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What is Managed Testing Services? A breakdown or glitch during a vital transaction can be difficult to fix, possibly resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue and not forget, harming customer trust and experience. Ensuring the functionality of software or mobile app through rigorous testing is paramount to ensure swift rollouts and to maintain seamless business operations.    Source: MobileAppDaily As businesses increasingly depend on advanced technologies to deliver their offerings, the burden on IT keeps on bulging in our ever-evolving 24/7 connected world. It’s imperative that IT services be prompt, smooth, flawless, and economical with key focus on improving user experience. Managed Testing Services: An Overview Yet, achieving this degree of reliability poses challenges for many enterprises: Many are looking towards IT modernization, highlighting the need for cost-effective transformation solutions. Factors like tech innovations, regional focuses, and industry-specific needs shape the future investments in Quality Assurance (QA) or QA and testing services. Many businesses haven’t fully tapped into the potential of Testing Centers of Excellence (TCOEs) or testing CoE framework. There is a struggle in QA to link outcomes with business objectives and measure the impact of defects once they hit production. Often, QA and testing services don’t get the spotlight in business operations, leading to limited or stretched testing resources. Specialized testing environments, like end-to-end multi-system testing, come at a high cost. Heavy dependence on software developers can lead to issues once the software/app goes live. Businesses are facing growing demands, especially when it comes to launching software and/or mobile apps correctly the first time. Further intensifying these technical aspects are overarching business drivers like the quest for amplified productivity, reduced time-to-market, cost-efficiency, and compliance with current laws and norms, all of which amplify the focus on QA and testing services.   Avisys boasts a strength in testing with hundreds of professional and certified testers and individuals. We’ve crafted our proprietary testing TCoE framework serving a diverse clientele spanning across various sectors.   Read also: The Power of Avisys Telecom TCoE – An Intersection of People, Process and Technology Sharing the Risks with a Dependable Testing Partner Avisys’ Managed Testing CoE Services offer a comprehensive solution to prominent testing challenges. We provide the structure, processes, resources, and environments necessary for superior outcomes and reliable cutting-edge software that consistently delivers. Avisys Testing CoE services present a tailored end-to-end service, assuming accountability for testing at multiple levels. Their adaptable teams, trained in a variety of tech domains and stationed at global Testing Centers of Excellence, can be adjusted based on demand, addressing the common problem of resource fluctuations. Avisys’ Testing CoE framework embodies a cooperative strategy for sourcing robust QA and testing services and solutions. It’s the go-to armor for those aiming to revamp their testing operations, realize superior quality systems economically, shed daily overheads and responsibilities, all without compromising on overall control. The Essentials of Managed Testing Services Our testing CoE framework is a perfect nexus of people, process and technology. Integrated Testing Solution Our testing CoE services and solutions effectively merge elements like innovation, intellectual property, industrial insights, industry knowledge, and scalability, ensuring cost-effectiveness. Avisys Testing CoE Framework & Approach Central to our Avisys testing CoE services is our testing CoE framework – a business-centric, risk-driven methodology for advanced software testing. This approach tackles your primary concerns related to quality, time, and cost throughout the development cycle. Adopted as a benchmark in our test centers, Avisys testing CoE framework (ATCoE) integrates client insights, industry standards, and scalable advantages, all synchronized with business goals. Avisys Testing Center of Excellence (ATCoE) Leadership in Cost Transformation Through significant investments in the latest tools and domain expertise, we’ve revolutionized our transformation solutions. Our approach to cost transformation fosters sustainable cost reductions and quality enhancements by transforming work dynamics— emphasizing test automation, methodologies, tools, processes, and comprehensive training.  Essence of Managed Testing Services For instance, our model-based testing CoE services leverage a unique approach aimed at speeding up test script creation. It allows users to define the testing system using process models, which in turn automate test case generation. Leveraging model-based testing, skilled testers can decrease testing timeframes by up to 30%. Cutting-Edge Industrialization Our testing CoE framework blends business-focused test management procedures with test automation structures, tools, and test bench solutions. These accelerators are universally applicable and tailored to specific industry needs. Innovation Innovation lies at our core. Our dedicated Innovation testing labs in Australia, India, and Bahrain lead industry-specific research efforts. We’ve crafted tools and reusable accelerators, including model-based testing, test automation platforms, performance testing services, and more. These solutions are especially crafted to tackle specific client testing hurdles and instill best practices. For sectors with unique quality challenges like telecom industry, our innovation testing CoE services experts’ collaborate with tech partners and leverage the best-in-class tools to develop specialized managed testing services and solutions. These solutions give our clients an up to 40% advantage in test setup and execution. Read also: Transforming Telecom Testing with Best-of-Breed Testing Center of Excellence Robust testing methodologies carried out by top-tier testing experts, who possess extensive domain knowledge and practical experience with tools like Jira, HP QC, UFT, Selenium, JMeter, and more. This blend of methodology and tooling expedites test strategy formation, consistent execution, and paves the way for automated testing, reporting, and teamwork—essential for identifying and addressing business risks. Dedicated and Adaptable Resources A dedicated team is assigned to your business to harness and reuse amassed testing knowledge. This team, adaptable in size, is equipped to provide expertise across various technologies, effectively addressing any testing resource constraints. Industry-Specific Expertise Our extensive managed testing services cover multiple industries, including finance, telecoms, public sector, manufacturing, utilities, and more. By merging technical expertise with business insights, we swiftly pinpoint and deliver precise solutions. Global Delivery Model Our global delivery model utilizes multiple onshore and offshore centers, including facilities in Australia, Bahrain and India. This model offers the perfect blend of agile POD software development options with scalable expertise, all while being cost-effective. Our agile … Read more

