TM Forum collaborated with Microsoft to launch carrier-grade, open-source ODA Canvases, aimed at transforming the operational landscape for Communication Services Providers (CSPs). Available on GitHub, Microsoft’s assets for TM Forum’s ODA Reference Canvas empower CSPs to deploy scalable and customizable Canvases on Microsoft Azure. Utilizing cloud-native components like Azure Kubernetes Service and Microsoft Entra ID, CSPs can streamline operational workflows and accelerate the time-to-market for new services. This initiative also aims to democratize access to advanced telecom tools, promoting a more competitive and diverse industry ecosystem.
The Open Digital Architecture (ODA) is a modular, cloud-native framework developed by TM Forum to modernize telecom infrastructure. By providing reusable components and standardized APIs, ODA enables CSPs to break away from monolithic, legacy systems and adopt a more agile, plug-and-play architecture. The architecture is designed for rapid scaling and integration, enabling telecoms to reduce costs, improve site reliability, and quickly roll out innovative services. ODA’s approach fosters interoperability, allowing CSPs to integrate new software from multiple vendors seamlessly, which is crucial for adapting to fast-evolving digital demands and customer needs.
Vodafone has already implemented an ODA Canvas in Greece, marking an early adoption ahead of the reference implementation’s wider availability in early 2025. From January, Vodafone will require its IT suppliers to demonstrate commitment to the ODA Canvas, mirroring its approach with Open API compliance. Microsoft’s involvement in the ODA Canvas marks a significant milestone, potentially encouraging other hyperscalers and tech providers to contribute their own open-source solutions, creating an increasingly robust ecosystem for the telecom sector.
Microsoft’s contribution begins the evolution of ODA Canvas from a standalone reference model to a versatile toolkit for CSPs and system integrators, allowing for customized canvases on their preferred cloud platforms. Exos Systems, a consultancy working closely with Microsoft, has already implemented the Azure ODA Canvas. Using foundational Azure tools like Kubernetes Service for hosting ODA components, Entra ID for identity management, and Azure Monitor for observability, Exos enables easy deployment of ODA Canvases within Azure subscriptions, paving the way for CSPs to enhance efficiency and scalability.
Vodafone’s early adoption and Microsoft’s commitment underscore the industry’s shift toward open-source, agile infrastructure. Independent Software Vendors like Amdocs are also leveraging the framework for their hosted components on Azure, supporting CSPs in deploying modular, future-ready network systems.
- Microsoft assets provide the first hyperscaler ODA Reference Canvas blueprint as open source.
- CSPs can streamline operations and reduce time-to-market with ODA on Microsoft Azure.
- ODA provides standardized, reusable components to shift CSPs away from legacy systems.
- Vodafone adopts ODA Canvas in a live environment, setting a precedent for IT supplier requirements.
Anthony Goonetilleke, Group President at Amdocs, states, “Leveraging TM Forum’s ODA Canvas on Azure and Amdocs’ ODA-ready components, we empower service providers to deploy modular, future-ready IT and network systems that support the evolving needs of the communications industry
