5G, or fifth-generation wireless technology, is the latest generation of mobile communication
standards and technologies that succeeds 4G (LTE). It represents a significant advancement in
wireless communication and networking compared to its predecessors.
6G, or sixth-generation wireless technology, is envisioned to be the successor to 5G and is expected to provide even more advanced and transformative capabilities in wireless communications. 6G is expected to achieve unprecedented data speeds, potentially reaching terabit-per-second rates. This would enable lightning-fast downloads, ultra-low latency, and real-time data processing on an unparalleled scale.
A continuous signal used to transmit voice and data.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that commonly require human intelligence. AI leverages computing power and applications such as Machine Learning (ML) to access data to "learn" how to mimic human reasoning to take on various tasks. Applications of AI include nature language processing, speech recognition, and robotics.
Analytics is the systematic examination of data to uncover patterns and trends, while insights are valuable conclusions derived from this analysis, offering actionable knowledge to inform decision-making and improvements.
AWS stands for Amazon Web Services, and it is a comprehensive and widely used cloud computing platform and infrastructure provided by Amazon.com. AWS offers a vast array of cloud services, including computing power, storage solutions, databases, machine learning, analytics, content delivery, and more, allowing individuals and organizations to access and utilize cloud-based resources to build, deploy, and scale applications and services.
Bandwidth is the capacity or data transfer rate of a network or communication channel. It measures the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection within a given time period, typically expressed in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).
A B2B (business-to-business) marketplace is an online platform or digital ecosystem where businesses can buy and sell products, services, or goods to and from one another. Unlike traditional retail marketplaces that cater to consumers, B2B marketplaces focus exclusively on facilitating transactions between businesses, ranging from small enterprises to large corporations. These marketplaces provide a centralized, efficient, and often automated environment for companies to discover suppliers or customers, negotiate deals, complete transactions, and manage ongoing relationships.
B2B SaaS, short for Business-to-Business Software as a Service, refers to a category of cloud-based software solutions that are specifically designed to serve the needs of businesses and organizations. Unlike traditional software that is installed and maintained on individual computers or servers, B2B SaaS applications are hosted in the cloud and accessed over the internet. These applications provide a wide range of functionalities, such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), project management, collaboration tools, and more, to help businesses streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and manage various aspects of their workflow.
B2B2X is a business model that extends the traditional Business-to-Business (B2B) approach by involving multiple entities, typically a primary business (B2B) and various intermediaries or partners (represented by the "2X"), in delivering products or services to end customers. In this model, the primary business collaborates with other businesses or intermediaries to provide a comprehensive solution to end customers, often focusing on specific industries or markets. The "X" can represent a variety of intermediaries, such as resellers, distributors, service providers, or value-added partners.
A B2B2X Marketplace encompasses all types of marketplaces, supporting complex use cases. It enables:
Business Support System (BSS) is a crucial framework of software and processes employed by telecommunications and service providers to manage their core business functions and operations effectively. At its core, BSS encompasses various modules and applications designed to support customer-facing activities, financial management, and the overall operational efficiency of the organization. This includes functions such as customer relationship management (CRM), billing and invoicing, order management, product catalog management, and revenue assurance, among others.
BSS Telecom refers to a specific comprehensive set of software applications, tools, and processes used by telecommunications companies and communications service providers to manage and support various business functions and operations. BSS is a critical component of a telecom operator's infrastructure and plays a central role in enabling and maintaining services for both individual and business customers. BSS stands for Business Support System.
BSS transformation refers to the process of overhauling and modernizing a telecommunications service provider's Business Support Systems (BSS). BSS transformation initiatives are driven by the need to adapt to changing market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. This transformation typically involves a comprehensive re-evaluation and upgrade of the BSS infrastructure, including software, processes, and organizational structures, to better align with the goals and challenges of the telecom industry.
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is a measure of the mean annual growth rate of an investment, revenue, or other financial metric over a specified period, assuming the growth is compounded annually. CAGR provides a smoothed growth rate that eliminates the effects of volatility, making it a useful tool for comparing the performance of investments or businesses over time. However, it does not account for fluctuations within the period, showing only the average rate of return.
