A Business Processes Model for the Integration of Over-The-Top Platforms in Communications Service Providers Operations

Abstract

The problem between Over-the-Top (OTT) and Communications Service Provider (CSP), namely for multimedia streaming services, is not new and has been a topic much discussed in the TM Forum. At time of writing, a technical solution that would benefit both parties has not yet been presented. With the existing model (no operational integration), both OTTs and CSPs are dissatisfied. This paper proposes a technical solution that can be beneficial to both parties and can potentially solve the existing conflicts. The solution presents the high-level design of Business Processes to integrate OTT Service Platforms in CSP Operations. Some hypothetical, but close to reality scenarios were defined in order to show how the model could be applied. The design of the model incorporates information and suggestions collected from Portuguese CSPs. To evaluate the accuracy of the design methodology, a set of interviews were conducted with industry experts in the sector, who evaluated each process model of the solution. A set of surveys from end users of those types of services was also conducted, in order to understand their opinions about the ideas used for the construction of the model.