Buy to Standardize, Build to Compete

By Colin White, CHR Solutions

This should have been the 11th Commandment, as it holds true for so much more than just software.

Everybody I speak with is seeking competitive advantage and each has a different idea what it means and where to find it. Here’s my take on competitive advantage ranked in no particular order:

1. Buy a BSS platform that’s designed to automate and standardize the back office — Standardization in back-office practices will make a BSS platform faster, simpler, leaner and less expensive to operate.
2. Make sure the BSS platform supports infinite bundling combinations — A toll call, an IP packet, a cable channel, a electric Watt, a gallon of water, a handset, a set-top, or anything else your sales and marketing teams can dream up ... your BSS platform should be able to bill it. Why? Because revenue streams are changing just as quickly as the industry. Telcos must be prepared to roll out a new service offering as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
3. The best BSS platform will not solve every last unique business need – Make sure to utilize a good professional services provider as they can help integrate, customize, extend or optimize practically anything.

It’s an open secret that successful telcos rely on their BSS platforms to build out their services, giving their subscribers a unique user experience while making the telco faster, simpler, leaner and less expensive to operate.

So that’s my take on competitive advantage — what is yours?

Colin White is vice president for software development at CHR Solutions. He previously served as CTO chief architect for large and small companies including SAIC, Fujitsu, and GNS Europe in London, Hong Kong and the U.S. White has founded and sold successful IT businesses including GNS Europe.