Tag: crisis

Composability: The Key to Solving Telecom’s Agility Crisis

Telecom operators are at a pivotal juncture. Rapidly rising customer expectations, intensifying competition, and the rollout of technologies such as 5G, IoT and edge computing are transforming the industry and creating an urgent need for greater speed and flexibility. Yet, many communications service providers (CSPs) remain constrained by monolithic and rigid Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS), where even minor updates to services, processes or integrations can result in significant cost and delays.

These challenges have become a defining issue for the industry and in the sections that follow, we’ll explore how composable architectures are helping CSPs overcome them and regain agility. This shift toward modular, API-first and loosely coupled BSS/OSS systems is enabling CSPs to innovate rapidly, launch new services at digital speed, and scale efficiently.

TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA) provides a clear industry blueprint for this shift, defining the modular building blocks and open interfaces needed to replace monolithic BSS/OSS with flexible, composable systems.

Cerillion, with extensive experience in deploying composable BSS/OSS solutions for leading CSPs, provides practical guidance on how operators can modernise their systems without disruptive rip-and-replace projects.

The Agility Challenge

Legacy BSS/OSS platforms were built for a time when service portfolios were predictable and network environments were stable. Today’s telecom realities are far different: rapid service innovation, intense partner ecosystems, regulatory complexity and dynamic enterprise demands. According to TM Forum, up to 72% of 5G revenue growth is dependent on BSS/OSS transformation.

While earlier research (such as TM Forum) suggested that a high proportion of 5G revenue growth depends on OSS/BSS transformation, more recent GSMA Intelligence analysis underlines that the real value of 5G lies in its role in enterprise digital transformation. GSMA projects that mobile technologies – 5G included will drive $11 trillion of economic value by 2030, and reports that around 85% of enterprises regard 5G as critical to their digital transformation strategies.

As part of this evolution, ODA sets out a standardised architecture that helps CSPs break down legacy complexity by adopting interchangeable components, common data models, and certified Open APIs.

Telecoms industry spending trends underline the urgency: IDC forecasts that the combined telco software solution market will grow from $48.7 billion in 2024 to $60.4 billion in 2029. Such rapid expansion highlights why CSPs recognise that agility isn’t optional but essential for survival.

Composable BSS/OSS and Market Impact

Composable architecture replaces monolithic systems with modular, API-first components that can be developed, deployed and updated independently. This approach allows CSPs to assemble new services, such as an IoT device bundle and partner app, without waiting months for system upgrades.

The principles of composable architecture align directly with ODA, which promotes modular components, well-defined service domains, and open interfaces that can be assembled and evolved independently.

Composable design brings several key advantages. As each module of the system, whether it’s a product catalogue or order management component, evolves independently, businesses can respond more quickly. Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) connect partner services, network functions and business tools, ensuring every element works together seamlessly. This efficiency also allows business users to configure new offers without relying on IT, while cloud-native microservices enable continuous scalability and updates, without disrupting legacy systems.

By building solutions that conform to ODA’s structure, operators ensure greater interoperability across partner ecosystems and avoid the vendor lock-in associated with traditional monolithic platforms.

According to HTF Market Research, the cloud-native telecoms market exceeded USD 10 billion in 2024, reflecting strong adoption of modern, modular architectures. The shift is more than technical; it’s strategic. Composable systems empower business teams, accelerate time-to-market and support legacy coexistence to manage cost and risk. In this context, Cerillion illustrates how legacy platforms can evolve into flexible, interoperable systems that enable rapid innovation without full-scale replacement.

Benefits Beyond Speed

Composable BSS/OSS delivers much more than just faster service rollout, including:

 

  • Reducing downtime and operational complexity.
  • Allowing business teams to experiment with new pricing, bundles and partnerships more easily.
  • Enabling third-party integration and ecosystem expansion via API-first platforms.
  • Adapting quickly to new business models or multi-brand operations.

Strategic Implications for CSPs

Aligning transformation roadmaps with ODA provides CSPs with a proven framework that reduces integration risk, accelerates onboarding of new partners, and ensures long-term architectural consistency.

Operators considering the composable route should pursue the following strategic actions:

 

  • Define business drivers and outcomes: Determine the agility and results needed, including faster service launches and ecosystem enablement, before selecting technologies.
  • Adopt an incremental approach: Modernise components gradually instead of pursuing risky full-scale rip-and-replace projects.
  • Promote business-IT collaboration: Enable business teams to configure services while IT ensures operational integrity.
  • Prioritise Open APIs, ODA and partner readiness: Ensure seamless integration with third-party services and ecosystem partners.
  • Measure success with relevant metrics: Track key indicators such as time-to-market, partner onboarding speed and operational efficiency.

Vendors such as Cerillion provide solutions aligned with Open Digital Architecture, API-first design and hybrid deployment that support agile evolution rather than disruption.

Legacy monolithic systems are no longer fit for the dynamic demands of today’s telecom environment. Composable BSS/OSS architecture offers a path to faster launches, empowered business teams and resilient, future-ready ecosystems.

Transformation is complex, but inaction could cost you missed revenue opportunities, slower growth and loss of competitive position. For CSPs, composable BSS/OSS is not optional; it is a strategic imperative. The responsibility of solution providers is to help operators progress, focusing on enhancement rather than constant disruption.

HP study finds climate crisis is changing parental decisions on purchasing, careers and even family size

Today, HP announced new global research revealing the serious actions many parents are taking due to climate change, from everyday decisions to long-term family planning.

The global study found 91% of parents are concerned about the climate crisis, leading to changes that reshape their lives and purchasing habits. More than half (53%) say it has impacted their perspective on having more children. The research also found many parents favour companies that are taking action to address climate change and expect businesses to lead on the issue. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents prefer products that are sustainably sourced and 60% say sustainable company practices play a large part in their purchasing habits.

