Roaming module

“By enabling us to process hundreds of thousands of records in a real-time environment, EXECOM with its solution has helped us develop a system able to handle a roaming records for several million customers in Russia" - Stevan Ščančar, R&D Manager, Strom Telecom s.r.o.

The major strategy in improving current system providing modern telecommunication services was to transform existing solutions for processing TAP (Transferred Account Procedure) files into scaleable and extensible application that would be able to meet all current needs and to transform easily as the needs continue to grow. A detailed analysis of Strom Telecom management led to the conclusion that improved TAP management subsystem has to be able to process GSM, SMS or GPRS Roaming calls, to interchange data with other network operators and to be compatible with existing ERP system. More over, system should manage data from external sources (DPC), convert TAP files to CDR (Call Data Record) files and vice versa and break complex-region TAP files into files for each operator in the region.

Project details
  • Project: TAP processing system
  • Industry: Telecommunications
  • Business area: Roaming and billing, Financial services
  • Year/Duration: 2004 / 4 months, maintained till 2008
  • Resources: Team of five programmers and Project Manager
Technology
  • C# programming language
  • Microsoft ® .NET Compact Framework
  • Oracle 9i

Established in 1993, STROM Telecom s.r.o. is a Czech company that develops and produces a wide range of modern telecommunication equipment, information systems and technologies. STROM Telecom provides tailored end-to-end solutions to a large number of industry service providers of diverse infrastructures.

STROM Telecom is a part of SISTEMA, one of Russia’s largest diversified holding companies which currently owns and actively manages a diversified portfolio of assets in the following sectors: telecommunications (MTS, MGTS, Comstar United Telesystems and others), technology (Mikron, as well as a number of other microelectronics enterprises), insurance (ROSNO), finance and securities (MBRD), real estate (Sistema-Hals), travel services (Intourist), retail (Detsky Mir) and others.

Strom Telecom needed an experienced software outsourcing company that can give scalable and reliable system in minimum time constraints and with low costs.

Deciding among different vendors EXECOM was selected to design and to develop the TAP Processing System as part of the new FORIS ERP system.

Thanks to the expertise of project leaders the client’s specific needs was well recognized and project began as quickly as possible with no misunderstandings and deadlocks.

Microsoft® .NET Compact Framework with the C# language was selected as modern, object-oriented solution for a wide range of applications. Chosen database server in this case was Oracle® 9i.

Several key criteria had to be met in project development:
  • Well designed database which should provide easiest and fastest way of dealing with enormous volume of data
  • User interface should be designed in a way that provides all functionality with minimum details and have modern and sophisticated glance
  • High overall system stability and scalability

TAP Processing System was developed as two standalone Windows services, TAP Client and TAP Server. TAP Client is responsible for fast processing of TAP files and conversion of call data into CDR files. TAP Client is the main integration point of TAP System and existing ERP system. Main functionality of TAP Server is to process incoming region TAP files and to distribute separate files to each operator in that region. Optional usage of TAP Server is in Call Billing and GSM Partner-Clearing process. Both TAP Client and Server were designed to be robust and reliable applications. After initial setup, critical moments like system restart due to power lost do not affect TAP System stability.

The new technologies that were applied during project development result with solution that was beyond clients expectations. The client's ratings were extremely positive concerning the level of knowledge and helpfulness of EXECOM’s professionals during the entire process.

TAP3 Client application provides better CRM information than previous solutions. Each single call is reflected in a CED (Call Event Detail) comparable to a CDR in older formats.

The new TAP3 format includes all features supported by earlier versions of TAP format, plus the following additions:
  • High speed data services (HSCSD and GPRS)
  • Intelligent network functions (CAMEL) like e.g. virtual home environment
  • Separation of business and private billing profile, Multiple Subscriber Profile

  • The transfer of TAP records between visited and home mobile networks may be performed directly, or more commonly, via a Clearinghouse

  • Access to advanced technology

  • EXECOM shared the latest technological advances and presented all documented materials to the client's IT personnel

  • Successful knowledge transfer: enhanced ability to respond to opportunities, better customer service, and lower transaction costs