A cellular network, also known as a mobile network or cellular system, is a telecommunications network that provides wireless communication services to mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and mobile-connected devices like IoT (Internet of Things) devices. It is composed of a complex infrastructure of interconnected cell towers or base stations that collectively cover a geographic area divided into small regions called cells.
Cloud billing solutions are software platforms or services that enable organizations to automate and streamline the process of invoicing, charging, and managing payments for cloud-based services, digital products, or subscription-based offerings. These solutions provide businesses with the tools to accurately calculate charges based on resource usage, subscription tiers, or other billing models, generate invoices, track payments, and manage customer billing data in a centralized and efficient manner.
Cloud-native refers to a software development and deployment approach that is specifically designed to leverage the advantages of cloud computing environments. It encompasses a set of principles, practices, and architectural patterns aimed at building and running applications that can fully exploit the scalability, resilience, and flexibility offered by cloud platforms. Cloud-native applications are typically developed, deployed, and managed with a focus on microservices, containerization, and DevOps practices.
Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is a metric used to gauge how satisfied customers are with a company's products, services, or specific interactions, typically measured through surveys asking customers to rate their experience on a scale (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 10). It is calculated as the percentage of satisfied responses (e.g., ratings of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale) out of the total responses, providing a clear, actionable measure of customer happiness. While simple and easy to understand, CSAT reflects immediate impressions and is often complemented by other metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) for deeper insights into customer loyalty.
The Digital Business Platform is a SaaS solution tailored for businesses aiming to accelerate revenue growth through the utilization of cutting-edge technologies like 5G, Edge computing, IoT, and AI. It facilitates collaborative solution development and sales within partner ecosystems, allowing companies to better address their customers' digital requirements. Cloud billing solutions can be implemented in either on-premises environments or in the cloud.
A digital ecosystem platform is a comprehensive and interconnected digital infrastructure that serves as a foundation for facilitating interactions, collaborations, and transactions among various entities, including businesses, developers, partners, and customers, within a digital ecosystem.
A digital transformation platform is a comprehensive and integrated set of technologies, tools, and frameworks designed to facilitate an organization's transition from traditional business processes to digitally empowered operations. It serves as a centralized hub for orchestrating and automating various aspects of the transformation journey, including data management, application development, process optimization, and customer engagement.
In the context of B2B technology, digital marketplaces are online platforms or ecosystems that facilitate the buying and selling of goods, services, or solutions between businesses. These marketplaces leverage digital technology and connectivity to connect buyers and sellers, streamline procurement processes, and enable efficient transactions within the B2B sector.
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a broadband internet technology that uses existing copper telephone lines to provide high-speed internet access to homes and businesses. DSL works by transmitting digital data over a portion of the telephone line's frequency spectrum, allowing both voice and data services to coexist on the same line simultaneously. DSL is typically faster than traditional dial-up internet and offers an "always-on" internet connection, meaning users can access the internet without the need to dial in.
Ecosystem orchestration refers to the process of facilitating seamless and dynamic collaboration among various stakeholders within a shared business platform. It empowers participants to effortlessly exchange, merge, and monetize their services, rapidly introduce new digital offerings, collaborate on joint solutions, and innovate their business models.
Microsoft Edge, commonly referred to as simply "Edge," is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It is the default web browser for Windows operating systems, replacing Internet Explorer as the default browser starting with Windows 10. Edge is designed to provide users with a fast, secure, and modern web browsing experience. It is built on the Chromium open-source project, which is also the foundation for Google Chrome.
Edge can also mean edge computing, a computing paradigm that brings data processing and computation closer to the data source or "edge" of the network, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers. It is designed to reduce latency and improve real-time processing by performing data analysis and executing applications on edge devices or local servers, which are often situated in proximity to where data is generated.
A common networking technology used for wired local area networks (LANs).
eXchange is the first global B2B2X wholesale technology solutions marketplace, established with the aim of expediting the growth of CSPs' B2B and B2C portfolios while accelerating revenue generation.
