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These are critical times for service providers as they undergo the ultimate makeover, transforming themselves from analog voice-oriented providers to a digital world with its myriad of new and exciting service possibilities. The good news for service providers is the fact that the broadband market is undergoing explosive growth and DSL is growing faster than any other access method. According to the market research firm Point Topic and the DSL Forum, DSL services accounted for three-quarters of the worldwide growth of broadband during the first six months of 2005. Service providers want to keep this growth rate going, and they are doing all that they can to make sure it continues. Unfortunately, expanding markets attract competition but the competitive pressure service providers now face in the digital broadband world is nothing like the competitive environment of the voice-centric telecommunications marketplace in years gone by.
At the same time, new digital service offerings bring the challenge of incorporating new technologies, applications and previously unforeseen devices into the service providers' networks. Managing transport networks is something telecom service providers have done and are quite adept at, but more and more the services offered by service providers will involve operator-managed CPE equipment like RGs and STBs, connected to systems such as multimedia appliances, HD televisions, home theaters, DVD players, phone systems, personal computers and many others. Besides the effects these devices have on the performance of the network itself, consumers often turn to service providers when a device malfunctions.
Success in rapidly expanding markets with evolving technologies, fierce competition and aggressive new entrants will likely hinge on a company's operating efficiencies. The companies that can control operating costs, manage their growth effectively and maintain adequate margins will be best positioned to capitalize on marketplace opportunities.
Remote management-the ability of a service provider to manage or, at the very least, monitor CPE devices connected to the network-will be critical for service providers who must realize highly efficient service, support and maintenance operations in order to compete effectively. Besides managing devices like RGs that are connected directly to their broadband networks, service providers must also be concerned about managing or monitoring consumer electronic (CE) devices connected to the RG or whatever sort of hub there is in the home network. As a result, any remote management standard must be able to identify and manage many different types of CE devices that were simply purchased in retail outlets. In addition, the service provider's remote management standard also must be able to work with any of several home networking management methodologies.
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