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Network automation is a key driver for improved network services agility , greater operational efficiency and increased network availability . To quantify the benefits from network automation at the domain controller layer , Analysys Mason interviewed a group of global operators on their network automation strategies and results , collecting more than 60 data points .

Analysys Mason then extrapolated the quantified benefits that can be expected from automating IP networks . The study focused on network automation implemented for the operator ’ s service fulfilment , network lifecycle management , and network and service assurance processes with the Nokia NSP . NSP is the domain controller for multivendor IP , optical and microwave networks , enabling operators to automate a plethora of network management processes . According to Analysys Mason , Nokia ’ s market share ranks as one of the leading vendors in the network automation and orchestration space .

Analysys Mason found cost avoidance at the domain controller is the result of multiple factors :

• Process automation reduces the labour time requirement for manual workloads by up to 68 %

• Consequently , the time needed to roll out new services is reduced by up to 88 %

• Less manual tasks also means less human errors and higher predictability . The use of a standardised scenarios reduces the frequency of order fallout and issues that require manual correction . Overall , the time spent to process errors is reduced by up to 85 %

• Automating alarm correlation and root cause analysis offers a significant improvement to the mean time to repair ( MTTR ) – up to 71 %

Larry Goldman , Chief Analyst and Project Director , Analysys Mason , said : “ Our study shows clear benefits at the domain layer and we highly recommend operators automate network management processes for their IP services . Network automation will be critical to enable future network slicing-based business models . Operators should also look for a network automation platform such as the Nokia NSP to reap the benefits of automation and ensure the efficient and automated management and control of network slicebased services .”

Mike Thompson , Head , IP Network Automation , Nokia , said : “ While we have seen significant network automation gains for service delivery , the greatest savings are achieved by automating network lifecycle management . There are still many manual tasks in the areas of network and service migrations , device provisioning and upgrades that can benefit significantly from network automation . Automation not only improves operator productivity but significantly reduces outages caused during maintenance windows . Network and service assurance automation enables operators to identify root cause , automate restoration , and fix network issues significantly faster .” p

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