Software launches focus on AI, analytics, 5G for operators - RCR Wireless News

A number of product launches this week aim to help operators navigate an increasingly software-centric world by better leveraging their networks and moving toward becoming digital businesses. At TM Forum, Netcracker made its most recent platform release with the launch of Netcracker 12. The new platform expands internet of things support as well as integrated artificial intelligence capabilities in Netcracker's analytics, incorporates virtualization support in operations management and is generally focused on helping operators speed service deployment and deepen analytics-based insights across customer interactions as well as their own internal ecosystems. Ari Banerjee, Netcracker's VP of strategy, said that long development cycles and limitations of physical services have inhibited operators' ability to compete with over-the-top providers. "The service offering base needs to be broadened," he added, saying that Netcracker 12 is focused on "helping them move toward becoming digital service providers."