Listen With We Are CORTEX

Hello, everyone! Hailey here from We Are CORTEX, today I'm excited to share insights from a fascinating discussion I had with a colleague on how to resolve the legacy OSS mess – and smoothly and cost-effectively migrate to an automated future

This conversation dives deep into the complexities of legacy systems and the transformative journey toward automation. We kicked off by exploring the pressing challenge that many telecom operators face: the integration of legacy OSS platforms into modern automation frameworks.

They emphasized that this is not just a technical hurdle but a strategic necessity.

The first stage of their three-stage automation transformation plan focuses on consolidation.

This means integrating those older systems into the new OSS landscape to enhance their utility and strategic value.

By doing so, operators can start reaping immediate benefits while preparing for the eventual retirement of these legacy solutions. As we discussed, the journey toward full automation is anything but straightforward.

It involves multiple pathways and requires the alignment of various stakeholders.

They pointed out that while many operators have made strides toward achieving higher levels of automation, the legacy systems often hold them back.

It's a common misconception that these systems can simply be retired; in reality, they support essential services that customers rely on. They shared the framework we have developed at We Are CORTEX, which outlines the three stages of transformation: consolidation, simplification, and optimization.

We focused on the first stage, where the integration of legacy platforms is crucial.

This integration not only allows for immediate operational benefits but also lays the groundwork for future enhancements and flexibility. One of the standout points from our conversation was the recognition that many operators are stuck with numerous OSS solutions—sometimes as many as two hundred—each serving specific functions.

This complexity can be daunting, especially when trying to modernize operations.

However, they stressed that the key to overcoming this challenge lies in leveraging existing assets rather than opting for a costly and impractical complete overhaul. We also touched on the importance of automation in legacy environments.

The CORTEX platform, for instance, is designed to connect with both legacy and modern systems, ensuring that no valuable processes are left behind.

This capability is vital for operators looking to bridge the gap between old and new technologies without incurring unnecessary costs. A particularly enlightening case study was shared about a national operator that had to manage multiple voice service networks.

By utilizing CORTEX, they successfully automated alarm processing, achieving an impressive ninety-nine point nine nine nine eight percent automation rate for alarm ticket generation.

This not only streamlined their operations but also significantly reduced the number of manual interventions required. As we wrapped up our discussion, they highlighted the importance of reusability in automation processes.

By decoupling operations from specific legacy systems, operators can ensure that their automation efforts remain relevant and adaptable as technology evolves.

This approach not only protects investments but also paves the way for future innovations. In conclusion, the legacy OSS challenge is a significant barrier to achieving higher levels of automation, but it's not insurmountable.

With the right strategies and frameworks in place, operators can integrate their legacy systems into a cohesive automation strategy that drives efficiency and prepares them for the future.

If you want to learn more on this topic, download our Whitepaper. Or start your journey today by contacting us.

Hey, everyone! Today's topic is a result of a recent conversation I had with one of the team here at We Are CORTEX, who shared the fascinating journey of automation and hyperautomation within Communication Service Providers.

As we dive into this topic, it's clear that automation has become a cornerstone for CSPs and the broader telecom sector.

Operators have been making significant strides to automate processes, but many have focused on specific tasks within isolated domains.

While this approach yields improvements, it doesn't fully realize the potential of comprehensive automation.

Some CSPs are taking a more holistic route, aiming to unify their automation efforts and gradually integrate them across their operations.

Regardless of the approach, one thing is certain: automation is essential for long-term success, especially as networks grow increasingly complex and virtualized. The motivation behind this push for automation is not just about operational efficiency; it's become a necessity in a fiercely competitive landscape.

CSPs are setting ambitious targets, striving to reach advanced levels of automation as defined by the TM Forum's maturity model.

This model outlines a progression from manual operations to fully autonomous networks, where systems can make decisions based on predictive analysis and manage services across multiple domains without human intervention. However, the journey toward hyperautomation presents its own set of challenges.

Hyperautomation goes beyond traditional automation by integrating multiple technologies and processes to create a seamless operational framework.

It's about automating as many business and IT processes as possible, ensuring that workflows are interconnected rather than existing in silos.

To illustrate this, consider the process of deploying updates to customer routers.

Traditionally, this involves a manual sequence of steps, from scheduling downtime to executing the update.

But with hyperautomation, this entire process can be streamlined, ensuring compliance with security protocols and governance requirements while minimizing human error.

The person I spoke with emphasized that hyperautomation is not just a buzzword; it's a practical approach that CSPs can adopt incrementally.

It allows for the integration of existing automation efforts into a cohesive strategy that spans various domains and functional areas.

This is crucial for delivering differentiated services and meeting compliance obligations in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. One exciting area of growth is the deployment of private networks, which is set to revolutionize the telecom industry.

