Nokia launches ‘AI-as-a-Service’ for operators

The firn says AI and automation are needed for network and service management as operators struggle with the growing complexity of 5G and IoT use cases, service requirements, virtualisation and network slicing.

Nokia AVA 5G Cognitive Operations comprises a framework as well as data science, machine learning and cloud to anticipate network and service failures up to seven days in advance.

If failures do arise, Nokia says they can be solved up to 50% faster using its library of AI use cases that have been proven to solve business challenges. It claims CSPs trialling the service have seen a 20% reduction in customer complaints and a 10% reduction in site visits.

Perfect storm

Dennis Lorenzin, Head of Network Cognitive Service unit at Nokia, said, “Operators face a perfect storm of rising traffic and consumer expectations, so it is crucial to be able to predict and prevent service degradations at an earlier stage, while solving issues that arise significantly faster. Nokia AVA 5G Cognitive Operations enables CSPs to operate and assure latency for 5G use cases through AI, ultimately delivering an enhanced customer experience for consumers and enterprises.”

Nokia AVA 5G Cognitive Operations is underpinned by Microsoft Azure cloud technology, with other public and private cloud options possible.

The ‘as-a-service’ model means payments are linked to usage and outcomes, so upfront costs are minimised.

Nokia said a large part of the solution is already commercially available and expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2020.

Creating new value

Don Alusha, Senior Analyst at ABI Research, commented, “AI and 5G network slicing will be fundamental for new value creation in the industry, particularly for enterprise verticals that need reliable, low-latency communication networks to support their business operations. 

“Nokia AVA and Microsoft Azure capabilities present CSPs with an option to obtain the ‘intelligence’ they need to monitor and maintain their networks in a bid to ensure compliance with strict SLAs in an elegant and consistent fashion.”