The Secret to Flexible OSS: Your Ultimate Guide to Telecom OSS Testing – Part 2 The telecom industry is in the midst of a dynamic transformation. As the digital landscape reshapes itself, the demands on telecom networks are soaring. According to a recent report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), global mobile broadband subscriptions reached 8 billion by the end of 2022, indicating a steep surge in network demand. In such a landscape, the need for adaptable, modular and flexible telecom OSS solutions or Operational Support Systems (OSS) has never been clearer. Yet, one stumbling block often stands in the way: data model rigidity. While telecom OSS solutions or applications initially promise adaptability, the reality after deployment can be starkly different. It’s not just an operational inconvenience; this rigidity has significant financial and strategic implications. So, how can telecom operators ensure their OSS applications truly embody the flexibility they promise? Dive into Part 2 of our series as we unravel the magic wand solution: strategic telecom testing CoE framework.   Check out our Part 1 Series here   Flexible data models in telecom OSS solutions are designed to adapt to the evolving needs of a telecom network. However, once the initial data is stored, these models often become rigid and difficult to modify. The Challenges with Data Model Rigidity The business implications of rigid data models: A rigid data model can lead to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and impaired ability to respond to market changes. For example, a telecom company deploys an OSS application intended to be scalable and adaptable. However, after the first instances of data were stored, they found that making changes to the application was cumbersome and costly, resulting in a slower response to market demands and escalating operational costs. Testing for Data Model Flexibility Types of Testing CoE Services Regression Testing: Ensures that new changes do not disrupt existing functionalities. Data Integrity Testing: Validates that the data is accurate, consistent, and secure throughout the system. Regression Testing: Safeguarding Telecom OSS Solution Functionalities In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, the ability to introduce new functionalities or updates to Operational Support Systems (OSS) without compromising the existing structures is crucial. This is where regression testing comes into play. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that as telecom companies innovate and upgrade their OSS, they don’t inadvertently introduce defects or disruptions in the system. Regression testing is about validation. When changes are made to an OSS – be it adding a new feature, fixing a bug, or making a system optimization – regression testing ensures that these changes haven’t negatively impacted the functionalities that were working fine before the update. In simple terms, it’s a quality assurance measure to check that new code changes don’t “break” the existing system. Use Case Imagine a telecom operator that just rolled out a new OSS feature to expedite its service provisioning for premium customers. However, post-deployment, regular customers experienced delays in standard service orders. The oversight was traced back to the new feature unintentionally rerouting some standard orders. With regression testing before the launch, this disruption would have been identified and rectified, underscoring its importance in safeguarding existing functionalities when introducing or rolling-out new changes. Why is Regression Testing Crucial for Telecom OSS Solutions? Complexity of Telecom Systems: Telecommunication networks are inherently complex. An OSS interacts with a multitude of elements, from network devices to customer databases. A minor tweak in one part can unintentionally disrupt operations in another. Regression testing ensures that changes made in one section don’t inadvertently hamper the operations of another. Ensuring Service Continuity: Downtimes or disruptions are costly for telecom operators, both financially and in terms of customer trust. By routinely conducting regression testing after every system change, telecom operators can guarantee that their services remain uninterrupted and that any potential issues are nipped in the bud.   The Crucial Role of OSS/BSS Testing in Telecom Operations Accelerating Time-to-Market: With the assurance that existing functionalities won’t be disrupted, telecom companies can confidently roll out new features or updates. This means faster implementations, quicker updates, and, ultimately, a faster time to market. Cost Savings: Identifying and rectifying a system issue post-deployment is often far more expensive than addressing it during the development or update phase. Regression testing CoE services help in spotting potential hiccups early on, leading to significant cost savings in the long run. Strategic Telecom Testing and Regression Testing In the broader framework of strategic telecom testing, regression testing CoE services hold a pivotal place. It aligns with the strategic goal of ensuring telecom OSS solutions and systems not only meet current requirements but are also poised to seamlessly accommodate future changes and expansions. By regularly integrating and employing regression testing CoE services into their software development lifecycle, telecom operators can maintain system robustness while constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the market. For telecom operators looking to stay agile, competitive, and ahead of the curve, deploying robust regression testing CoE services and integrating proven QA practices into their OSS development and update cycles is non-negotiable. Data Integrity Testing in Telecom OSS: Ensuring Accuracy, Consistency, and Security Telecommunications, with its ever-growing complexity, has become increasingly reliant on robust telecom OSS solutions to manage and streamline network operations. At the heart of these systems lies data— in massive volumes. From customer details and billing records to network configurations and service provisioning instructions, data plays a pivotal role. Ensuring the integrity of this data becomes paramount, not only for operational efficiency but also for maintaining trust and ensuring security. This is where Data Integrity Testing becomes indispensable. Case Study Download: See how we revolutionized provisioning for a Saudi telecom giant Understanding Data Integrity Testing Data Integrity Testing is a rigorous process employed to guarantee that the data within a system remains accurate, consistent, and secure, especially during storage, retrieval, and transmission. It’s a safety mechanism designed to catch any anomalies, discrepancies, or breaches in the data. The Significance of Data Integrity Testing in Telecom OSS … Read more

Billing Bliss: How Testing is Transforming Billing Operations for Telcos? Billing systems are the backbone of telecom companies. They ensure that customers are accurately charged for the services they use. However, with the increasing complexity of telecom services and packages, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of billing systems has become paramount. This is where the role of rigorous testing CoE framework for telcos come into play. The Importance of Billing in Telecom Trust and Credibility: A single error in a billing system can lead to significant financial losses and damage the trust of customers. Telecom companies can’t afford such mistakes, especially in today’s competitive market where customer churn is a serious problem faced by telcos worldwide.  Did you know? 1 in every 100 bills generated by telecom companies has an error. This translates to millions in lost revenue annually. In fact, 70% of customers are likely to switch their service provider after just one billing error. Complexity of Services: With the advent of 5G/6G, IoT, and other advanced connectivity services, telecom billing has become more intricate. This complexity demands for robust testing CoE framework to ensure that every service is billed correctly. Read also: Billing, Roaming, and Beyond – The Crucial Role of OSS/BSS Testing in Telecom Operations Challenges in Telecom Billing Lack of Visibility: Many telecom companies lack complete visibility into their testing processes, leading to potential oversights and errors. Compliance Adherence: With various regulations in place, ensuring compliance in billing practices is crucial. