Use of policy management to achieve flexibility in the delivery of network-centric ICT solutions

Network-centric ICT solutions present significant challenges for telecommunications operators. Enterprise-scale customers want joined-up IT functionality combined with increased flexibility, improved control and predictable performance. However, ICT is much too dynamic and complex to deliver and support efficiently using current service management methods. To fully deliver against the vision, changes need to be made to the models that underpin the use of the technology. This paper explores the role that policy-based management has to play within an integrated IT and communications infrastructure. It argues that profitable ICT deployment and management will be dependent on policy-driven business systems that provide extensive automation and flexibility, providing a unified means of managing services to meet the needs of the user. To assess the practical benefits, details are also presented of a proof-of-concept demonstrator employing policy-based ICT service management within the context of on-demand IP-VPN access. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]