IG1340 Using ODA to Establish B2B BSS Reference Solution Architecture v1.0.0

Business-to-business (B2B) and Business-to-business-to-Consumer/Business (B2B2X) services are becoming increasingly vital for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) as they strive to diversify their revenue streams, extend their relationships with enterprises, and play a significant role in the portfolio of enterprise solution services. These B2B/B2B2X services encompass cloud computing, the internet of things, cybersecurity, unified communications, and more, enabling CSPs to offer value-added solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, security, and innovation for their enterprise customers.

To successfully deliver these B2B/B2B2X services, CSPs must refactor their Business Support Systems (BSS). These are software applications that manage customer service, billing, order management, and other business processes. Often, BSS are outdated, siloed, and complex, hindering CSPs from launching new B2B/B2B2X services quickly and cost-effectively. Traditional and classic BSS have not been designed to support the dynamic and flexible nature of B2B/B2B2X services, which require frequent changes, customization, and integration.

This introductory guide explores the application of the Open Digital Architecture (ODA) in constructing a B2B/B2B2X BSS solution architecture. This tried and tested approach to B2B/B2B2X BSS is agile, modular, cloud-native, and API-driven. By adopting this approach, CSPs can simplify their BSS architecture, accelerate their time-to-market, reduce operational costs, and enhance the B2B/B2B2X customer engagement experience. Refactoring legacy BSS allows CSPs to transform their business model from selling telecommunications services to becoming digital business enablers. This shift leverages new engagement opportunities to overcome the challenges of the market and gain a competitive edge in the digital business economy.