Education& development

A technical overview of the building blocks of TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA).

Emerging technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), alongside the shift to cloud-native computing, are transforming the core infrastructure of communications service providers (CSPs).These advancements are unlocking new business models and growth opportunities—not only at the infrastructure level but also within business applications. As a result, the need for greater architectural agility is more critical than ever. TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA) is designed to meet these evolving demands, enabling CSPs to innovate and scale with efficiency.

Open Digital Architecture is a blueprint for modular, cloud-based, open digital platforms that can be orchestrated using AI.

ODA aims to enhance service providers’ business agility by automating Lifecycle Management, enabling faster product creation and adaptation. To achieve this, the ODA Component Model is essential—it defines how ODA Functions (Functional Architecture) are structured into implementations that seamlessly expose TM Forum Open APIs, driving interoperability and efficiency. 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.

This (12-month-access) certification path is designed to provide a technical overview of these ODA Components building blocks of TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA).

Level: Foundation

Pre-requisites:
Information Framework (SID) Fundamentals is required
Open API Fundamentals is required 

Duration: Self-paced / 1 day

Access period: *12 months (default) from date of enrolment.
*Note: Might not apply for enterprise deals (they may have custom end-date)

Register to take this course online:

Course objectives

This course provides insight into the industry’s shift toward microservices-based architectures—what it means, its impact on software deployments, and why TM Forum members see it as essential. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the concepts, terminology, business drivers, and key objectives behind adopting and utilizing ODA Components.

What you will learn

• • The challenges service providers face and why they must transition to agile, software-driven technology
  • An overview of Open Digital Architecture (ODA), its key components, and how they function within the framework.
  • How ODA Components are organized within the functional architecture.
  • The ODA Component Envelope, its structure, and its purpose.
  • The ODA Core and its supporting functions within the Component Envelope.
  • The link between the Component Specification and its corresponding TM Forum Framework.
  • The lifecycle of an ODA Component, from creation to deployment and evolution.

Course Syllabus

This course covers the fundamentals of ODA Components, from their necessity and technical structure to their integration within the ODA Canvas runtime environment.

• • The Need for Change – Why the industry is shifting to ODA.
  • Why Open Digital Architecture (ODA)? – The purpose and benefits of ODA.
  • ODA Components in ODA – Their role within the architecture.
  • What Are ODA Components? – Definition and key concepts.
  • Benefits, Features & Characteristics – How they enhance agility and efficiency.
  • Defining an ODA Component – Using ODA Frameworks.
  • Component Structure & APIs – Technical composition and interfaces.
  • Component Sizing & Lifecycle – From creation to deployment.
  • Component Conformance & Marketplace – Standards and ecosystem adoption.
  • ODA Component Accelerator & Teams – Driving implementation.
  • ODA Canvas – Its role in supporting ODA Components.
  • Integrating ODA Components with the ODA Canvas – Ensuring seamless functionality.

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for:

• Software developers, Enterprise Architects, SOA Architects, Solutions Architects
• Project Managers, Business Analysts
• Anyone involved in managing or developing telecoms software
• Those that are not already directly involved in ODA component development or are starting to learn more details with the aim of developing the ODA components

Certification

There is a knowledge certification exam also associated with the course material. Passing this exam counts toward Skill certification with TM Forum. Find out more about certification tracks here.