Advising on the commercial impact of technology and
    market changes in telecoms, software and IT services

The Next-Generation Telco IT programme

IT for the telecoms vertical is currently going through an exciting period of change, as telecoms operators gear up for the long haul of business transformation - from a traditional vertically-integrated telco into a competitive service provider, based on a next-generation, all-IP network.

A variety of industry and competitive pressures mean that telcos are increasingly required to compete as differentiated service providers. But transformation into an infotainment or ICT company - to name just two examples - requires an intelligent, responsive infrastructure with running costs that are more in line with today's competitive business environment.

Next-generation networks (NGN) promise telcos significant cost and revenue benefits. Yet to take advantage of these opportunities, telcos also need to transform their IT to support a new type of business.

Process changes are required, to operate the new business in an efficient way and to ensure that systems legacy does not hold it back. These new business processes will affect operational and business support systems (OSS/BSS) as well as enterprise IT, and they will also change the telco's approach to governing the delivery of IT for the business. These changes are already impacting on suppliers to telcos, who must deal with new competitive dynamics and delivery models, as well as the inevitable changes to their technology roadmaps.

The Next-Generation Telco IT advisory service focuses directly on these areas of evolution, asking what change means for IT suppliers to telcos, and what they must do to ensure that they benefit from it. Next-Generation Telco IT is process- and business- focused, and complementary to Ovum's technology-oriented research programmes (such as Service Platforms).

Research programme

This programme of research answers your big questions about the changing telco requirements for IT and IT services. Some of the key topics that Next-Generation Telco IT addresses in its reports and comments pieces include:

• IT governance for the next-generation telco
• OSS legacy renewal strategies
• Supporting next-generation services (e.g. IPTV)
• The changing OSS vendor landscape
• End-to-end service assurance.

Regular competitive analysis of the major IT players active in the telecoms sector is supplemented by operator case studies plus comprehensive five-year market sizing and forecasts. Regular engagement with Ovum experts enables you to assess your particular market position and opportunity.

The Next-Generation Telco IT research programme is available via a 12-month subscription, and access to the written deliverables is via Ovum's secure website.

Customised advice

In addition to the online research programme, Ovum's Next-Generation Telco IT experts can help you to find answers to your individual questions. The following are just some of the ways in which we can help you.

Strategy bullet-proofing

Are you planning to launch a new strategy, or new offering to your telecoms customers? If so, it's often very valuable to get an outside perspective before going to the market. Test your ideas out on Ovum first. Through our knowledge of your customers and competitors, and using our market scenario-based framework, we can help you to bullet-proof your strategy and recommend the most effective way of communicating it.

Competitor benchmark tool

The Next-Generation Telco IT programme is a rich source of intelligence on what your industry peers are doing in telecoms. But how do you stack up against them? Find out via Ovum's competitor benchmark tool. This tool is based on a tried and tested evaluation methodology, and taps into our knowledge of what your telco customers are looking for in an IT partner.

Customer perception audit

Do you really know how your telco customers see you? What their priorities for supplier selection are? Or how you compare to the competition in their eyes? Ovum is a neutral third party, well known and respected by telecoms operators worldwide. Let us help you to get answers via our tailored customer perception audit, again based on a solid and well-developed methodology.

Addressable market analysis

Our Next-Generation Telco IT programme provides you with market sizing and forecasts of IT revenues from the telecoms sector. What proportion of this represents your market opportunity? Ovum can help you find answers by delving into our numbers, and the market development scenarios which underpin them.

Partner evaluation

If you are a serious player in IT services for the telecoms sector, your customers will expect you to bring a comprehensive range of product partners to bear when proposing solutions. But are you familiar enough with the many solutions vendors active in the telecoms space? Tap into Ovum's detailed knowledge of telecoms ISVs and equipment providers to find out who you should be working with. Our rigorous evaluation criteria will help you to make the right choices.

Speaking engagements

Have an Ovum expert speak at your executive meetings. We bring a fresh external perspective, and can shed light on current issues and questions of interest.

How Ovum helped

We helped a major IT Services company to understand its potential market for IT-driven cost optimisation solutions in the telecoms sector. Our final report, based on in-depth interviews with 20 senior executives within European telecoms operators, provided 23 recommended actions plus an initial list of those operators who would be receptive to such an approach.

One IT Services player with a strong presence in regional telecoms asked us to evaluate their opportunity around CRM for telecoms operators. Our response was based on interviews with operators in its home region, plus expert input from Ovum's OSS/BSS and CRM analysts.

Your next move...

To find out more about Ovum's services contact us at your nearest office.