barriers between the network and customers are falling, as we will see later, it's better to look at OSS as an integrated chain rather than as separate network and customer-focused categories. We will also discuss the concept of eOSS, and look at how integrated OSS platforms will operate in an eBusiness environment. From their roots as flat circuit databases and basic network management systems, OSSs have evolved into extremely complex, highly automated applications. Concepts such as flow-through provisioning, auto-discovery, customer self-help, and local exchange carrier (LEC) interconnection - all to be defined in the course of this book - would not be possible without OSS. But OSSs alone do not provide answers. They are merely tools that must be applied properly to work their magic. Applying them properly means integrating a complex series of components into a seamless, adaptable systems, that can support rapidly growing and changing IIC networks and converging product offerings. Furthermore, OSSs will form the backbone for eBusiness in the Internet infrastructure industry, enabling the multi-layered, automated supply chain that can meet expectations for the Internet. The Internet's audience is made up of a vast spectrum of users, from the novice excited to find the power button on his or her first computer, to the world's largest corporations that expect the Internet to deliver efficiency, cost reduction, global presences, and fully automated, just-in-time supply chains. The corporate world now sets the expectations the Internet must meet. These expectations will drive advances that will trickle down to the rest of the Internet's audience. Thus, we will focus on how the IICs will meet the complex performance demands placed on them, understanding that they must learn how to meet those demands even as they strive to do SO. Chapter 1 - Introduction to IICs and OSS What are Some of These "Expectations?" The growing expectations being placed on the Internet and IICs can be extrapolated from some basic examples. Th