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and legal complications. Complex Tariff Structures: As telecom operators offer various plans and tariffs to their customers, managing and billing them accurately becomes complex. Real-time Billing: With the advent of services like data streaming, real-time billing becomes a necessity. Ensuring real-time bill accuracy is a challenge. Fraud Detection: Billing systems need to detect and prevent fraudulent activities that can be complex given the vastness of transactions. Integration with Other Systems: Telecom billing systems need to integrate with other systems like CRM, OSS/BSS solutions, provisioning, etc. Ensuring smooth integration can be a challenge. Customer Disputes: Customers might dispute bills due to various reasons – from genuine billing errors to misunderstandings. Data Management: With the massive amount of data usage details, calls, SMS logs, etc., handling the sheer volume is a challenge. Multi-Currency & Multi-Nation Support: For telecom operators functioning in multiple countries, managing billing in various currencies and adhering to local regulations is challenging. Prepaid and Postpaid Convergence: Integrating systems that handle both prepaid and postpaid customers can be complex. Read also: How API testing can fortify security of telecom apps? Did you know? Verizon faced a lawsuit for wrongly billing 15 million customers over multiple years due to billing software issues/glitches, resulting in an excess charge of $90M. The Role of Testing in Ensuring Accurate Billing Performance Testing: Robust performance testing services ensure that the billing system can handle the vast number of transactions, especially during peak times. Usability Testing: It’s essential that the billing interfaces, whether for employees or end-users, are intuitive and user-friendly. This is where usability testing services can help. Compliance Testing: This ensures that all billing practices adhere to the necessary regulations and standards. Use-Cases Dynamic Pricing Models: With the introduction of dynamic pricing models, where prices change based on demand and other factors, rigorous functional testing services ensure that customers are billed accurately. Roaming Services: Customers traveling abroad use roaming services. Testing CoE services will ensure that they are billed correctly based on the roaming agreements between telecom operators. Bundled Services: Many telecom companies offer bundled services, combining Internet, phone, and streaming services. Performance testing services ensure that such bundles are billed correctly, without any overlaps or omissions. Read also: Why Telcos Need To Get Their Heads into Software/App Testing? Takeaway The role of testing in telecom billing systems cannot be overlooked. It ensures accuracy, builds trust, and ultimately drives customer satisfaction. At Avisys Services, we understand the intricacies of telecom billing systems and offer top-notch testing CoE services to ensure that your billing systems are error-free. At Avisys, we have been working with telcos for several years with diverse application and software testing projects. Our telecom testing CoE framework and expertise makes us a high-value partner for telecom companies, MVNOs, MNOs, CSPs and alike. Are you a telecom company looking to ensure the accuracy of your billing system? Contact us today and let our testing CoE services team devise a tailored testing solution for your telco.

The Secret to Intuitive OSS: Your Ultimate Guide to Telecom OSS Testing – Part 1 Operational Support Systems (OSS) in the telecom industry are crucial, serving as the backbone enabling companies to manage their network operations efficiently. Despite their critical role, many OSS solutions are notoriously complex and non-intuitive, especially for new users. In a world where user experience is a competitive differentiator, the role of rigorous testing to enhance this experience cannot be understated. Importance of Intuitive OSS Interface   It is not just about having an OSS solution; it is about having one that is intuitive and user-friendly. A system that new users can navigate naturally will speed up processes, decrease error rates, and increase overall productivity.   The Impact of Non-intuitive Systems on New Users Imagine a new employee facing a screen full of unorganized tabs, buttons, and forms with minimal direction. The time they take to understand and adapt to this system could have been used in productive tasks that add value to the organization. The business implications of rigid data models: A rigid data model can lead to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and impaired ability to respond to market changes. For example, a telecom company deploys an OSS application intended to be scalable and adaptable. However, after the first instances of data were stored, they found that making changes to the application was cumbersome and costly, resulting in a slower response to market demands and escalating operational costs. Read also: How Telcos are Revolutionizing Customer Experience? Use Case Consider a telecom giant that is facing high employee turnover due to the frustration associated with using their complex OSS system. After an overhaul aimed at simplifying the user interface, based on extensive user feedback backed by a robust testing CoE framework, the company will not only retain more employees but will also witness a surge in overall productivity. Testing for User Experience To avoid the pitfalls of a non-intuitive interface, rigorous testing CoE framework and methodologies must be applied, such as: Usability Testing Services: Ensuring the system meets users’ needs and expectations. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and functional testing services: Verifying that the solution works for the user under real-world conditions. Such performance testing services can reveal UI/UX issues before they reach the end-user. A telco when invests in rigorous usability testing services for their new OSS will achieve insights and analytics enabling them to redesign their interface proactively, resulting in decreased training time for new employees. Read also: The Crucial Role of OSS/BSS Testing in Telecom Operations Testing Methodologies Effective testing CoE services and strategies that can be used in the development cycle of OSS solutions include: 1. Agile Testing CoE Services In the world of Telecom OSS, systems are complex and need to handle large volumes of data, transactions, and user interactions. Agile Testing is designed to accommodate this complexity by ensuring that testing is integrated into the development process from the very beginning. How it works: Integrated Teams: Agile Testing involves close collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders. Rather than working in isolation, these groups work together as a single team also known as Agile POD engagement. Continuous Feedback: Because testing is conducted alongside development, issues are identified and addressed quickly, often within the same iteration. This continuous feedback loop is vital for Telecom OSS where systems need to be highly reliable and available. Automation: Given the scale and complexity of Telecom OSS, automated testing is often a key component of agile development services and testing. Automated tests can quickly and efficiently validate that new changes have not broken existing functionality (regression testing), which is essential when dealing with complex systems that support critical telecom operations. Incremental Progress: Agile Testing aligns with the broader agile principle of incremental development. Rather than trying to build and then test a complete OSS all at once, the system is developed and tested in small, manageable increments. User-Centric: Agile development services and testing in Telecom OSS often involves a strong focus on the end user’s needs (in this case, telecom operators and other stakeholders). Test cases are not just designed to check technical requirements but to also ensure that the system will meet the real-world needs of its users. Adaptability: Telecom regulations, technologies, and customer needs can change rapidly. Agile Testing CoE services are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the development and testing team to pivot quickly in response to new information. Benefits of Agile POD Services and Testing Quality assurance: Ensures that issues are identified and addressed early, reducing the risk of late-stage defects that are costly and time-consuming to fix. Speed to market: OSS features can be developed, tested, and deployed more quickly.   