Service delivery platform

A service delivery platform (SDP) is a set of software and hardware components that provide a service delivery architecture, typically including functions such as service creation, session control, and communication protocols. It enables the delivery of services to end users or to other systems.

Although the concept is most commonly used in the context of telecommunications, it can apply to any system that delivers services, such as voice over IP (VoIP), Internet Protocol television (IPTV), Internet services, or software as a service (SaaS).

The TM Forum (TMF) has worked on specifications for SDPs, but there is no universally accepted definition within the industry. Vendors, service providers, and standards bodies often define the scope and components of SDPs differently, depending on their technological focus and market needs.

SDPs often require integration of IT capabilities and the creation of services that cross technology and network boundaries. SDPs available today tend to be optimized for the delivery of a service in a given technological or network domain (e.g. in telecommunications this includes: web, IMS, IPTV, Mobile TV, etc.). They typically provide environments for service control, creation, and orchestration and execution. Again in telecommunications, this can include abstractions for media control, presence/location, integration, and other low-level communications capabilities. SDPs are applicable to both consumer and business applications.

In the context of telecommunications only, the business objective of implementing the SDP is to enable rapid development and deployment of new converged multimedia services, from basic POTS phone services to complex audio/video conferencing for multiplayer video games (MPGs). In the context of SaaS, similar business objectives are achieved but in a context specific to the particular business domain.

The emergence of Application Stores, to create, host, and deliver applications for devices such as Apple's iPhone and Google Android smartphones, has focused on SDPs as a means for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to generate revenue from data. Using the SDP to expose their network assets to both the internal and external development communities, including web 2.0 developers, CSPs can manage the lifecycles of thousands of applications and their developers.

Telecommunications companies including Telcordia Technologies, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Avaya, Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent have provided communications integration interfaces and infrastructure since the early to mid 1990s. The cost-saving success of IP-based VoIP systems as replacements for proprietary private branch exchange (PBX) systems and desktop phones has prompted a shift in industry focus from proprietary systems to open, standard technologies.

This change to open environments has drawn software-focused telecommunication companies like Teligent Telecom and allowed systems integrators such as Tieto, Accenture, IBM, TCS, HP, Alcatel-Lucent, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Wipro, and CGI to offer integration services. In addition, new consortia of telecommunications software product companies offer pre-integrated software products to create SDPs based on elements, such as value-added services, convergent billing and content/partner relationship management.

Since SDPs are capable of crossing technology boundaries, a wide range of blended applications become possible, for example:

  • Users can see incoming phone calls (Wireline or Wireless), IM buddies (PC) or the locations of friends (GPS Enabled Device) on their television screen
  • Users can order VoD (Video on demand) services from their mobile phones or watch streaming video that they have ordered as a video package for both home and mobile phone
  • Airline customers receive a text message from an automated system regarding a flight cancellation, and can then opt to use a voice or interactive self-service interface to reschedule

The service delivery platform market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the forecast period 2019-2024.

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