Service Delivery Platform (SDP) is not an entirely new concept to be introduced in the telecoms sector. However, it has gained the attention of major telecom operators who view SDP as the core with which they will build future networks around.
So why is the deployment of SDP gaining momentum? It traces back to the Apple App store launched in 2008. This watershed event has put the spotlight on mobile applications and services. The case for SDP comes from two angles, the first being the explosive growth of service providers and developers, operators have to find a more efficient way of managing external providers which can be local or overseas. SDP provides a unified management for billing and revenue settlement with external parties. The second is the varying access methods users have to consume the services, this includes the telecom network, mobile and fixed Internet.
SDP can be seen as the meeting point between Web 2.0 and Telecom. With SDP, operators have an environment to expand the richness of contents currently on offer. SDP is the platform that integrates applications traditionally residing in the IT domain to the Telecoms industry. SDP forms the core of the new generation telecom networks, aggregating services and applications from the NorthBound interface and deliver them to disparate networks
in the SouthBound interface. I will describe functions of the SDP and the eco-system created around it.
NorthBound
This is the top layer of the SDP platform that is exposed to 3rd party service/content providers. It forms the point of entry for external parties to plug in to the SDP A telecom network's capabilities such as Location, SMS, MMS, Presence etc are packaged as standard Web Service
for developers to tap upon. Content providers can supply ringtones, images using FTP to the network. The value of this layer lies in the convenience it provides to developers. Instead of developing interface seperately to the capabilities, they only need to develop a single interface with the SDP which takes over the interfacing work.
Management
This is essentially the heart of the SDP dealing with all related management work from the north and south. It manages all the core functions of the SDP such as service level agreements with the service providers, content management and settlement. It also links with the core BOSS system of the operator.
SouthBound
This layer is also called the network abstraction layer where operators will find the most valuable in using the SDP. It converts the protocols invoked by the service providers in the northbound interface to those required by each network element.