Fiber optic refers to a high-speed telecommunications technology that utilizes thin, hair-like strands of glass or plastic, known as optical fibers, to transmit data and information over long distances through the transmission of light signals.
Google Cloud, often referred to simply as "GCP" (Google Cloud Platform), is a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services and solutions provided by Google. It offers a wide range of tools and infrastructure to enable organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications and services in the cloud. Google Cloud encompasses computing, storage, data analytics, machine learning, networking, and more, making it a versatile platform for businesses of all sizes.
GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications, is a widely used standard for digital cellular communication. It represents a set of protocols and technologies that enable mobile devices, such as cell phones and tablets, to communicate with cellular networks and with each other.
HSPA, or High-Speed Packet Access, is a mobile telecommunications technology that enhances the data transfer capabilities of 3G (third-generation) cellular networks. HSPA improves data transmission speeds and efficiency by employing advanced modulation techniques, increased spectrum utilization, and packet-switched data delivery.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to the diverse set of tools, systems, and resources used to handle, transmit, store, and retrieve information. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, including computers, the internet, telecommunications, software, and digital systems, as well as applications like email, social media, and cloud computing. ICT plays a crucial role in connecting people and businesses, enhancing communication, improving efficiency, and enabling innovation across industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and entertainment. By integrating hardware, software, and networks, ICT has become a fundamental driver of modern society and the global economy.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides organizations with virtualized computing resources over the internet. In an IaaS environment, users can access and manage fundamental IT infrastructure components like virtual machines, storage, networking, and servers without the need to invest in and maintain physical hardware. Instead, they rely on cloud service providers to deliver these resources on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis.
Infonova is a BSS provider with a history dating back to its founding in 1989, and later, in 2005, it became part of BearingPoint through acquisition. In 2018, Beyond Now, a standalone business under BearingPoint's ownership, was introduced to the market. This move marked a strategic expansion of Infonova's offerings from BSS solutions to encompassing cloud-native digital platforms.
An IoT (Internet of Things) marketplace is an online platform or ecosystem that facilitates the discovery, procurement, and integration of IoT-related products, services, and solutions. These marketplaces serve as centralized hubs where businesses, developers, and organizations can explore, select, and acquire IoT devices, sensors, software, and applications to support their specific needs and projects. IoT marketplaces often offer a diverse range of offerings, including hardware components, software platforms, connectivity services, and even pre-built IoT applications.
IP (Intellectual Property) refers to the legal rights granted to individuals or organizations over their creations, inventions, or innovations. These rights protect intangible assets such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and trademarks, ensuring that creators can benefit from their work and prevent unauthorized use by others. Intellectual property is typically categorized into types like patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, each offering specific protections. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation, creativity, and economic growth by providing incentives for individuals and businesses to develop new ideas and technologies.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a vast network of interconnected physical devices, objects, and machines that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect, exchange, and transmit data over the internet. These devices can range from everyday objects like smart thermostats and wearable fitness trackers to industrial machines in manufacturing plants and autonomous vehicles. IoT systems enable these devices to communicate with each other, centralized systems, and even human users, facilitating data-driven decision-making, automation, and enhanced functionality across a wide range of industries and applications.
An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves as a fundamental identifier in data networks, allowing devices to locate and communicate with each other over the internet or within a local network. IP addresses are composed of a series of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and can be either IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) or IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) format, with IPv6 addresses being longer and designed to accommodate the growing number of connected devices.
Jitter refers to the variation in the timing of data packet arrivals in a network. It can result in the irregular or inconsistent delivery of data packets, leading to disruptions in audio, video, or data transmission.
Jitter is typically measured in milliseconds and is a critical metric in assessing the quality of real-time communication, such as voice and video calls, where consistent packet arrival times are crucial for a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
A keylogger is a type of malicious software or hardware device designed to secretly record and monitor the keystrokes of a computer user. It captures all keyboard inputs, including usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information, without the user's knowledge.
Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an open-source container orchestration platform used for automating the deployment, scaling, management, and orchestration of containerized applications.
It provides a robust framework for efficiently managing container clusters, ensuring that applications run reliably and consistently across various environments. Kubernetes simplifies container management tasks, such as load balancing, scaling, and self-healing, making it a fundamental tool for organizations adopting containerization and microservices architectures.
Latency refers to the delay or lag in the transmission of data or information over a network or communication system. It is typically measured in milliseconds and represents the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, impacting the responsiveness and real-time performance of applications and network services.
Marketplace software is a technology solution needed to launch and manage an application marketplace. Marketplace software can offer a range of features. These include frontend capabilities—such as customizable branding, search tools, and a recommendation engine—and backend functionality including billing, identity and access management, product provisioning and management tools, and more.
Microsoft Azure, commonly referred to as Azure, is a comprehensive cloud computing platform and infrastructure offered by Microsoft. It provides a wide range of cloud services, including computing, storage, databases, analytics, machine learning, and more, to help organizations build, deploy, and manage applications and services in the cloud.
Azure is known for its scalability, global reach, and strong integration with Microsoft's other products, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to leverage the cloud for enhanced agility, efficiency, and innovation in their IT operations.
A Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) is a company or entity that provides infrastructure and services to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). MVNOs are wireless service providers that do not own their own physical network infrastructure but instead lease network capacity from traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
A technology enabling short-range wireless communication between devices.
Stands for Open Digital Architecture, an initiative by TM Forum. The ODA the goal of replacing conventional Operational and Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS) structures with software-defined operations.
Open APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and interact with each other in a standardized way. These interfaces are "open" in the sense that they are publicly available and accessible to developers, enabling them to integrate their own applications or services with existing software systems or platforms. Open APIs provide a means for applications to request and exchange data, functionality, or services, promoting interoperability and enabling developers to create innovative solutions that can leverage the capabilities of other software or services.
A high-speed network that uses optical fibers to transmit data.
OSS/BSS (Operational Support Systems/Business Support Systems) refers to the integrated set of software applications that telecom operators use to manage their network operations and business processes. These systems play a crucial role in ensuring smooth functioning of telecom services by handling tasks ranging from network monitoring and maintenance to customer billing and service provisioning.
In computing, a "packet" refers to a small unit of data that is transmitted over a network. It is the basic unit of information in network communication and is used to encapsulate and transmit data across various types of networks, such as the internet or local area networks (LANs).
Packets are used to break down large pieces of data into smaller, manageable chunks for efficient transmission and routing across networks. They are crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices and systems on a network. Packets are also a fundamental concept in the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, which is the foundation of internet communication.
A partner ecosystem, in the business context, refers to a network of interconnected organizations, individuals, and entities that collaborate and work together to achieve common goals, often related to the production, distribution, or delivery of products and services. These partners can include suppliers, distributors, resellers, technology providers, third-party developers, and even customers. The concept emphasizes the idea that no single entity can do everything on its own, and organizations must rely on a diverse range of partners to enhance their capabilities, expand their market reach, and create mutually beneficial opportunities.
Partner Management refers to the processes, tools, and strategies CSPs use to manage relationships, operations, and collaborations with their partners. In the telecommunications and digital services industry, partnerships are essential for delivering value-added services, expanding market reach, and enhancing customer experiences.
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud-based delivery model where software applications are provided to users over the internet, rather than being installed and maintained on local computers or servers. SaaS allows users to access and use software applications on a subscription basis, typically through a web browser, without needing to manage infrastructure, updates, or security. This model offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access, making it popular for businesses and individuals alike. Common examples of SaaS include tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce, which streamline operations and offer flexibility for remote or on-the-go usage.
SaaS BSS, which stands for Software as a Service Business Support System, is a comprehensive cloud-based solution designed specifically for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). It serves as a modern and agile platform to manage various critical business functions within the telecommunications industry. This includes tasks such as billing, customer management, order processing, revenue assurance, and service provisioning. Unlike traditional on-premises BSS systems, SaaS BSS is delivered as a service over the internet, allowing CSPs to access and utilize these essential functionalities on a subscription basis.
