Ascom’s business unit Systems and Solutions, with offices in Germany and Switzerland, has joined the OSS through Java™ Initiative to develop real-world case studies and technical deployment white papers related to the OSS/J Trouble Ticket API (JCP 91). Ascom is an international supplier of sophisticated communication solutions.

“We are delighted to welcome Ascom into the OSS/J fold,” says Jörg Frankenberger, head of OSS Engineering, Vodafone D2 GmbH, and chair of the OSS/J Steering Committee. “Ascom has comprehensive experience in the development of large scale, OSS/J-focused trouble ticket and work-order systems and networks for telecommunications companies worldwide. As OSS/J moves into widespread adoption by service providers across the globe, it is extremely important to capture and share actual implementation knowledge supporting a growing ecosystem of OSS/J applications and technologies.”

Comprised of leading telecommunications service providers and technology companies, OSS/J provides open standard APIs and related technologies that help service providers jump start the deployment of end-to-end services on next-generation networks. The initiative recently made available Web Services profiles for its Trouble Ticket API (JSR 91) and OSS Common API (JSR 144). Web Services specifications for all other OSS/J APIs will be available by May 2006.

“Ascom has joined the OSS through Java Initiative because we are committed to a widespread market of OSS/J-certified component-based solutions with interoperable APIs that provide the pre-connected and comprehensive OSS solutions service providers are demanding,” says Gerd Hoeckelmann, Head of Professional Services of Ascom Systems and Solutions. “By working together with OSS/J’s outstanding team we will be playing an active role in helping to resolve a key concern of telecom service providers: how to implement and integrate solutions that deliver fast return on investment while simultaneously solving specific operational management problems. OSS/J offers the most effective way for service providers to regain control of their Operations Support Systems (OSS) and achieve real opportunities in the era of converged services.”

About the OSS through Javaâ„¢ Initiative
Building on the success of Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EEâ„¢), XML and Web Services technologies in enterprise applications and e-commerce, the OSS through Java Initiative is chartered to develop functional APIs that accelerate the development of innovative OSS/BSS solutions where all applications function together. The Initiative’s APIs are standardized under the latest Java Community ProcessSM (JCP) program. The deliverables for each API consist of a specification, a reference implementation, and a technology compatibility kit–all of which, including source code, are made available to the industry free of charge. The Initiative’s APIs help service providers jumpstart the deployment of end-to-end services on next-generation networks and leverage the convergence of telecommunications and Internet-based solutions. For more information on the OSS through Java Initiative and its membership, visit: http://www.ossj.org.

About ASCOM
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how. The company concentrates on Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, telecommunication, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army).

Offerings range from analysis and consulting to system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 18 countries and a workforce of some 2,600 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

Ascom´s Business Unit Systems and Solutions, with development teams inGermany and Switzerland, positions itself as an innovative software companyfocusing on planning and implementation of large scale IT-Solutions in the area of Operations Support Systems for network operators and large enterprises. About 50 highly qualified employees are developing turnkey solutions as well as integrated solutions like e.g. Trouble Ticket and Work Order Systems, Change Management Systems, Inter Carrier Relationship Systems, Routing Management, Fraud Management and Billing Validation Systems.