NetCracker

The software package NetCracker is intended for development and putting into operation of services and also effective management of service and resource infrastructures.

NetCracker Framework is a product core, the technology platform separated by system modules. Possibilities of the platform guarantee access of all components to the general database and provide security protections. All modules are designed based on the open multi-tier architecture which is based on standards of Sun. At each level the applications written according to industry standards for ensuring scalability with perspective on the future and smooth integration are used. All modules are constructed taking into account compatibility with the platform and can be previously integrated with it before commissioning.

Advantages

NetCracker Framework contains the unified flexible object model, a template library, tools for process automation and human resource management, the system of protection with support of differentiation of the access levels, a cover for creation of reports, professional tools of management and flexibly configured user web interface with a visualization wide range of possibilities.

A system gives an opportunity of viewing objects in text and graphic options. The text interface gives the chance to browse all objects of one type on one page, to come inside and to have an ability to manage their child objects. The graphical interface uses visualization of objects of different type which are under one geographical or physical location, allows to arrange by different methods, to place them on the card, to apply color marking to improvement of visual acceptability, etc. Both the text, and graphic modes give absolutely identical abilities to manage objects and their parameters.

The core of a product is written on Java EE using EJB, the native application server — Weblogic. As the database Oracle is used. NetCracker Framework uses the industry standards XML, CORBA, EJB, JMS, RMI, SOAP technologies and industry standards of ensuring compatibility.

Components of whole

As a part of a product modules with wide basic functionality, the specialized developments created for more exact compliance to requirements of the specific client.

• Accounting of resources (Resource Inventory)
• Updating of data (Discovery & Reconciliation)
• Design and planning (Design & Planning)
• Asset Management
• Workforce Management
• Accounting linearly - cable constructions (Outside Plant)
• Accounting of services (Service Inventory)
• Providing and activation of services (Service Provisioning & Activation)
• Analysis of service quality (Customer Impact Analysis)
• Management of infrastructure costs (Telecom Cost Management)
• Order Management

The NetCracker Framework platform is represented as a basis for all levels.

Accounting of resources (Resource Inventory)

Resource Inventory is key system module of NetCracker. It provides management of infrastructure resources based on which communication services are provided to both internal, and external customers. All information is stored in a relational database which is the main storage of the specified resources.

Resources include the configuration information about the network elements and structures which are telecommunication infrastructure at which services work. Resources in the database are accurately structured that means use of specific abstractions for network structures, elements and a variety of communications between resources. Resources are accurately separated into categories: network elements, service resources, locations, clients, etc.

With the module the big library of models of telecommunication equipment which is constantly updated is delivered. The total quantity of the records provided in it makes 60 thousand (for August, 2010); the number of producers — more than 900. At the same time the detailed technical characteristics allowing to gain rather detailed view about its opportunities are assigned to each entity.

The module allows to differentiate physical (all real equipment, communication channels) and logical (for example, the IP address, the trunks VLAN) inventory resources. The library of physical resources (Physical Inventory) stores the equipment in hierarchically structured order with a binding to its geographical placement, and the library of logic gates (Logical Inventory) stores communications between the physical and corresponding to them logical entities.

The module has functionality of visualization of topology based on the solution Network Configurator which gives following features:

• Modeling and viewing topology
• Display of logical relationships between endpoints
• Floor-by-floor plans and visualization of fullness of racks
• Visualization of fullness of shelves in server cabinets and add-on modules of the equipment

Components templates for creation of different entities — the equipment are among, logic gates, geographical locations, etc. Also in the module there is a set of the preconfigured report templates and gives an opportunity of their creation and editing existing.

Updating of data (Discovery & Reconciliation)

Discovery & Reconciliation provides interaction interfaces with a network management system and guarantees that information used in all processes is updated and synchronized.

Process of Discovery includes collection of information about configurations of network and also the analysis, conversion and aggregation of this information for creation of consolidated statement with necessary data.

