Sun and leading telecom and service-ware companies Ericsson, NEC, Nokia, Nortel Networks, and Telcordia Technologies will start the Next Generation OSS through Java initiative, a new open, industry process to define Java-based APIs (Java APIs) for Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS). The companies' support of the initiative is based on a non-binding memorandum of understanding and is subject to the negotiation and close of a definitive agreement.

The Next Generation OSS through Java initiative will help standardize a wide range of Java APIs. The ultimate goal is to allow carriers and service providers to build seamless OSS systems in which all applications function together. Setting standards for software vendors to follow when they create applications helps enable applications made by different companies to function well together.

The intention is to standardize these OSS APIs under the latest Java Community Process (JCP) program, which represents the formalization of the open process that Sun has been using since 1995 to develop and revise Java technology specifications in cooperation with the international community of Java technology developers and adapters.

Currently carriers and service providers face a fragmented OSS market, filled with proprietary systems that don't work together without costly integration steps. Even then, the process is complex and time consuming, hindering efforts to roll out new technology and services quickly.

This first leg of the initiative will focus on applications for 3G wireless systems, particularly trouble ticketing, performance and quality of service, service activation, and provisioning.

The Next Generation OSS through Java initiative was prompted by requests from a number of companies already building their next generation OSS components using the Java platform. Being able to add and remove services easily and introduce new OSS applications and components quickly is becoming a crucial function for carriers and SPs that want to remain competitive as Voice over IP and mobile access to the Internet become a reality.

The border between network and service management is gradually disappearing, as the market evolves towards provisioning of services that require integration between the two.

The Enterprise JavaBeans technology with which the OSS APIs will be developed will help facilitate the creation of solutions offering great flexibility.

The Next Generation OSS through Java initiative can offer a comprehensive solution for carriers looking to integrate their legacy systems. It intends to align itself with other initiatives in the same arena, such as the TeleManagement Forum (TMF) and Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) initiatives.

Common OSS APIs also will simplify the lives of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), giving them rapid access to a bigger potential market, without requiring them to take account of the proprietary interfaces of each telecom manufacturer.

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