Ericsson has signed technology license agreements with Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) and Huawei for multi-vendor interoperability, to simplify operators’ use of operations support systems (OSS).

These pacts are a part of the OSS interoperability initiative (OSSii) undertaken by leading network vendors (Ericsson, NSN and Huawei), which aims to facilitate the interoperability between network management systems from different vendors. OSSii is promoting competition for network-level OSS systems by reducing the overall integration costs, as well as speeding up the time to market for new services. The licenses will also be extended to other vendors.

The licence agreement allows Ericsson and other vendors to develop and sell network management products and services based on each other’s OSS-interfaces. As part of the initiative Ericsson will provide a remote service for interoperability testing.

Commenting on the tie-ups, Thomas Norén, vice-president and head of product area radio, Ericsson says, “This initiative marks a positive step towards improving efficiency in the fragmented OSS market. By signing these agreements, we will achieve our goal of stimulating innovation in network management, as well as reducing costs for our customers.”