FTS (previously Formula Telecom Solutions) unveiled its concept of the “Business Control Layer” — a software layer in a service provider’s infrastructure residing between the network/OSS and the BSS that could make it easier to adapt and re-provision service bundles.
The technology would dynamically adapt network or service behavior at the customer level. For instance, enabling end-users to dial-up more bandwidth on-demand and better QoS during a gaming session, and then return to normal service levels when the game is finished.
FTS said its Business Control Layer simultaneously connects to any network infrastructure and includes service management elements from the billing system coupled with real-time charging and network management elements. This enables cross-network service plans in a pre-IMS environment while using existing billing systems.
The Business Control Layer “harmonizes” information in real-time and enables customers to act upon that information.
The first product to include Business Control Layer technology is FTS’ “Leap” BCE (Business Control Engine), which can connect simultaneously to multiple networks (POTS, Cellular, cable, etc.) looking at all events regardless of origin, whether user, network, calendar, financial, or BCE-generated. It then executes the operator predefined business rules for each event in real-time.
Telenet, Belgium’s largest cable operator, is using FTS’ Business Control Layer technology to improve upon its legacy flat-rate broadband charging model. The Telenet broadband access offering includes a number of services, all characterized by access speed, traffic quota (separate for upload and download), price quota and price per additional megabyte above the quota. Once a quota is reached, subscribers are redirected to a web page offering them three options: buy additional quota, move to a service plan that charges by the megabyte until the end of the month, or have their access speed reduced from broadband to narrowband until the end of the month without incurring additional charges (the default option). These options can also be pre-configured offering different level of services to for customers ranging from basic to premium.
http://www.fts-soft.com
