Challenges and achievements during integration of IMS platform into OSS/NMS environment

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a core network architecture standard for mobile, fixed and cable networks that defines a collection of functional entities and concepts for delivering multimedia services based on IP protocol and next generation telecommunications network model. It was developed through collaboration of few leading standardization societies, such as 3GPP, ETSI/TISPAN and IETF, so it represents a strong guideline of future development. Along with the implementation in the network, IMS has to be integrated into operator's Operations Support Systems / Network Management Systems environment in order to fulfill expectations of having cost-effective service provisioning and assurance, system Fault and Performance management and efficient device and subscriber management. Besides problems and solutions already solved and implemented, this paper describes plans and challenges which are yet to be researched and developed in near future.