Applications Framework (TAM)
The Applications Framework (TAM) considers the role and the functionality of the various applications that deliver OSS and BSS capability.

Structured along similar lines to NGOSS artifacts: the Process Framework (eTOM) and the Information Framework (SID), it is presented in a similar layered and vertical structure.

Having identified the major applications and begun the decomposition of the functionality, in Revisions 1 and 2.1; release 3.0 has continued to develop the framework to a “practical” level of decomposition across the entire framework.

Executive Summary
 The applications framework provides definitions of the functionality that can be expected from any OSS or BSS application. In doing so it enables:
  • Procurement documents to be written with reference to the framework, thereby providing clear unambiguous statements of the functionality required of any given application
  • Functional overlaps of existing applications to be identified, thereby facilitating rationalization
  • Functional gaps to be identified.

The level of functional d...
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Technical Overview
Within the TMF there is a strong definition of process (the eTOM) and data (the SID). The Telecoms Applications Map provides a formalized way of grouping together function and data into recognised components, which would then be regarded as potentially procurable as either applications or services.

An application or service (for example: web services) can be a relatively coarsely grained software that implements functions/processes and acts on or uses data. In daily life we see applications such as word processors or mail clients; in OSS terms we would regard an application as something such ...
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Real World Application
 The applications framework is applicable to any communications technology, fixed, mobile, cable etc. Moreover, the implicit limitation in the use of the term “Telecom” in the title should not be seen as such as the framework can be applied across a range of communications technologies and indeed across many business disciplines.


TAM Team Activities
Information on the Application Framework Team
Applications Framework Project
This project will produce a document describing the business requirements of a Applications Framework (TAM), its use, and the relationship between the TAM, the Business Process Framework (eTOM), the Information Framework (SID), the Procurements document, and any other TM Forum related document

TAM Team Documents
GB929, TM Forum Applications Framework (TAM) Release 3.0
GB929 TM Forum Application Framework Guidebook Release 2.1
GB929 TM Forum Application Framework, the BSS/OSS Systems Landscape Release 2.0
Telecom Applications Map - GB929 Release 1.0

TAM Case Studies
Using the Business Process Framework, Shared Information and Data Model, and Applications Framework for IT Risk Management
It’s AutoMagic: Creating Fully Specified NGOSS Contracts
Using TAM and NGOSS TNA to Implement Integrated Service Provisioning at China Telecom
Business Consulting Network’s Use of eTOM, ITIL and TAM for a Leading Chilean Mobile Operator

TAM Webcasts
What is NGOSS and What Can It Do for You?