Nokia introduces new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Former rubber boot maker Nokia introduced a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AVA Charging, to help communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises commercialise new offerings for 5G and IoT use cases.

Using software consumed on demand through a subscription-based model, Nokia AVA Charging incorporates business intelligence derived from hundreds of customer engagements to enable fast monetization of 5G and IoT services.

Nokia claims that AVA provides “Intelligence Everywhere” through AI, no code configuration, open APIs, multi-cloud orchestration, and digital ecosystems.

Nokia AVA Charging speeds up time to market for new CSP services through automation and no-code charging configurability; is highly scalable, supporting environments in excess of 150 million subscribers; and can be used by CSP’s to monetise consumer services like cloud gaming, as well as enterprise services for vertical markets, including utilities, logistics and healthcare.

The SaaS offering can be integrated with 5G Standalone core network functions in a multivendor environment to support new commercial charging models based on a variety of factors, including low latency, high throughput, device density, and location. It can be deployed quickly for CSPs and enterprises and avoids the hassle of on-site software maintenance and updates, it is claimed.

Nokia AVA Charging is Nokia’s eighth SaaS service, following launches earlier this year that included Nokia AVA Network Data Analytics Function and Nokia AVA for Energy.

Principal Analyst at Analysys Mason John Abraham said: “Nokia’s timely offer of a SaaS based no-code charging solution will accelerate monetisation for CSP’s who realise the need to transform their charging systems for 5G, but hesitate due to lengthy BSS transformation cycles and 5G network integration complexities.

Nokia’s cloudy senior vice president Mark Bunn said: “This latest addition to our SaaS arsenal supports CSPs and enterprises in having a dynamic digital infrastructure through 5G network components delivered as SaaS; and provides them with the necessary pay-as-you-go, pay-as-you-grow commercial model to help them reach their desired business outcomes.”