23/11-09   -   Press releases

New developments in Network Analytics to help telecoms operators prevent Data Traffic Jams

* Mobile data traffic predicted to increase 25-fold by 2012
* New tools provide a unified view of network data and accurately forecast ´where´ and ´when´ investment is needed

SAS UK, the leader in Business Analytics software and services, has announced new developments in its Network Analytics software that enable Network Operators to optimise existing network capabilities to cope with the impending threat of mobile data traffic jams, which are expected to increase 25-fold by 2012. The announcement follows research from Informa, reported on the BBC News website, that predicts the dramatic rise in mobile data traffic will put severe pressure on the networks and the cash resources to support them.

Optimal network performance is key to driving much needed profitability. Operators that implement advanced network analytic solutions will gain a unified view of their network data and the ability to accurately predict ´where´ and ´when´ investment is needed. SAS´ network analytics provides a consolidated view of the network, which means potential degradation of a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) can be predicted, capital and operational expenses prioritised and capacity planning processes made more accurate. This is critical if operators are to deploy new infrastructure to drive up quality of service in the areas where demand is at its highest.

Tajinder Jagdev, Head of Communications, Media and Entertainment Practice, SAS UK, explains: "The increasing consumption of mobile data services now heavily outweighs the network improvement rate. The emergence of the Smartphone, for example, caused an explosion of data traffic that operators weren´t prepared for, and as applications and services continue to evolve, this ´always-on nature´ is going to spread – and fast. Network Operators must be able to assess their entire network and pinpoint specific geographical and demographic areas where traffic is increasing at a significant rate.

"Without this in-depth understanding of their entire network, service providers are often unable to predict the impact of a new service on traffic demand – which may result in avoidable capital expenditure in an over-dimensioned network or an underperforming network due to lack of capacity. Either way, the result is critical for them – in terms of customer dissatisfaction and revenue loss. As Vodafone and Orange look forward to connecting iPhone customers and the resulting revenue increase, clearly the localised impact these devices will have on their networks will need to be monitored carefully. A misguided view on the impact of these devices could turn a potentially great customer experience into a catastrophic one," concluded Tajinder Jagdev.

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SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. Through innovative solutions delivered within an integrated framework, SAS helps customers at more than 45,000 sites improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976 SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW®. SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2009 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

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