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SG&A stands for "Selling, General, and Administrative" expenses. It is a category of operating expenses that companies report on their income statements. SG&A expenses encompass the costs associated with running a company's day-to-day operations and selling its products or services, but not directly tied to the production of goods or services.
A SaaS (Software as a Service) marketplace is an online platform where users can discover, purchase, and manage a wide range of software applications and services, all delivered as cloud-based solutions. These marketplaces serve as centralized hubs where both software providers and customers can interact, offering a convenient and efficient way to access, evaluate, and subscribe to various SaaS offerings. Users can browse through a catalog of software applications that cater to different business needs, from productivity tools and collaboration software to specialized industry-specific solutions.
Strategic partner management refers to the systematic planning, coordination, and oversight of relationships with key partners, suppliers, or collaborators that are crucial to achieving an organization's long-term objectives and competitive advantage. It involves identifying and nurturing strategic partnerships, aligning them with the organization's goals, and actively managing these relationships to maximize value, mitigate risks, and foster innovation.
SMS, or Short Message Service, is a widely used telecommunications service that enables the exchange of short text messages between mobile devices. It allows users to send concise messages, typically limited to 160 characters, from one mobile phone to another, or from a mobile phone to various other devices and platforms. SMS messages are transmitted over cellular networks and are a fundamental means of communication for both personal and business purposes, providing a quick and efficient way to convey information, notifications, alerts, and more in real-time.
SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that enhances the management and optimization of wide area networks (WANs). It achieves this by using software-based control and automation to intelligently route network traffic across multiple connection types, such as broadband, MPLS, or LTE, based on factors like application requirements and network conditions.
SD-WAN solutions provide organizations with greater flexibility, improved network performance, enhanced security, and simplified network management, making it an increasingly popular choice for businesses seeking to optimize their network infrastructure and ensure efficient communication between distributed locations.
TM Forum is an alliance comprising more than 800 global companies, collectively dedicated to dismantling technological and cultural obstacles that exist between digital service providers, technology suppliers, consultancies, and systems integrators.
TCP/IP, or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a fundamental set of networking protocols and standards that underpin the internet and most computer networks. It provides the rules and conventions for data communication and exchange between devices in a network.
UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is a connectionless and lightweight transport layer protocol in computer networking. It is used for transmitting data over a network with minimal overhead and without the reliability and error-checking features found in protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that enables the transmission of voice and multimedia content over internet-based networks. It converts analog audio signals into digital data packets, which can be transmitted over the internet and reconverted into audio at the receiving end.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) – Wi-Fi, short for "Wireless Fidelity," is a technology that provides wireless access to the internet and local network resources. It uses radio waves to establish a network connection between devices, such as computers, smartphones, and routers, without the need for physical cables. Wi-Fi allows users to connect to the internet and communicate with other devices within a certain range of a wireless access point or router.
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XaaS, or "Everything as a Service," is a broad term that encompasses a range of cloud computing models where various products, applications, and services are delivered to users and organizations over the internet as on-demand services. This includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), as well as newer variations such as Function as a Service (FaaS), Database as a Service (DBaaS), and more.
XML, or Extensible Markup Language, is a versatile and human-readable markup language used for structuring and organizing data in a way that is both machine-readable and platform-independent. It consists of tags enclosed in angle brackets, similar to HTML, and is primarily employed for representing and exchanging structured information over the internet.
xVNE stands for Any Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (xVNE). An xVNE, similar to a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) refers to a company or entity that provides infrastructure and services to a company that enables any / ‘x’ virtual infrastructure and services to Any Virtual Network Operators (xVNOs). xVNOs are wireless service providers that do not own their own physical network infrastructure but instead lease network capacity from traditional Network Operators.
Yield is a network device or component's ability to efficiently and effectively handle traffic or data without causing delays, packet loss, or congestion. It's a measure of how well a network resource can accommodate the data it receives and deliver it without interruption or degradation in performance.