This willingness to seek out sustainable products and decisions comes despite the fact that the vast majority of respondents (84%) acknowledge the cost of living is rising and more than half (57%) believe engaging in environmentally friendly practices takes up a lot of time.

Reflecting on the research findings, Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland, said: “Our data reflects the growing trend of parents becoming more and more concerned about the climate crisis. It’s great to see that the majority of people (60%) say sustainable company practices play a large part in their purchasing habits. At HP, we are moving forward with our own sustainability targets, keeping climate change top of mind.”

While parents are taking personal action, most also believe key players in the corporate world must act, too. Most parents surveyed globally (51%) believe that companies have “a lot” of responsibility in holding themselves accountable on climate action, as opposed to customers (36%).

The findings come as HP releases its 22nd annual Sustainable Impact report, detailing the company’s progress toward comprehensive and bold environmental, and social goals.

  • HP has reduced its absolute carbon footprint by 18% since 2019.
  • Reduced single-use plastic packaging by 55% compared to 2018.
  • Counteracted deforestation for 41% of all paper used in HP products and services toward goal of 100%.
  • Accelerated digital equity for more than 21 million people in path to 150 million by 2030.
  • Building a pipeline of diverse talent, with 46% of U.S. new hires last year from racial or ethnic minorities.

“Keeping with the current trajectory we are on in our sustainability journey at HP, we aspire to be the most sustainable and just technology company. In holding ourselves accountable, it ensures we keep climate change at the forefront of many business decisions. We are proud that through our goals, we are edging closer to our bigger picture goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”

In 2021, HP set aggressive Sustainable Impact goals in three areas where the company believes it can make the most difference – Climate Action, Human Rights and Digital Equity. The 2022 report details progress toward all three focus areas including a net zero carbon value chain, giving back more to forests than we take, creating a more circular economy, building a culture of equality, and empowerment and accelerating digital equity around the world to enable traditionally excluded communities to thrive in a digital economy.

PayPal study reveals top lifestyle changes Irish people are making during cost-of-living crisis

PayPal’s new Thrills & Bills study reveals that nearly six in ten (59%) of Irish people are extremely worried about the cost-of-living crisis, rising to 65 per cent for those between 25 to 44 years of age.

PayPal polled 1,000 adults across Ireland to explore changes in spending habits that people are making in order to navigate the crisis, from adjusting their lifestyles to savvy money management.

Lifestyle changes that help save money

The research revealed that two thirds (66%) of Irish people are planning to cut back on going out and eating out, making this the top lifestyle change in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Female respondents were found to be more open to this (72%) than male respondents (49%).

Irish people are also trying to make more conscious choices when it comes to their shopping habits, with 63 per cent planning to buy fewer items and less often, and 62 per cent opting to switch to cheaper brands.

Furthermore, the study found that some 31 per cent say they will buy second-hand items and nearly four in ten (37%) plan to change utility providers for the best deals on energy (including electricity and gas).

Switching to alternatives is also proving to be a popular trend in order to navigate inflation as a third (33%) plan to turn to online shopping for what they need to limit temptations instore, 32 per cent will host friends for drinks rather than going out, and 27 per cent intend to take up outdoor exercise rather than having a gym membership.

Importantly, savings were top of the list for what Irish people refuse to compromise on. Nearly half (44%) of consumers will continue to focus on building up their savings. Other priorities people are not prepared to eliminate are maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as a gym membership and healthy food options (24%), and buying coffee, drinks and snacks from cafés or coffee shops (23%).

Money well spent

Over three quarters of people (79%) agree that while changes to spending habits are necessary due to the cost-of-living crisis, it’s still important to occasionally spend money on a treat. Females agreed with this more than males – 83 per cent compared to 68 per cent.

While 72 per cent of Irish consumers have had to slow down or pause lots of plans which were making up for lost time during the pandemic, there are some niceties they will continue to spend on this year as a treat, such as:

  • Occasional meal at a restaurant (43%)
  • Food takeaways (42%)
  • Night outs with friends or family every now and again (37%)
  • Cinema trips (30%)
  • Beauty and grooming treatments (30%)

The survey reveals that nearly half (47%) of people are open to splitting costs with friends, family or housemates to enjoy more group experiences over the coming months. Those aged 16 to 24 are most likely to do this (58%), while those over 55 are least likely (17%).

Flexing money-management muscles

The report revealed that Irish people are doing more than simply cutting back and making thrifty swaps, with nearly six in ten (58%) planning to regularly track their spending and creating budgets to stick to (53%). In addition, almost two-thirds (65%) of people plan to look for discounts, coupons and promotions where relevant, and 39 per cent plan to track their spending habits via banks, credit card accounts and digital wallets like PayPal.

The survey found that nearly half (49%) of respondents are more likely to split the cost of a meal at a restaurant in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Some 44 per cent said they are more likely to split costs on taxis and transport fares, and 43 per cent are more inclined to do so on food takeaways. Nearly a third are even more likely to split the cost of a group drinks or dinner cooked at someone’s home (29%).

Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, Customer Success at PayPal, shared: “The cost-of-living crisis is impacting everyone. Without a doubt, it’s a challenging time and people are adapting quickly and making changes. While some are taking more ownership of their spending, others are sharing expenses to enjoy shared experiences.

“Splitting bills appears to be the perfect antidote for a lot of people because it allows them to manage their budget and still do the things they love. Through PayPal, we make it easy with our send and request money feature. At times like these, it’s about people being able to have control of their money day-to-day and being better prepared for the future.”