Stakeholder engagement: The collaborative nature of Agile Testing means that business stakeholders are more involved in the process. 2. Continuous Testing CoE Services Involves a steady application of testing at every stage of development to ensure constant progress and quality. In Telecom OSS, where systems are expected to be robust, scalable, and able to handle large volumes of data and transactions, continuous testing CoE framework ensures that the software is always in a state where it can be safely and confidently released to the production environment. How It Works: Automated Test Suite: In continuous testing CoE framework, an extensive suite of automated tests covers various levels of testing, from unit tests (that test individual components) to integration tests (that test interactions between components) and end-to-end tests (that test complete workflows). Integration with the Development Pipeline: Tests are run automatically as part of the Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. This means that every time code is committed to the repository, the entire suite of tests is automatically triggered, and the OSS software is built and tested end-to-end. Immediate Feedback: As soon as a test fails, the development team is alerted. This allows issues to be identified and fixed immediately, which is critical in a Telecom OSS environment where errors can have significant operational and business impacts. Constant Monitoring: Continuous … Read more

Billing, Roaming, and Beyond: The Crucial Role of OSS/BSS Testing in Telecom Operations Did you know? A staggering 92% of customers switch to a different telecom provider due to service quality issues. This is why telecom companies or telcos ought to make sure that they deliver seamless and top-notch services to avoid customer dissatisfaction and reduce customer churn. Telecom testing plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless and exceptional communication experiences for millions of users worldwide. The world of telecommunications relies heavily on rigorous testing methodologies to verify and validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of services such as voice, messaging, data, and much more. In fact, telcos who invest in rigorous testing witness a remarkable 30% increase in customer satisfaction levels, says a Brain & Company report. How OSS-BSS Testing Drives Success and Customer Satisfaction for Telcos? Where Customer Orders Meet Perfection! Did you know that the OSS/BSS system is the hidden hero behind seamless telecom services? From handling customer orders to provisioning requests, this powerful system ensures that your telecom experience is nothing short of perfection!  Did you know? An astounding 87% of customers demand accurate and timely order fulfillment. To ensure that these systems perform at their optimum best, telcos ought to ensure that these systems function and perform seamlessly and process customer orders accurately based on their preferences. Now this involves verifying that the systems can provision devices, data plans, and phone numbers based on a customer’s preferences.  Read also: Why Telecom Customers leave and How App Testing can Reduce Customer Churn? Billing Bliss: Let OSS/BSS Supercharge Your Customer Experience! Telecom OSS/BSS solutions play a critical role when it comes to handling and managing customer orders, billing and provisioning requests. Verifying that these systems accurately track customer usage data and churns out accurate bills is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and avoid revenue leakage. Here, the testing involves verifying that these systems can accurately gather as well as store customer data from various network elements and platforms. These systems should also leverage customer discounts and tariffs to calculate the final bills accurately. Managing Complex Customer Scenarios Telecom OSS/BSS systems manage complex user scenarios like international roaming, family plans, etc. These systems ought to identify family members correctly within a tariff plan and then track usage of each member. They should also accurately calculate the charges for roaming and apply appropriate promotions or discounts. Most importantly, telco BSS solutions need to handle all these scenarios without compromising on the accuracy of provisioning and billing. This is where OSS-BSS testing comes into play to manage complex customer scenarios seamlessly and accurately. Providing Accurate Customer Data to Other Telecom Systems It is essential to confirm that the telecom OSS/BSS system successfully offers precise and current customer data to other telecom systems, such as those involved in billing and network management. The OSS/BSS system’s capacity to seamlessly integrate with other systems and supply accurate data is crucial in preventing billing discrepancies and maintaining optimal network operation. Here, a fine mix of IT system integration services and QA and testing services for telcos focus on the accurate capture, processing, and distribution of customer data across various telco systems. Read also: The Importance of Quality Assurance in Telecom Digital Transformation   Manage Multiple Simultaneous Transactions The OSS/BSS system is a crucial element in the telecommunications industry that has to manage numerous transactions simultaneously. This system is tasked with facilitating a wide array of telecom services and should efficiently deal with a multitude of concurrent transactions without experiencing performance falloff or data loss. Ensuring this requires the need to employ the best-in-class performance testing services team that can test the system to a high volume of simultaneous transactions, to affirm it can process all accurately and promptly. Ensuring Accurate and Timely Reporting Capabilities The OSS/BSS system has a critical role in handling the business and operational facets of a telecommunications network, including the crucial task of supplying accurate and prompt reports to the management. These reports may encompass data on network performance, customer usage, revenue, among other significant metrics. In order to confirm that the telecom OSS/BSS system provides these accurate and timely reports, telcos ought to employ the best-of-breed testing CoE framework to ensure the system’s reporting abilities. Protect Sensitive Customer Data The security architecture of the OSS/BSS system is vital for safeguarding sensitive customer information. Various security evaluations such as vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and access control checks should be employed to ascertain the system’s protective security measures. The