New software technologies are fueling the transformation of the communications industry. IDC's Communications Service Provider Operations service examines CSP investments in software-driven IT and network systems to support business-critical operations and strategic activities. By leveraging interactions with CSPs, network equipment providers (NEPs), IT and independent software vendors (ISVs), systems integrators (SIs), and other ecosystem players, this service analyzes the software systems, platforms, and technologies most relevant to CSPs and provides the critical market sizing, segmentation, forecasts, vendor profiles, growth drivers, and implications of key industry trends and market opportunities. This service offers business and operational support systems (BSS/OSS) vendors, NEPs, SIs, ISVs, and CSPs vital support for their strategic and operational investments, product road maps, and related activities and enables more informed decision making.

• Business and operational support systems including service fulfillment, assurance, and billing
• Cloud and M2M service enablement and billing
• Real-time charging and policy management and enforcement
• Communications industry software and services ecosystems
• Communications industry analytics, Big Data, and business intelligence applications, tools, and technologies
• M2M and other CSP growth strategies for specific industry verticals
• Customer experience management (CEM) for CSPs
• Service delivery platforms (SDPs)

• Worldwide BSS/OSS Forecast and Analysis
• M2M and Cloud Business Opportunities and Operational Challenges
• Worldwide Communications Industry Analytics Forecast and Analysis
• Worldwide Cloud Billing Forecast and Analysis

In addition to the insight provided in this service, IDC may conduct research on specific topics or emerging market segments via research offerings that require additional IDC funding and client investment.

1. How quickly will CSPs deploy analytics solutions to capitalize on network, customer, and operational intelligence, and what is the market size for communications industry analytics software?
2. Will NEPs successfully compete in the IT domain with class-leading IT solutions for CSPs, or will they be relegated to junior partners behind IT providers and other ISVs?
3. How can CSPs make money with cloud and M2M, and what do they need to know to properly enable their organizations to deliver and support these new service types?
4. What do CSPs need to know about customer experience management, and how do they transform their operations to consistently provide superior service experiences and relevant customer interactions?
5. Which telecom operations specialists will survive industry consolidation — or is there a role for smaller niche players?
6. How quickly will CSPs embrace SaaS-based billing for cloud, M2M, and other new service categories, and what are the key criteria they should use to evaluate these providers?

This service reviews strategies, market positioning, and future direction of providers in the communications software market, including:

Accenture, Aepona, Aito, Alcatel-Lucent, Allot, Amdocs, Aria Systems, AsiaInfo-Linkage, Atos, Avaya, BroadHop, BroadSoft, CA, CBOSS, CGI, Cisco, Citrix, Clarity, ComArch, Comptel, Compuware, Comverse, ConceptWave, CSG, CSC, cVidya, DigitalRoute, ECI, EMC, Ericsson, EXFO, F5 Networks, FTS, Guavus, HP, HDS, Huawei, IBM, InfoSys, InfoVista, Jamcracker, Juniper, MACH, MATRIXX, MDS, Metaswitch, Microsoft, Mobixell, Monexa, Motorola, Nakina, NEC/NetCracker, NetBoss, Netformx, NetScout, NetSocket, Neustar, NSN, OpenCloud, Openet, Openwave, OpTier, Oracle, Orga Systems, Parallels, Pontis, Procera, Progress, RAD, Radware, Redknee, Sandvine, SAP, SAS, SevOne, Sigma Systems, Sonus Networks, Spirent, Stoke, Stratus Technologies, Subex Limited, Synchronoss, Syniverse, T-Systems, Tango Telecom, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Tekelec, Tektronix, Telarix, Tellabs, TEOCO, Teradata, Tribold, Ventraq, Volubill, VPI, WeDo, Wipro, ZTE, Zuora.

For IT suppliers or IT buyers doing business planning and budgeting, sales and marketing, or performance measurement, we have the custom offerings to optimize your success at every stage of your business. Our data- and content-driven approach helps you make better decisions, drive more effective marketing programs, and effectively measure your success - resulting in a greater return on your investment.

Whether you are a technology buyer or provider, IDC Insights' research translates today's global end-user requirements and trends into business opportunities for your organization. With dedicated businesses targeting energy, financial services, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, IDC provides unmatched integration of global technology and vertical industry expertise to deliver industry-specific customer intelligence that gives clients a powerful business advantage.

Connect and engage with a global network of business and IT professionals in the first-of-its-kind end-user community at http://idc-insights-community.com.