Aricent announced a new facility and associated services aimed at helping service providers architect and implement the latest in multi-vendor Operational Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) technology. 
The company said its new Innovation Lab will help operators assess, develop and deploy new business models and improve the overall customer experience by implementing new OSS / BSS components in support of advanced services and 4G. The facility is initially equipped with COTS products from leading partners including ConceptWave, Hewlett Packard, Oracle and Telcordia. The lab also includes a number of Aricent software products and frameworks, which enable faster roll out of a variety of new services.
One example of the frameworks and services available through Aricent's Innovation Lab is a WiMAX reference architecture. The Innovation Lab also addresses related challenges, including:
- Integrating and Commercializing New OSS / BSS Solutions Based on COTS Platforms -- Green field operators in emerging markets are looking for very cost-effective, pre-packaged COTS-based solutions that are highly scalable and can be implemented quickly offering the flexibility to address evolving business models;
- Deploying New Network Infrastructure, Including 4G -- As operators look to deploy the latest 4G technologies like WiMAX and LTE, optimizing CAPEX and OPEX while trying to quickly recoup investments is critical. Aricent' s lab provides a cost effective feasibility modeling vehicle for implementing new technologies and solutions that involve multiple OSS / BSS vendors;
- Delivering and Monetizing Web 2.0 and Cloud-Based Services -- Carriers are looking to open network APIs and embrace cloud services, partnering with external vendors to deliver next-generation context aware services like location-based social networking and mobile gaming. As a result, there is a critical need for creating a back office infrastructure that makes it simple for third-party application providers to monetize and roll out services.