Process of Reconciliation uses completely configured rules for comparison of collected data with the data which are stored in the module Resource Inventory. On the basis of these rules the module reveals discrepancies in structure, a configuration, or connections, and then creates the report or takes certain actions according to rules.

Planning and design (Design & Planning)

Design & Planning provides feature set which give to telecommunication companies the chance to plan and project changes and updates in networks. The module gives an opportunity to analyze use of network, to make the forecast of requirements to network resources and to actively expand network according to growth of requirements.

Key features of the module:

• Graphic cover which provides comprehensive idea of network, detailed visualization of network elements, including color marking of the planned changes, filtering and ordering according to the version
• Data access of the module Resource Inventory that allows network architects to razrabatyvaat effective solutions and to improve quality of design
• An opportunity to integrate works on planning, development of architecture and implementation within one system

Asset Management

Asset Management expands possibilities of the modules Resource Inventory and Outside Plant, providing means of tracking of network assets for all their lifecycle in the uniform centralized data warehouse. Integration with financial systems for correct calculation of depreciation is supported.

[Govern] Workforce Management Workforce Management represents exclusive value for service providers, providing a full-fledged management system for working resources. The module is completely integrated with OSS NetCracker and provides a full range of means for human resource management, including their accounting, processing of working questions, planning and optimization of task allocation. These tools increase visualization of resource potential, allow to make planning of business processes and optimization of performance. Eventually, it increases efficiency of transactions and reduces total cost of ownership.

Accounting linearly - cable constructions (Outside Plant)

Outside Plant provides the centralized dynamic storage of all assets and is previously integrated with the modules Resource Inventory and Service Inventory. All connections and information on topology (logical and physical) contain in this storage. The module contains an integration component with external geographic information systems (GIS) which projects service and network infrastructures on subjects of GIS. The module also provides the reports containing the comprehensive information necessary for accomplishment of different processes.

Accounting of services (Service Inventory)

Service Inventory is the centralized storage of different types of services, their component and copies with flexible opportunities of modeling, visualization and management. The module contains the directory of standard templates of services for fast deployment.

Providing and activation of services (Service Provisioning & Activation) [to govern] Service Provisioning & Activation allows service providers to automate and optimize all process of provision of services from development and resource allocation before order placement, activation of service and setup of a system of notifications.

The module includes the following key components:

• Service design automation
• Service activation

Key advantages:

• Flexibility and openness for acceleration of deployment of new services
• The high level of automation of technology processes which provides successful accomplishment of process
• Design and activation of services are united in one module for ensuring transparent provision of services

Analysis of service quality (Customer Impact Analysis)

Customer Impact Analysis allows to define quickly in case of faults a problem root, and then to define the list of services and clients whom this problem can influence. Maintains automatic correlation of events, alarms and faults with the affected services.

The module includes the following components:

• Events Repository: Serves as the central storage for different types of events.
• Correlation Engine: Defines a root of a problem with services and clients on whom it can have influence.
• Trouble Ticket Repository: Stores detailed information on faults.
• Advanced Graphical User Interface: Displays all information concerning breakdowns of network and affected services and clients.

Management of infrastructure costs (Telecom Cost Management)

Telecom Cost Management is the important instrument of guaranteeing income and reimbursement of expenses from leased assets with enhanced analytical capabilities. Close integration with the modules Resource Inventory, Service Inventory and Order Management provides completeness of information and quality of the analysis.

Order Management

Order Management provides the automated ordering and order processing for all products and includes the flexible directory. When using this module processing procedure of the order turns into an end-to-end automatic process which significantly reduces time and increases efficiency of processing of the order. Integration with the system of provision of services prevents a possibility of errors of processing and provides the high level of consumer satisfaction.

The module includes the following components:

• product catalog
• storage of customers
• register of orders
• mechanism of creation of the order
• mechanism of decomposition of the order
• mechanism of process management and tasks

Links

NetCracker