How can the eTOM/sup /spl reg// framework help service providers in today´s marketplace?

One of the most interesting and valuable initiatives of the TeleManagement Forum (http://www.tmforum.org) for information and communications service providers (ICSP) is the definition and development of the "enhanced telecom operations map/sup /spl reg//" (eTOM) business process framework. We cover three main aspects. First, we describe the eTOM, its background, and the recent B2B enhancements for ICSPs. We then show how the eTOM may be used, including case studies. The third aspect concerns future challenges for the eTOM framework: enhancements to the eTOM to take account of the changing ICT (information communication and technology) market; the impact of next generation networking technologies; the move towards service based ICT business models. Moreover, details are provided on the changes necessary as the model matures and evolves toward the use of second generation business process modeling principles (Harmon, P., Business Process Trends Newsletter, 2003).