system ought to be tested to ensure it is correctly set up and adheres to security protocols and regulations. Telcos ought to employ market-winning API testing services to ensure that the system’s security architecture is robust enough to prevent unauthorized system access and breaches. Manage Common Support Scenarios like Refunds and Account Cancellations It is essential to confirm that the OSS/BSS system can competently manage frequent support situations such as refund requests and account cancellations, which is a critical component for telcos. The system must be capable of accurately processing these requests and updating the customer’s account balance accurately. Here, the test case scenarios encompass situations like partial refunds, service-specific cancellations, and total account cancellations. The testing CoE framework here also ensures that the system preserves data consistency and integrity across all pertinent systems and databases. Read also: How Telcos can offer Enhanced Customer Experience and Achieve Market Domination? Compliance with Applicable Regulatory Requirements Ensuring that the OSS/BSS system aligns with mandatory regulatory requirements entails guaranteeing that the system abides by legal, technical, or operational regulations set forth by governing authorities. This could encompass adherence to data privacy rules, network security standards, and other sector-specific regulations. It’s crucial to ensure that the system gathers, stores, and transfers data in a manner that complies with the required regulations and standards. Seamless Integration with Other Telecom Systems Verifying that the OSS/BSS system integrates seamlessly with various other telecom systems entails examining their interoperability. This necessitates employing robust API testing services to test the … Read more

Why Telecom Customers Leave and Why App Testing is Important in Reducing Customer Churn? The telecommunications industry is a fiercely competitive market, with companies constantly vying for customer loyalty and superior customer experience. However, customer churn remains a significant challenge, with the industry losing as much as $65 million as a result of churn in 2023 alone. This article explores the reasons behind customer churn in the telecom industry and underscores the importance of app testing and quality assurance or QA and testing services for telcos in reducing this churn. Image Credit: OpenWorldLearning Read also: The Importance of Quality Assurance in Telecom Digital Transformation Understanding Customer Churn in Telecom Customer churn, also known as customer attrition, refers to the percentage of customers who end their relationship with a company over a specific period. In the telecom sector, this percentage is particularly high, considering factors like contracts and lock-in periods. As of the end of 2022, the telecom sector had the fifth-highest churn rate of any industry, at 21%.   Several factors contribute to this high churn rate. One of the primary reasons is poor customer service. According to a recent study, customers often leave due to dissatisfaction with the way their complaints and issues are handled. This dissatisfaction can stem from long wait times, unhelpful responses, or the perceived indifference of the telecom company to the customer’s problems. Another significant factor is the lack of personalized services and/or features availability. In today’s digital age, customers expect services tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Telecom companies that fail to provide personalized offerings are likely to lose customers to competitors who do. Read also: How Telcos can Enhance Customer Experience? Moreover, customers are more likely to churn if they perceive that they are not getting value for their money. This perception can be influenced by factors such as high prices, poor service quality, and the availability of better deals from competitors. The Role of App Testing in Reducing Customer Churn In the face of these challenges, it is imperative for telecom companies to leverage technology to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce churn. One critical area of focus is app testing. As telecom companies increasingly rely on web and mobile apps to deliver and manage their services, it is essential that these platforms are functional, performance-centric, and user-friendly. This is the reason the need for performance testing services for telcos have been witnessing a soaring demand.  App testing, part of the broader field of managed testing services, involves evaluating an application’s performance, functionality, usability, and security. It helps identify and fix bugs, performance issues, and usability problems before the app is released to customers. This process is crucial in ensuring that the app meets customer expectations and provides a seamless user experience. Read also: Emerging Technologies in App Testing for Telcos: What to Expect in 2024 Further, quality assurance or QA and testing services for telecom are not just about testing software and applications, they are about ensuring that the entire ecosystem works seamlessly together. QA and testing services for telcos include thorough testing the networks, the devices, the applications, and the customer interfaces. Avisys Services’ Telecom Testing Center of Excellence or Testing CoE framework provides a comprehensive solution that includes a centralized managed testing services team, standardized QA and testing services experts, test automation, test metrics, and continuous training. Our Testing CoE framework has helped telcos reduce testing time and service disruptions by up to 40% through the implementation of test automation and standardized performance testing services. The Impact of App Testing on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Effective app performance testing services can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty in several ways. First, it ensures that the app functions as expected, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience. This positive experience can enhance customer satisfaction and encourage continued use of the app. Second, app performance testing services can help identify and fix performance issues that could frustrate customers and prompt them to switch to a competitor. By ensuring that the app performs optimally at all times with credible managed testing services, telecom companies can provide a consistent and reliable service that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Third, API testing services can help ensure the security of the app, protecting customer data from breaches and cyber-attacks. This security can enhance customer trust and loyalty, as customers are more likely to stick with a telecom company they believe will protect their personal information. Read also: Why API Testing is emerging as a Secret Superpower for Telcos? Takeaway To conclude, customer churn is a major challenge in the telecom industry, driven by factors such as poor customer service, lack of personalized services, and perceived lack of value. However, telecom companies can leverage best-of-breed Testing CoE services to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce churn. By ensuring that their apps are functional, performance-centric, user-friendly, and secure, telecom companies can provide a superior customer experience that fosters loyalty and reduces the churn. Ready to reduce churn and enhance customer loyalty in your telecom business? Leverage the power of Avisys’ managed testing services and quality assurance with our comprehensive Testing CoE services. Contact us today to learn how we can help you deliver a superior customer experience that keeps your customers satisfied and loyal. Click here to get started!

