Maltese multiplay operator GO is not the largest telco in the world, and they cannot be described as early adopters of Subex’s ROC solutions for revenue assurance and fraud management. However, they may be the first telco to acquire RA and FMS capability through a contract that initially supplies managed services, but later shifts to a software licence arrangement. The value of the deal was not disclosed. You can read the press release here.
This ‘hybrid’ agreement between GO and Subex highlights how telcos rely on vendors for education, as well as tools. The transfer of working responsibilities between Subex’s managed service team and GO’s business assurance staff will inevitably involve a transfer of knowledge. In my opinion, it is generally true that both vendors and telcos need to find new ways to equip telco staff with the skills they need, as well as providing them with software and equipment. Contracts that involve a period of managed services followed by a handover to telco employees may be one way to close the gap.
