According to a recent announcement from Broadband Forum, the time it takes to deploy an array of new value-added services, including cybersecurity, remote working, and gaming experience controls, for broadband customers has been significantly shortened from months to weeks. This drastic reduction in time is credited to the organisation's latest release of open-source reference software, the Heron release.
Improving on previous methodologies, the new software release enables seamless integration between developers of applications and vendors for Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) firmware. Consequently, it empowers broadband providers to elevate their services and user experience. These perks include cybersecurity measures, controls for gaming experiences, and accommodations for remote working. Such value-added offerings are seen as crucial for the transition of broadband providers towards a services-led approach that prioritises customer satisfaction.
John Blackford, Broadband Forum Chairman and the OB-USP-Agent project lead shed light on the profound impact of the Heron release. He said, "The Heron release reduces the time that it takes for ISPs to deploy new services down to as little as 2-4 weeks, rather than 9-18 months. Previously, if an ISP wanted to deploy a new service, the app and CPE firmware vendors had to integrate software into the firmware, build a new version of the firmware, and push this out to all end-user devices."
Blackford also pointed out that each such integration was unique and couldn't optimally align with the TR-181 Device:2 data model, while the Heron release enables individual applications to be deployed on a platform that ensures industry-standard interoperability and fosters innovation.