Emerging Technologies in App Testing for Telcos: What to Expect in 2024 The telecommunications industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, with app testing playing a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and experience. As we look forward to 2024, several emerging technologies are set to revolutionize the way app testing is conducted in the telecom sector. Here’s what to expect. AI and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are poised to become game-changers in the telecom app testing landscape. According to MarketsandMarkets, AI in testing market is projected to grow from USD 2.42 billion in 2019 to USD 12.37 billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.5% during the forecast period. AI and ML can automate repetitive tasks, identify patterns, and predict potential issues. For instance, AI-powered managed testing services for telcos can generate test cases based on user behavior, while ML can learn from previous test case results to enhance future testing CoE framework. This not only accelerates the testing process but also improves its accuracy. In the telecom sector, AI and ML can be used to test network performance, data traffic, and user experience. For example, Verizon uses AI to simulate network conditions and user behavior to test how an app performs under different scenarios. This helps Verizon identify and resolve issues before they affect user experience. Read also: The Importance of Quality Assurance & Testing in Telecom Digital Transformation Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is already revolutionizing app testing in the telecom industry. RPA uses software robots or “bots” to automate routine tasks. In the context of app testing, this could include tasks such as setting up test environments, executing test cases, and logging defects. RPA can significantly speed up the testing process and reduce the risk of human error. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global RPA market size is expected to reach USD 25.66 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 40.6% from 2020 to 2027. Image Source: Harvard Business School In the telecom industry, RPA can be used to automate the testing of billing and revenue systems, telecom OSS/BSS solutions, customer service apps, and network management tools. For instance, AT&T uses RPA to automate the testing of its customer service app, which has resulted in faster testing times and improved app quality and performance. IoT Testing With the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming increasingly prevalent in the telecom sector, IoT testing is set to become a major focus in 2024. IoT testing involves testing IoT devices and systems to ensure they function correctly and securely. As the number of IoT devices continues to grow, so too does the complexity of testing. IoT devices often interact with each other and with other systems, creating a complex web of interactions that need to be tested. This requires a comprehensive and systematic approach to testing, as well as the use of advanced testing tools and techniques. In the telecom sector, IoT testing can be used to test smart home devices, connected cars, and other IoT-enabled devices. For example, Vodafone uses functional testing services to ensure the reliability and security of its smart home services, which include a range of IoT devices such as smart thermostats and security cameras. Blockchain Testing Blockchain technology is not just for cryptocurrencies. It’s also being used in a variety of other applications, including app development. As a result, blockchain testing is becoming increasingly important. Blockchain testing involves testing blockchain-based apps and systems to ensure they function correctly, securely, and efficiently. This includes testing the blockchain itself, as well as any apps or systems that interact with it. In the telecom sector, blockchain can be used to improve network management, enhance security, and facilitate the exchange of data. For instance, Deutsche Telekom uses blockchain technology to manage its network infrastructure, and blockchain API testing services play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and security of this system. The Rise of DevOps and Agile Testing As more and more telecom companies adopt DevOps and Agile development services and methodologies, testing is becoming an integral part of the development process. This shift towards continuous testing is set to continue in 2024, with a greater emphasis on automation and collaboration. According to a report by Statista, the worldwide DevOps market size is projected to reach USD 12.85 billion by 2025, up from around USD 4 billion in 2017. This growth is expected to drive further innovation in Agile QA and testing services, leading to more efficient and effective testing CoE frameworks. For example, T-Mobile has adopted an Agile POD services model to app development and testing, which has resulted in faster release times and improved app quality. This agile POD software development and testing approach involves continuous testing throughout the development process, with testers working closely with developers to identify and resolve issues as they arise. Takeaway To conclude, we can say that the future of app testing in the telecom industry looks bright, with AI, ML, RPA, IoT testing, blockchain testing, and the rise of DevOps and Agile testing leading the way. These technologies will not only make app testing more efficient and accurate but also pave way for improved API testing services approach. As we move towards 2024, it will be exciting to see how these coming-of-age managed testing services continue to evolve and reshape the telecom app testing landscape as we see it today. Ready to embrace the future of app testing in the telecom industry? At Avisys Services, we’re at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge managed testing services for telcos that leverage AI, ML, RPA, IoT, blockchain, and Agile methodologies. Whether you’re looking to improve the quality of your apps, speed up your testing process, or stay ahead of the competition, we’re equipped with the right set of testing automation tools, expertise and brains to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our testing CoE services for telcos can … Read more

Why Telcos Need To Get Their Heads Into Software Testing? In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of telecommunications, app testing has emerged as a cornerstone for ensuring seamless user experiences and robust functionality. As MNOs (Mobile Network Operators), MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), CSPs (Communications Service Providers), ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and telcos navigate through digital transformation in 2023 and beyond, the importance of staying ahead of the curve has never been this evident. At Avisys Services, we understand the critical role of managed testing services for telcos in shaping the future of the industry. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the latest trends, statistics, and real-world use-cases in telecom app testing.    The Telecom Landscape in 2023: A Statistical Overview The global telecom industry has witnessed significant growth, with the market value set to reach a staggering $3,041.8 billion by the end of 2023. This growth is largely driven by a surge in mobile Internet users, which has increased from 4.39 billion in 2019 to 5.16 billion in 2023. This indicates that 64.5% of the global population now utilizes telecommunication services. This growth has been instrumental in connecting billions of people worldwide and enabling flexible work arrangements for businesses, thereby transforming the way we live and work.   Image Source: FinancesOnline The mobile data services segment, a critical component of the telecom industry, has also seen substantial growth. It has increased from $796.04 billion in 2022 to $894.84 billion in 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.4%, which is further expected to hit a staggering $1,459.09 billion by 2027. This rapid growth has led to new trends and behaviors among companies and consumers, shaping the telecom industry’s future and setting the stage for further innovation.   