New directions in services management

The combined effects of the Internet and the rapid and continuing decrease in the cost of bandwidth are changing the nature of telecommunications and network management systems. This paper describes a number of research projects undertaken within Bell Labs to address the need for next-generation management systems. Included are systems that will help providers plan and manage their networks and supply the tools providers need to offer on-line service to their customers. Examples of the work under way to help providers plan their networks are the Spider dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) design tool and the Teranet long-range investment, pricing, and technology planning system. Recent networking applications projects include the IPWorX ^TM content distribution system, the NetBlitz ^TM Web accelerator browsing system, and the QTM ^TM, or Quick-To-Market, real-time transaction processing system. As customers migrate on line, they will require new service models, which can be supported by projects such as the Stair 9 Web-based customer care system, the network-based call center, and the Understanding Web Usage (UWU) tool, developed to analyze user Web sessions. As the Internet enters the mainstream, Bell Labs will help maintain network reliability and keep service levels predictable with applications such as the IP Network Configurator (IPNC), the Policy-Based IP Network Monitoring System, VPNStar, MATE, D'ARTAGNAN, and the NetCounter.