IBM Tivoli mobile push centers on ‘passive’ cell site management

IBM today detailed its focus on deliver management platforms and consoles for mobile networks, using the opening of a new software lab as the launch pad.

Of particular interest amongst the announcements is the creation of a new Intelligent Site Operations solution, which will give CSPs visibility and insight into their “passive infrastructure,” namely the non-radio components they at times neglect in terms of management (e.g., heating ventilation and air conditioning, electricity and power, back up power, batteries, masts and antennae), but which are responsible for the majority of operators’ energy usage in mobile networks.

“Though most people think of the data center as the energy hog, as much as 60% to 90% is actually attributable to the wireless network,” said Scott Sobers, global program director, service provider solutions, IBM Tivoli.

Overall, IBM believes OPEX costs can be significantly lowered by incorporating the management of the passive network with the active network, namely mobile network devices and servers. “With Intelligent Site Operations, we essentially add management of the ‘passive’ parts of the mobile network to the platform and management console comprised of IBM Tivoli Netcool, which many mobile operators already use to manage the ‘active,’ parts of their mobile networks,” explained Sobers.

In addition to IBM Tivoli Netcool for service management, the solution encompasses IBM Maximo for enterprise asset management, IBM Cognos for dashboards and analytics, and IBM Ilog (a value-added part of the solution) for complex workflow and rules. The end-to-end solution will provide continuous monitoring, management and control of all physical and digital assets and operations. And its advanced analytics capabilities will help CSPs convert near real-time data into information useful for more informed business decisions.

IBM contends that Intelligent Site Operations will eliminate the need for multiple truck rolls to determine and repair equipment malfunctions, as the diagnosis and in many instances the resolution of problems will be automated. In addition to reducing labor costs, the solution will have a positive environmental benefit in that it will decrease CO2 emissions and reduce the carbon footprint associated with gas consumption for truck rolls.

IBM introduced the new mobile management solution as it launched its largest software development lab in North America. With 59,000 square feet of lab server space and 31 miles of copper and fiber-optic wiring for data networking, virtualization and power monitoring, there are more than two petabytes of data in the Mass Lab. That enormous level of computing power and storage will be spread over sites in Littleton and Westford, Massachusetts, and will bring together 3,400 of IBM's leading experts.

One key mobile project for the new lab will be a research initiative focused on smarter mobile networks that will allow 4G networks to self-optimize and reconfigure themselves for better capacity and performance through real-time analytics and asset management.