Image Credit: Research and Markets The Rising Importance of Telecom App Testing In today’s digital-first and rapidly evolving telecom industry, telecom testing CoE framework has become a non-negotiable aspect of the app development process for telcos worldwide. It ensures that apps function correctly, provide a seamless user experience, and meet the high standards set by regulatory bodies. With the proliferation of advanced technologies such as 5G/6G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), edge computing, and cloud computing, the complexity of telecom apps has increased exponentially. This has made rigorous and comprehensive performance testing services more important than ever. Read also: The Importance of Testing and Quality Assurance in Telecom Digital Transformation Software Testing History Case Study Download: How Avisys’ TCoE ensured Seamless Streaming for Thousands of Users for a Leading Video Streaming Platform Global telecom testing market](assets/global-telecom-testing-market.png)Image Source: DataBridge Market ResearchTelecom managed testing services involve a wide range of activities, including functional testing services, performance testing services, security and API testing services, and usability testing services. These tests help identify and fix any issues and/or bugs before the app is released to the public, ensuring a smooth user experience and reducing the risk of negative reviews, poor user experience or customer churn. Moreover, with the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, security and API testing services have become a crucial aspect of telecom app testing, ensuring that user data is protected and that the app is resistant to various types of cyber attacks. Use Cases and Scenarios: Telecom App Testing in Action To better understand the importance of telecom app testing, let’s consider a few real-world scenarios. Use Case Scenario 1 Imagine a telecom company launching a new app that allows users to manage their accounts, pay bills, and track data usage. This app needs to function flawlessly across different devices, operating systems, and network conditions. Here, telecom testing CoE services can help identify and fix any issues before the app is released, ensuring a smooth user experience and reducing the risk of negative reviews or customer churn.   This app, named MyTelcoY (dummy), is designed to provide users with a convenient way to manage their accounts, pay their bills, and track their data usage. The goal is to provide a seamless, user-friendly experience that empowers customers and reduces the need for them to contact customer service for basic account management tasks. MyTelcoY is intended to function flawlessly across a wide range of devices (from the latest iPhone to older Android models), operating systems (iOS, Android, etc.), and network conditions (from high-speed 5G connections to slower 3G networks). This is a challenging task, as each of these factors can introduce unique issues and complexities. To ensure that MyTelcoY meets these high standards, the company employs telecom testing CoE services or Center of Excellence services. The CoE is a team of testing experts who use their specialized knowledge and state-of-the-art testing tools to thoroughly evaluate the app and identify any potential issues. The CoE begins by developing a comprehensive testing strategy. This includes defining a wide range of test cases that cover all the main functionalities of MyTelcoY, from logging in to an account, to paying a bill, to checking data usage. These test cases are designed to mimic the actions that real users might take, and they cover a wide range of scenarios and conditions. Next, the CoE team executes these test cases, using a variety of devices, operating systems, and network conditions. They carefully document the results of each test case, noting any issues or anomalies that arise. For example, they might discover that the app crashes when a user tries to pay a bill on a certain model of Android phone, or that the data usage tracker doesn’t update correctly when the app is used on a slow network connection. These issues would be flagged for the development team to fix. In addition to functional testing, the testing CoE framework team also conducts performance testing (to ensure the app runs smoothly even under heavy load), usability testing (to ensure the app is easy and intuitive to use), and security testing (to ensure user data is protected). By leveraging the expertise of the telecom testing CoE framework, the telecom company can ensure that MyTelcoY provides a seamless, user-friendly … Read more

The Importance of Quality Assurance in Telecom Digital Transformation The digital transformation journey of telecom companies is a complex and ongoing process. It involves integrating new technologies, developing new business models, creating new revenue streams, and redefining customer experiences. Quality assurance plays a pivotal role in this journey, ensuring that the transformation is smooth, efficient, and effective. Avisys Services, with its Telecom Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE), provides a comprehensive solution to help telecom companies navigate through this journey successfully. What is API Testing? Telcos top challenges in adopting digital transformation](assets/Telcos-top-challenges-in-adopting-digital-transformation.jpg)Telcos top challenges in adopting digital transformation (Image Source: Twoosk)Telecom companies operate in a cutthroat market, aiming to provide a seamless and connected customer experience. They utilize a range of web and mobile apps to manage their services, making it essential that these platforms are functional, performance-centric, and user-friendly. This is where Avisys Telecom Testing CoE services come into play. Read also: How Telcos are Revolutionizing Customer Experience? Role of Quality Assurance in Telecom Digital Transformation Quality assurance in telecom digital transformation is not just about testing software and applications; it’s about ensuring that the entire ecosystem works seamlessly together. This includes the networks, the devices, the applications, and the customer interfaces. Our Testing CoE services provide a comprehensive solution that includes a centralized testing team, standardized QA and testing services, test automation, test metrics, and continuous training.   Our Testing CoE framework has helped telcos reduce testing time and service disruptions by up to 40% through the implementation of test automation and standardized performance testing services. This is achieved by leveraging a combination of highly skilled and certified people, distinguished processes, and future-ready technologies that form a structured governance for our Testing CoE framework. Ensuring Success in Digital Transformation: The Avisys Approach to Telecom Quality Assurance Avisys Testing CoE framework is built to provide best-in-class performance testing services for a successful testing roadmap to ensure quality, leading to customer success. It includes advanced application testing, API testing services, mobile app QA, usability testing services, and functional testing services, among others. Avisys’ Telecom Testing TCoE framework is a perfect nexus of people, process, and technology. It’s about having the right people – a centralized and highly skilled QA/testing team – in place. It’s about creating the right processes – standardized testing, interface testing, performance testing services, compatibility testing, security testing, test automation, and continuous improvement driven by industry-leading technology, test metrics and analytics. Read also:How Telcos are navigating the Digital Transformation? Benefits of Avisys Telecom TCoE The benefits of implementing Avisys TCoE Services are manifold. It helps telecom companies achieve higher service quality by implementing standardized testing processes and leveraging skilled testing resources. It can help organizations speed up their service development and testing processes, leading to faster time-to-market. By optimizing testing processes and resources, our TCoE framework can help telecom companies reduce the costs associated with service testing and issue resolution. Moreover, with Avisys Testing CoE services, telecom companies can ensure comprehensive test coverage, reducing the risk of undetected service issues and customer dissatisfaction. By tracking test metrics and leveraging analytics, our Testing TCoE framework helps telecom companies drive continuous improvement in their testing processes and overall service quality. Improved service quality, faster issue resolution, and reduced service downtime contribute to enhanced and sustained customer experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Read also:Avisys Launches Its Telecom Testing Center of Excellence (ATCoE) Takeaway Quality assurance is a critical component of the digital transformation journey of telecom companies. It ensures that the transformation is efficient and painless. Avisys Services, with its comprehensive TCoE solution, provides the right set of tools and expertise needed to ensure quality assurance in this journey. By implementing Avisys Services’ Telecom Testing CoE framework, telecom companies can not only achieve higher service quality and better market capture but also reduce time-to-market, save costs, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction and experience. Ready to take the digital transformation leap? Don’t let the complex landscape of quality assurance and testing in telecom hold you back. With Avisys Testing CoE Services, we ensure a seamless, efficient, and effective transformation. Don’t just survive, but thrive in this digital era. Contact us today to learn how we can help your telecom organization become future-proof.

