Managing a broadband environment: "you can't buck the market"

Demand for bandwidth seems unstoppable, and investment in network infrastructure is massive. There is a desire that network operators be able to manage these networks in an efficient manner, with flexibility to support new customer service opportunities faster and cheaper. Network operators are looking to standards to help them meet this challenge. The telecommunications management network (TMN) model, so effective in describing how management information must support needs at the element, network, and service levels, provides a good starting point. However, if the supporting standards are not developed and used wisely, a TMN approach can have the opposite effect of adding cost and removing flexibility. Technology-specific "stovepipes" may make it impossible to manage services across a range of technologies. The authors express their views on the need for a service-driven approach to standards implementation. They point out specific challenges operators will face as they approach their management systems' needs for broadband services, and encourage service providers and network operators to take a more proactive role in defining their needs.