Ericsson has signed cross-license agreements with Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) and Huawei for multi-vendor interoperability, to simplify operators’ use of Operations Support Systems (OSS).
In signing the agreements, Ericsson furthers the goals of the Operations Support Systems interoperability initiative (OSSii).
OSSii is an initiative led by major network vendors (Ericsson, NSN and Huawei), which aims to facilitate the interoperability between network management systems from different vendors. OSSii is promoting competition for network-level OSS systems by reducing the overall integration costs, as well as speeding up the time to market for new services. The licenses will be available to other OSS vendors on FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms and conditions.
Cross-license agreements allow Ericsson and other vendors to develop and sell network management products and services based on each other’s proprietary OSS-interfaces. As part of the initiative Ericsson will provide a remote testing service for interoperability testing.
“This initiative marks a positive step towards improving efficiency in the fragmented OSS market. By signing these agreements, we will achieve our goal of stimulating innovation in network management, as well as reducing costs for our customers,” stated Thomas Norén, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio.
Earlier in February, NSN and Huawei announced a commitment to cross-license the OSS interfaces used for multi-vendor management as part of the OSS interoperability initiative (OSSii).