Navigating the Digital Transformation: The MVNO Way Over the past few years, digital transformation has swept across industries, becoming a non-negotiable business strategy to stay relevant and competitive in today’s highly-connected and digital-first era. At the heart of this technological revolution, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have emerged as major contributors, leveraging digital transformation to optimize their services, drive customer engagement, and shape the future of communication. What is an MVNO? MVNO is a wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which it provides services to its customers. Instead, MVNOs lease bandwidth from major network operators and then resell it to consumers under their brand name. Digital transformation — a term that embodies the integration of digital technology into core areas of a business, changing how you operate and deliver value to customers — is now reshaping the landscape of MVNOs. Here in this article, we try to explore how MVNOs are using digital transformation strategies to redefine their services and offer sustained customer experience in today’s digitally evolving world. Read also: 6 Key Factors Shaping the Telecom Industry in 2023 and Beyond MVNOs and the Digital Shift The global MVNO market that was once valued at USD 64.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach a staggering USD 104.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.3%. This growth is fueled in part by the adoption of digital transformation strategies, which allow MVNOs to expand their service offerings, improve customer experience, and stay competitive in a fast-paced market.   Digital transformation has given MVNOs, MNOs and CSPs the tools to better understand and engage with their customers. Prominent examples include telecom BSS solutions, network signaling, billing/revenue management, and many others. Through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, MVNOs can gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. These insights can be used to offer personalized services, craft effective marketing strategies, and develop products that meet specific customer needs. Read also: The Winning Strategies for Successful Telecom Transformation – Avisys’ Advisory Use Case: Lebara Mobile’s Digital Transformation An excellent example of a successful digital transformation in the MVNO sector is Lebara Mobile. Known for its cost-effective international calling services, Lebara embarked on a digital transformation journey that has seen the company transition from a traditional telecom provider to a digital-first MVNO. As part of its transformation, Lebara utilized a holistic digital transformation consulting strategy including big data analytics and AI technologies to better understand customer behavior and preferences. With these insights, the company was able to provide more personalized services, thereby improving the customer experience. Lebara also integrated its critical systems and processes through powerful and tested system integration services, allowing for seamless service delivery across various touchpoints, both online and offline. Furthermore, Lebara utilized managed services including cloud, which allowed the company to scale its services easily. With these technologies, Lebara can provide consistent, high-quality service to its customers across the globe. By implementing these digital transformation strategies, Lebara managed to expand its customer base and maintain a competitive edge in the MVNO market. The Role of IoT in MVNOs’ Digital Transformation Another key area where digital transformation has significantly impacted MVNOs is in the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT refers to the network of physical devices — everything from smartphones to refrigerators — that connect and exchange data over the internet. As IoT devices become increasingly prevalent, MVNOs have a unique opportunity to provide connectivity solutions for these devices. For instance, Twilio, a cloud communications platform, ventured into the MVNO space with the launch of its IoT-centric MVNO offering, “Super SIM.” Using its platform’s capabilities, Twilio’s Super SIM offers global connectivity solutions for IoT devices. These solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing businesses to connect and manage their IoT devices efficiently, regardless of location. Through this approach, Twilio is taking full advantage of the digital transformation trends, illustrating how MVNOs can extend their services beyond traditional telecommunication offerings. Challenges and Opportunities However, as with any major shift, the move towards digital transformation is not without its challenges for MVNOs. These include data security concerns, the need for substantial investments in technology and infrastructure, and the requirement to upskill or hire new talent to manage and implement these new technologies. Additionally, integrating digital technology into existing systems and processes can be complex and time-consuming. But despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by digital transformation are substantial. Digital transformation allows MVNOs to diversify their service offerings, cater to a broader customer base, and improve their operational efficiency. Furthermore, by leveraging digital technologies, MVNOs can differentiate themselves from their competitors and create a unique value proposition for their customers. The Future of MVNOs in the Digital Age Looking ahead, it’s clear that the digital transformation will continue to shape the future of MVNOs. The advent of 5G technology presents yet another opportunity for MVNOs to enhance their services. With its promise of faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously, 5G technology can help MVNOs deliver more sophisticated, high-quality services to their customers. Read also: Reinventing Telecom – A Critical Blueprint for the Future… Moreover, as more businesses undergo their digital transformation journeys, the demand for digital services – such as solution engineering, cloud computing, data analytics, testing COE and IoT solutions – will continue to grow. This presents a unique opportunity for MVNOs to position themselves as key enablers of digital transformation, providing the necessary connectivity solutions for businesses across various industries. In conclusion, digital transformation is more than just a buzzword for MVNOs; it’s a strategic necessity. By embracing digital transformation, MVNOs can provide better services, sustained customer experiences, increase their market share and create new opportunities for growth. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, MVNOs that can adapt and innovate will be the ones that thrive. In today’s increasingly connected world, MVNOs and digital transformation are a match made in tech heaven, each driving the other towards new … Read more