A Web-Based Operational Support System for Digital Movie Distribution

The ever-growing size and complexity of telecommunication networks, combined with fast growing functional requirements, poses serious challenges for Next Generation Operational Support Systems (NGOSS). In this contribution, a web-based OSS for the distribution of digital movies to cinema theatres and cable head-ends is presented. After a specification of the functional requirements, the overall system architecture is described, distinguishing the central application processing, the web-based user interface, and the management of remote network nodes. In accordance with current beliefs and standardization initiatives, the system makes extensive use of generic infrastructure software, and is based on open and modular frameworks. The operational context of the system is elaborated using a use case. The test results are presented, and some conclusions and future directions are discussed.