Terry McGuigan

Microsoft recently launched the Connected Services Framework, a new software solution revealed to the public this Monday. The integrated software solution allows telecommunications operators and service providers to deliver converged communications services across multiple networks. It works in conjunction with a suite of proven products, including Microsoft BizTalk® Server, Microsoft SQL Server™, Microsoft Windows Server™ and Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET.
 
Meanwhile the telecommunications operators BT, Bell Canada and Celcom Malaysia announced that they are deploying the Microsoft Connected Services Framework to facilitate the delivery of services to their customers.
 
I approached Terry McGuigan, Product Manager for Connected Services Framework at Microsoft with several questions about the expected marketing impact of the software.

Microsoft's Connected Services Framework promises to give telecom operators greater flexibility in building and deploying new services to better server their customers.  How do you expect this to increase revenue and market reach?  

By being able to offer new aggregated services that combine different services together - for example, building combinations of network functions with non-network services such as Internet-based web services - operators will be able to generate incremental revenue from their existing assets, open new opportunities for revenue-share with partners, and be able to deliver a more personalized experience to their subscribers.

Can you describe the core functionality of the new framework? 

Connected Services Framework does three main things: 1) Creates an abstraction layer for back-end systems (OSS, BSS, and network services) using web services.  This greatly simplifies integration of new services; 2) Provides the API (application program interface) and developer tools for new services to be built, so that they can connect and operate smoothly with the abstraction layer; and 3) Manages the common service control functions across different services, such as identity management, session management, profile management and others.  Connected Services Framework is designed specifically for managing aggregated services and enabling network assets to work with non-network services.

What will be your next steps to increase market acceptance after the framework has been successfully integrated by Bell Canada and Celcom Malaysia? 

First, it is worth noting that we have great traction so far with other tier 1 operators as well.  But beyond our direct work with operators, a major next step will be evangelizing the ISV and developer communities with the tools to build compelling new services for operators that are utilizing Connected Services Framework.