to the mobile network equipment, but also the associated backbone upgrade. Mobile providers will have to reconfigure their backbone networks, whether owned or leased, to carry increased data traffic. The packet environment will require new management functions to account for packet network idiosyncrasies. Packet-based traffic, as we have discussed, is far more prone to delay and is Chapter 3 - Automating the Internet Infrastructure Supply Chain designed to be dynamic in nature. The cost-per-subscriber increase from GSM to UMTS, for example, is about 25 percent, while that for network transmission links is about 100 percent, or double. Mobile providers are beginning to recognize the importance of their OSS platforms and will face tough budgetary choices in the future as escalating costs and competition squeeze their margins. 9.1 Moving Forward We have now examined the pieces of the supply chain and the challenges faced in automating it. Some critical next steps will identify where Web and eBusiness technologies are best applied. We have also placed a high value on OSS integration, both within IICs and among them. Now that we understand where OSS needs to go and the hurdles in the way, we can take a hard look at building effective OSS platforms, starting with developing an IIC's OSS strategy. Chapter 4 Developing an OSS Strategy An integrated OSS platform is nearly impossible to construct without a clearly developed strategy. There are many factors to consider extending far beyond the OSSs themselves. Every aspect of an IIC's business - from its target customers, to its sales model, its network technology, its funding strategy, and its legacy systems base - will have some impact on the OSS- related choices it makes. Thus, a coherent OSS strategy is inextricably tied to an IIC's overall business strategy. OSS strategies have been the difference between success and failure for many emerging IICs. One of the main factors to keep in mind is that an OSS platform should be built with long-term business strategy in mind. 