lifecycle service orchestration (LSO)

Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) is a buzzword that is becoming increasingly important not only for network operators and service providers, but also for enterprise customers. LSO orchestration encompasses the services of telecommunications providers and other service providers.

An LSO platform supports all activities from provisioning customer orders to controlling services, aggregating metrics, ensuring guaranteed performance, and error detection and records provided to the customer. One aspect of lifecycle service orchestration (LSO) is improved interoperability between services from different providers, and another is reduced time to market for new network services. This enables service providers to offer customers new service offerings more quickly, which they can also manage themselves, often via a Web portal.

Behind Lifecycle Service Orchestration is the Metro Ethernet Forum( MEF), which is a major industry consortium promoting activities under the Third Network Initiative. The MEF has defined six functions as part of this initiative: Order Processing, Control, Performance, Warranty, Usage and Analysis.