Industry Giants Collaborate to Accelerate Generative AI, Large Language Models, and Open Digital Architecture Initiatives
Bengaluru, NFAPost: TM Forum, a global alliance of telecom and tech companies, joined forces with Jio, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, to inaugurate the first TM Forum Innovation Hub in Mumbai, India. The unveiling ceremony marked a significant milestone for the industry, with a focus on advancing Generative AI (Gen AI), Large Language Models (LLM), and Open Digital Architecture (ODA) to drive innovation and address industry challenges.
Accelerating Breakthroughs in Generative AI and LLM
The TM Forum Innovation Hub, a pioneering initiative for the industry, aims to leverage the expertise of hybrid teams comprising talent from across the telecom and tech sectors. Founding Members, including Accenture, Deutsche Telekom, Google Cloud, Orange, Telenor, and Vodafone, joined the ceremony at the Reliance Corporate IT Park in Navi, Mumbai. The Hub’s location in Mumbai, recognized as a hub for global software development talent, emphasizes India’s pivotal role in the initiative.
The initial focus of the Innovation Hub includes the application of Generative AI and LLM to address key challenges in the telecom sector. This involves developing an architecture blueprint to responsibly integrate Generative AI into existing telecom technology landscapes, addressing concerns related to security, privacy, accuracy, performance, and scalability.
Open Digital Architecture for Cloud-Native Transformation
The second major focus area for the Innovation Hub is the acceleration of TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA). ODA is designed to create modular, componentized, and reusable cloud-native software, aiming to replace traditional Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operational Support Systems (OSS). Objectives include developing Reference Implementation(s) of the ODA Canvas and components, along with migration patterns and innovative approaches to simplify the transition from legacy software to ODA-compliant, cloud-native components.
Industry Leaders and Collaborative Spirit
Leaders from both TM Forum and Jio expressed their enthusiasm for the Innovation Hub, emphasizing the need for rapid, open collaboration in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The ceremony witnessed representatives from Accenture, Deutsche Telekom, Google Cloud, Orange, Telenor, and Vodafone, showcasing the collaborative spirit that will drive breakthrough solutions.
Mr. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, highlighted the Innovation Hub’s role in delivering real-world solutions, leveraging talent from across the industry to address existing challenges and future obstacles. Dr. Steffen Roehn, TM Forum Chair, emphasized the importance of the Innovation Hub in exploring new technologies and radical approaches to transform organizations.
Nik Willetts, CEO of TM Forum, expressed excitement about the commencement of work at the Innovation Hub in Navi Mumbai. The projects undertaken, focusing on the responsible use of generative AI and the acceleration of Open Digital Architecture, align with the vision of bringing together the industry’s best talent for rapid innovation.
Outcomes and Future Implications
The outcomes of the pilot phase of the Innovation Hub program, expected to conclude in March 2024, will benefit the entire TM Forum membership and the wider industry. By providing practical solutions, testing TM Forum standards, accelerating code asset development, and industrializing concepts explored in the Catalyst program, the Innovation Hub aims to reshape the telecom and tech landscape.
As the first cohort of companies to collaborate on groundbreaking projects, the Innovation Hub sets a precedent for industry collaboration at speed. TM Forum Members will have the opportunity to join existing projects or propose new ones in 2024, contributing distinct expertise and resources to drive innovation and address industry challenges.
To stay updated on the Innovation Hub program and its progress, industry professionals can visit TM Forum’s official page.
About TM Forum: TM Forum is a global alliance of telco and tech companies, leading the industry in defining new operating models, impactful partnerships, and advanced software platforms. With a mission to reinvent the telco industry, TM Forum provides a platform for industry change-makers to share innovation, market developments, and business transformation journeys.
About Jio Platforms Limited: Jio Platforms Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian digital services space. With a world-class, future-proof network, Jio has created an ecosystem comprising network, devices, applications, content, and affordable tariffs, enabling the vision of Digital India for 1.4 billion Indians. The inauguration of the TM Forum Innovation Hub on Jio’s Mumbai campus signifies a collaborative approach to addressing industry challenges and fostering innovation.