With thousands of private LTE and 5G networks expected to be operational soon, CSPs must leverage hyperautomation to meet the specific performance goals of these networks while ensuring agile delivery and activation. I also learned about the CORTEX platform, which is designed specifically for hyperautomation in telecom.

This platform facilitates a smooth transition from legacy processes to agile, hyperautomated systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while enhancing operational efficiency.

With over two hundred pre-built function blocks, CORTEX allows CSPs to automate workflows and processes incrementally, creating a pathway to hyperautomation that is both manageable and effective. In conclusion, the journey toward hyperautomation is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about evolving existing processes to create a more integrated and efficient operational framework.

As CSPs navigate this landscape, they will find that hyperautomation is not a destination but a continuous journey, one that promises to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in the telecom sector.

If you want to learn more on this topic download our Whitepaper. Or if you want to start your journey by finding out more about CORTEX, contact us today.

Hello, everyone! Today, I'm thrilled to share insights from a recent conversation I had with an industry expert about the transformative potential of 5G, particularly in the B2B landscape.

As we dive into this topic, it's clear that the future of connectivity is not just about faster speeds for consumers; it's about unlocking a new realm of opportunities for businesses across various sectors. The expert emphasized that B2B revenues are set to play a pivotal role in the success of 5G as a commercial service.

While consumer revenues are important, the advanced services that 5G, especially 5G Standalone, aims to support are primarily designed for enterprise customers.

This focus on businesses is foundational to the very concept of 5G.

When it was first envisioned, it was meant to create an environment where multiple performance dimensions could be met, thanks to innovations like network slicing. Network slicing is a game-changer.

It allows for the creation of different service capabilities tailored to specific performance requirements.

Each slice can be optimized for various applications, whether that's smart factories, logistics, healthcare, or even autonomous vehicles.

The expert pointed out that the revenue potential from network slicing is expected to skyrocket, growing from virtually nothing in 2022 to an impressive twenty-three point six billion dollars by 2030.

This growth is driven by the diverse applications and use cases that 5G can support. But here's the catch: the success of these services doesn't solely hinge on the technology itself.

It's also about how quickly and efficiently communication service providers can design, launch, and manage these offerings.

Automation and dynamic orchestration are essential to achieving this agility.

The expert highlighted that operational automation must be linked to business support systems to ensure compliance and adapt to evolving service management requirements. As we explored the B2B service opportunities, it became clear that 5G Standalone opens doors for innovative services, not just for consumers but significantly for businesses.

The expert mentioned various sectors that stand to benefit, including smart ports, agriculture, and smart energy.

The B2B2X model, which extends services to end users beyond just businesses, is also gaining traction, creating a rich tapestry of potential partnerships and service offerings. The conversation also delved into the intricacies of network slicing.

Each slice provides dedicated resources to a single customer or application over a shared infrastructure, allowing for tailored performance.

This means that service providers can deliver customized, differentiated services on demand, which is crucial in today's fast-paced market. However, to realize these opportunities, communication service providers must navigate a complex landscape of requirements.

They need to ensure minimal friction in service delivery while maintaining high standards of performance and scalability.

The expert stressed that automation is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for managing the intricate configurations required for each service slice. As we wrapped up our discussion, it became evident that the future of B2B services in the 5G era is bright but requires a strategic approach.

Service providers must embrace automation and agility to keep pace with the evolving demands of their customers.

The right tools and frameworks, like those offered by We Are CORTEX, can empower operators to build efficient automation processes, ensuring they can meet the dynamic needs of the market. In conclusion, the B2B opportunity presented by 5G is immense.

It's not just about deploying new technology; it's about rethinking how services are delivered and monetized.

As we move forward, I encourage all of you to consider how you can leverage these insights to enhance your own strategies and stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.

The time to act is now, and the possibilities are endless!

If you want to learn more on this topic download our Whitepaper. Likewise, if you want to start your journey by finding out more about CORTEX, contact us today.

Hi Everyone, i recently chatted with a security expert and explored the evolving landscape of security within telecommunications, it's clear that automation has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity.

With new regulations like the Telecommunications Security Act in the UK and the EU's NIS2 directive, CSPs are under increasing pressure to not only enhance their operational efficiency but also to ensure compliance with these stringent requirements.

During our discussion, they highlighted that network and operational automation is now a top priority for CSPs.

This shift is driven by the need for agility in service delivery, especially as we move into the era of 5G Standalone.

According to projections, the network automation market is set to grow significantly, reaching approximately 16.5 billion dollars by 2028.

This growth is fueled by CSPs embarking on cloud-native transformations that demand higher levels of automation to manage the complexities of modern networks. But it's not just about efficiency; compliance is a major driver for automation as well.

