It asks for its config file, and based on what the customer bought, it gets the real config file. The PC is then reset and it requests an IP address. The system recognizes the PC as a paying customer and gives it a real IP address, and the customer is on the Internet. Finding common ground M uch like no two cable systems are exactly alike, the same holds true for provisioning systems. However, operators in the market for a provisioning solution do have a number of common issues to consider when choosing a provisioning solution.
Interoperability is the key.
That's because the interfaces to a customer care system to add service or another system to check availability have to be there when a subscriber signs up. A lot of the larger operators are struggling with their legacy customer care and billing systems that aren't designed to be open. As a result, you can have a very disjointed situation. Mark Heslop, AP Engines' director of product marketing, points out that a good provisioning system will also allow operators to audit the provisioning process itself. I think another key is wrapping all of these provisioning activities around a transaction-type approach.