Design vs. operation: Granite Systems seeks to automate configuration data

Granite Systems has introduced a new module to its configuration management tool that is intended to help carriers automate the reconciliation of data between design databases and the actual operating network.

The operations support system (OSS) vendor also named AT&T Wireless Services, competitive local exchange carrier Logix Communications and wireless operator Powertel as users of its Xpercom configuration management system.

The purpose of the new network interface module, part of Xpercom version 3.4, is to further automate manual configuration tasks.

"We're trying to solve the big problem in configuration management: how to reconcile the network as engineered with the network as built," said John Borden, president and CEO of Granite Systems. "When it comes time to put a network in place and maintain it, changes get made and don't always get back to the database of origin."

The module can take data about trunk group assignments, for example, and compare them against databases to ensure they are up to date.

"We've provided the capability to perform an on-line audit of an installation," said Borden.

The addition of the interface module to the Xpercom system could appeal to carriers concerned about disrupting legacy operations, Borden said. "It makes it easier for some larger operators to imagine how they would integrate this kind of an engineering records capability without disrupting their engineering process," he said.

Granite Systems has opted to concentrate on enhancing the configuration management solutions, preferring to work with other vendors and system integrators to approach carriers with complete OSS solutions.

One analyst said Granite's strategy is a solid way to ensure business.

"Telcordia has always been the configuration and inventory kingpin, and Granite would find itself between a rock and hard place were it to tangle with the overall OSS market leader for contracts with RBOCs and other large operators," said Jeff Cotrupe, senior analyst at RHK. "So Granite aims Xpercom at smaller carriers and Xpersite - a module that feeds cellsite data into Xpercom - at emerging wireless providers and wannabe full-service CLECs."

As part of the partnership strategy, the vendor has struck new deals with Compaq and Objective Systems Integrators to integrate and resell Xpercom with their own platforms and integrating it into its own solutions. In addition, Logica is reselling and integrating the Xpercom system in the United Kingdom.