of SDP in the Telco Infrastructure 58
Figure 4 2: AePona Universal Service Platform suite 59
Figure 4 3: WebLogic and SDP 62
Figure 4 4: Cape Clear ESB Platform 63
Figure 4 5: Fiorano SOA 66
Figure 4 6: Microsoft CSF 71
Figure 4 7: Motorola GAMA 72
Figure 4 8: NSN Service Core and Applications 74
Figure 4 9: Workbench 76
Figure 4 10: Canvas CSP 79
Figure 5 1: SDP Solution Revenues 84
Figure 5 2: Functional Break-up of SDP Solution Revenues 85
Figure 5 3: % Share of Functional Components 86
Figure 5 4: Mediawise Break-up of SDP Solutions Revenues 87
Figure 5 5: % Mediawise Break-up of SDP Solutions Revenue 88
Figure 5 6: Geographywise Distribution of Wireline SDP Solutions Revenues 89
Figure 5 7: % Break-up of Wireline SDP Platform Revenues 90
Figure 5 8: Geographical Distribution of Wireless SDP Solution Revenues 91
Figure 5 9: % Break-up of Wireless SDP Solutions Revenues 92
Figure 5 10: Geographical Distribution of SDP Solution Revenues 93
Figure 5 11: % Geographical Break-up of SDP Solutions Revenues 94
Figure 5 12: Market for SOA Platforms 95
Figure 5 13: Geographical Distribution of SOA Revenues 96
Figure 5 14: % Geographical Break-up of Overall SOA Revenues 97

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