Comverse and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have recently launched a joint Centre of Excellence (CoE) in France to help global telecom operators speed time to market for new services, boost subscriber acquisition, and reduce both churn and overall network operating costs.

Established within the IBM telecom solutions lab in France, the CoE uses software components from IBM and Comverse to create a BSS/OSS (Business Support System/Operational Support System) and service-delivery environment that provides a dynamic setting.

This joint approach allows telecom clients to test proofs of concept with new capabilities in simulated environments, enhance innovation and reduce implementation time and risk. The Service Provider Delivery Environment (SPDE) framework, which is based on a service oriented architecture (SOA) approach, combines with IBM server and storage hardware, such as Power Systems and BladeCenter, to provide the dynamic infrastructure for the CoE.

The emergence of new business models – and the potential for even more new models with the view to next-generation networks – requires a converged approach to BSS that is demonstrated at the centre. Comverse® ONE™ Billing and Active Customer Management is a single BSS system that allows operators to manage all subscribers consistently, regardless of payment or service type, resulting in increased loyalty and new service adoption.

The telecom industry has benefited from IBM’s globally-integrated network of capabilities, partnerships and assets that have supported telecom deployments in major and emerging markets since 2000.