The expert pointed out that governments worldwide are tightening regulations to bolster national security, which means CSPs must adapt quickly.

The introduction of laws like the UK's TSA emphasizes the importance of securing public electronic communications networks.

This act, which came into effect in October 2022, mandates CSPs to implement robust security measures and continuously evaluate their processes to mitigate risks. So, what does this mean for CSPs in practical terms? The expert explained that automation is no longer optional.

It's essential for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting regulatory obligations.

For instance, with the rise of 5G, operators must adopt a 'security first' mindset while developing dynamically orchestrated services.

This requires a shift from manual processes to automated solutions that can handle the complexities of network slicing and service orchestration. Interestingly, the conversation also delved into the distinction between process automation and strategic automation.

While many organizations have adopted robotic process automation, the expert emphasized that true strategic automation must address regulatory pressures and ensure compliance.

This is where AI can play a pivotal role, but it must be integrated within a framework that considers emerging governance standards. As we wrapped up our discussion, the expert shared some compelling examples of how automation can transform operations.

For instance, one major operator implemented an automated solution for managing system access, resulting in a staggering reduction in unauthorized access and significant cost savings.

Another CSP improved its compliance checks through automation, achieving near real-time resolution of configuration discrepancies. The takeaway? Automation is not just about improving efficiency; it's a critical component for compliance in an increasingly regulated environment.

CSPs that embrace this shift will not only enhance their operational capabilities but also safeguard their business against the risks of non-compliance. As we look to the future, it's clear that the path to automation is not just a journey but a necessity for survival in the telecom industry.

With the right strategies and tools, CSPs can navigate this landscape effectively, ensuring they meet both operational and regulatory demands. I'm excited to see how these developments unfold and how we can leverage automation to create more resilient and efficient networks.

If you want to learn more on this topic download our Whitepaper. Likewise, if you want to start your journey by finding out more about CORTEX, contact us today.

Hi Everyone, I'm thrilled to share insights from my recent conversation with a senior member of the We Are CORTEX team about the transformative power of automation in telecommunications. In our discussion, we delved into a common misconception: that digital transformation is merely a project or program.

Instead, it should be viewed as a mindset and a culture that permeates the organization.

This shift in perspective is crucial, as it can significantly accelerate the pace of change and the scale of transformation.

The essence of successful transformation lies not just in achieving automation but in embracing a comprehensive orchestration strategy across the business. Automation is both an end goal and a continuous discipline.

When scaled effectively, it becomes part of an orchestration strategy that connects automated tasks and processes, creating a seamless, end-to-end workflow.

Operators and service providers are eager to automate as much as possible, yet they often do so in silos, missing out on broader opportunities for integration and efficiency. As we explored the sources of friction that can hinder automation efforts, it became clear that many telecommunications companies are either diving headfirst into automation with consultants or relying on citizen development tools for smaller IT projects.

However, both approaches come with their own risks and costs.

Citizen-developed automation, often in the form of robotic process automation, can lack visibility and control, making it a daunting task for businesses to harness effectively.

On the other hand, consultant-led engagements may focus too heavily on existing vendor portfolios, which can be shortsighted given the rapid changes in technology and market dynamics. Another significant barrier is the pursuit of perfection before initiating transformation.

Many organizations believe that processes must be flawless and thoroughly documented before any automation can occur.

This mindset can lead to procrastination and missed opportunities.

The reality is that even imperfect processes can be automated, with incremental improvements made over time. We also discussed the importance of recognizing that automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

It can be implemented in a granular fashion, allowing operators to automate specific tasks or processes within a single domain.

For instance, in the last mile of service delivery, various stakeholders—from contractors to network equipment vendors—must interact seamlessly.

Automation can streamline these interactions, ensuring that each step is executed efficiently, even if it's done independently at first. The conversation highlighted the transformative potential of 5G technology, which offers unprecedented flexibility through software-defined networks and network slicing.

However, managing such complexity in real-time is only achievable through automation.

The telco industry has quickly recognized this necessity, as manual processes simply cannot keep pace with the demands of modern services. One of the key takeaways from our discussion is that automation should not be viewed as an "all or nothing" endeavor.

Instead, a pragmatic, step-by-step approach can yield immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for future advancements.

By focusing on reusability and strategic automation, telecommunications companies can scale their operations effectively and efficiently. In conclusion, as service providers navigate the complexities of modern network operations, the imperative for automation becomes clear.

The journey toward automation doesn't have to be overwhelming.

By starting small and focusing on processes that deliver immediate value, organizations can build momentum and achieve significant benefits.

So, don't wait for a complete network transformation to begin your automation journey.

The building blocks for success are already within reach, and the time to act is now.

If you want to learn more on this topic download our Whitepaper. Likewise, if you want to start your journey by finding out more about CORTEX, contact us today.