nd other types of intelligent access devices (IADs) which, for all intents and purposes, are computers, will drive this trend and increase end-to-end complexity. The impact on OSS has been that the more intelligence and flexibility embedded in network devices, the tougher it has been for packages, such as provisioning, billing and activation systems, to keep up. Thus, there may be a widening gap between network device features and the OSS platform's ability to take advantage of them all. S. Jain et al., Broadband Infrastructure BusinessEdge Solutions Inc. 2003 The Ultimate Guide to Building and Delivering OSS/BSS NETWORK INTELLIGENCE AND SERVICE LOGIC Some people, particularly those focused on network facing technology, will argue that more intelligent networks will decrease the need for network inventory and other aspects of OSS. Those focused more on the customer facing view will argue that the focus is shifting toward more logical network applications, such as VPNs, which have more complexity, and require the design and management of logical constructs that span multiple physical network devices. The idea that network intelligence coupled with customer self- provisioning will completely replace OSS functions, such as order management and provisioning, is intriguing, but probably unrealistic in the near term. That is not to say that such models will not exist. In fact, they already exist for several types of services, such as high-speed Internet access via cable modems. On the other hand, there remains a need to have OSS applications in which logical constructs can be maintained and managed, and capacity can be reserved and managed in advance of physical activation. Device intelligence will aid OSS by enabling dynamic device control and data capture functions. Such functionality, integrated to customer facing systems and processes, can help IICs realize goals like customer self-provisioning. More advanced data collection, filtration and processing capabilities will also enable higher level applications and proc