TM Forum’s goal of building a market for plug-and-play software components to support cloud-native networks got one step closer as 10 members begin collaboration to build a test platform for TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA).To kick-start the project, Accenture, Axiata Digital Labs, Global Wavenet, Globetom, Oracle Communications, Orange, SigScale, Sysbiz Technologies, Vodafone and Whale Cloud have joined forces on the new
ODA Component Accelerator project, which will follow a similar structure and methodology to the Forum’s renowned Catalyst projects.
ODA-compliant components are interoperable software building blocks that run service provider businesses, enabling the industry to invest in IT for new and differentiated services instead of maintaining customized legacy code and interfaces. The project underpins the Forum’s continuing drive to
create practical, machine-readable assets for its members.
In fact, George Glass, Chief Technology Officer, TM Forum, says, “An important part of our commitment to enabling the ODA is providing the means by which CSPs can validate and standardize their software components in a neutral third-party test environment. The output from the ODA Component Accelerator project will increase CSPs’ ability to quickly deploy multi-vendor IT and network systems, enabling them to accelerate delivery of new services while dramatically reducing software procurement and integration costs.”
One of the 10 project founders, Oracle Communications, echoes Glass’ comment saying that collaborating with service providers to expedite the effectiveness of the ODA is important in driving innovation and unlocking growth.
Oracle has been involved in the BOS Catalyst and is looking forward to expanding the project and its contribution overall. Jason Rutherford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Communications, Applications, noted, “Oracle looks forward to extending our contribution to the award-winning BOS Catalyst in building an ODA reference implementation and continuing to provide these important components as part of our portfolio.”
Service providers Orange and Vodafone also realize the importance of the project. Laurent Leboucher, Vice President Digital IT, Customer Relations and Global Architecture, Orange, notes, “The ODA Component Accelerator is a first step toward a reference implementation platform for TM Forum. At Orange, we are very committed to this initiative as it paves the way toward true software building blocks. It will help to reduce the integration burden, to improve time to market, and simplify procurement.”
“The ODA Component Accelerator provides a much-needed neutral sandbox environment where CSPs and solutions suppliers alike can come together and work to build the market for software components needed to manage and operate our future IT and network systems,” adds Carlos Valero, Global Director of IT Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone. “In addition to helping CSPs understand the best approach to building out their cloud native IT, the ODA Component Accelerator will also help shape current and future R&D.”
Read more about the ODA Component Accelerator project in the press release here. To get involved in the project email accelerator@tmforum.org.