Operator-as-a-Service (OaaS)
As organizations increasingly rely on complex network infrastructures to support their operations, the demand for more efficient and automated network management solutions has grown.
One of the emerging service models addressing this need is Operator-as-a-Service (OaaS). OaaS leverages automation, artificial intelligence (AI), network-wide digital twin and cloud technologies to deliver network management capabilities with minimal human intervention. This model is revolutionizing how enterprises, internet service providers, and telecom operators design, deploy and maintain their networks, ensuring enhanced efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
OaaS is a cloud-based, software-driven approach in which intelligent automation tools take over traditional operator responsibilities – including network monitoring, maintenance, and optimization. Instead of manually managing network configurations and troubleshooting, operators can rely on automated AI agents to handle network tasks seamlessly, optimizing network performance and reducing downtime.
More than just a network management platform, OaaS also leverages real-time active digital twin technology to drive everything from design intent to network performance to service assurance.
And because this service model integrates with existing network infrastructures, it’s easy and cost effective to implement and offers flexibility, scalability and the ability to dynamically adapt to changing business needs without significant capital investment.
“ISP networks are inherently complex and costly to build, and building the network is really just the beginning,” said AXON Networks co-founder and CEO Martin Manniche. “Operators also need to be able to evolve their networks and deploy advanced capabilities to stay ahead of customer demand and compete with other providers. The challenge is to do that in ways that are nimble and cost effective. OaaS enables that.”
Understanding OaaS
OaaS offers ISPs a comprehensive solution for real-time network management and monitoring, ensuring all elements function optimally. An effective OaaS platform has several advantages:
- Uses software-defined architecture (SDN) to simplify networks and operations
- Transforms real-time data into value-added services
- Enables rapid deployment and easy integration of turn-key solutions
- Is vendor and WAN agnostic for easy integration with third-party extensions and cloud partners but can also run on bare metal
- Is scalable and modular to be future proof and optimized for unlimited growth
- Provides end-to-end visibility, automation and control to lower CAPEX and OPEX expenses
OaaS also integrates network assurance, business intelligence, and AI Agents, enabling ISPs to enhance their operational efficiency and deliver superior service quality.
Network assurance – OaaS uses real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to maintain seamless connectivity, plus artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) to automate repetitive network tasks such as traffic routing, fault detection, and performance optimization.
Business intelligence – OaaS generates valuable business intelligence (BI), transforming raw data into actionable insights and enabling ISPs to make informed network decisions.
AI Agents – AI Agents are autonomous software entities within the OaaS platform that perform tasks, make decisions, and adapt based on their environment and experiences. AI Agents automate network monitoring, customer support and device configuration, and bolster network security.
Digital Twin Technology is Key
Real-time network-wide digital twin technology is the foundation of an effective OaaS platform, enabling the end-to-end management of the network, from the design intent to the flow of data through all the devices across the network topology to monitoring and measuring network performance.
Digital twin capability gathers real-time data from the edge of the network to the core to simulate and predict the behavior of all the devices on the network based on the current and possible future state of the device, the network, and the environment. This allows the ISP to simulate, analyze and optimize network performance, troubleshoot potential problems, and enhance security separate from the physical network.
Siddhartha Dattagupta, AXON Networks chief technology officer, said OaaS, supported by digital twin technology, allows an ISP to operate more efficiently now and grow in the future.
“Traditional network management involves time-consuming configurations and manual updates. OaaS and digital twin technology significantly reduce the costs associated with network management and improve service quality. And, as an ISP’s network grows and their network requirements evolve, they can scale their operations easily, supporting increased traffic, new users, and additional devices without extensive manual intervention.”
The Future of Operator-as-a-Service
OaaS will enable ISPs to make networking cloud native and do so affordably, using the same platform for mass market, small business and enterprise business applications. Real-time digital twin solutions will also play a role in enabling dynamic network monitoring, analysis and management.
ISPs and telecom providers are obvious examples of companies that can benefit from implementing an OaaS platform, but there are also others.
- Large enterprises can benefit from OaaS by automating their IT infrastructure, reducing operational overhead, and improving network performance across multiple locations.
- OaaS can also enable cloud service providers and data centers to manage vast networks efficiently, ensuring minimal latency, high availability, and robust security.
- And as smart cities and IoT networks grow, OaaS can play a crucial role in managing connected devices, optimizing data traffic, and ensuring seamless communication between sensors and control systems.
As digital transformations accelerate across industries, the adoption of OaaS is expected to rise. Organizations that embrace OaaS will benefit from improved efficiency, lower costs, and greater agility in managing their network infrastructure. As technology advances, OaaS will continue to evolve, shaping the next generation of digital networks and enabling bold innovation.