Through its Broadband Services & Network Management operational support system, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young acts as a systems integrator, combining Cisco Systems networking and provisioning technology with software from companies such as Cygent, Information & Graphics Systems, MetaSolv Software, MediaOne Labs, Portal Software, Syndesis, and Tibco Software.

"We're partnering with applications providers to deliver a platform for streamlining the delivery of data, Internet, packetized data, and virtual private network broadband services," says Bob Coffman, senior manager for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young's operational support system service line. The first release of Broadband Services & Network Management will offer broadband service providers integrated, Web-enabled customer self-care; order management and provisioning; service design and configuration; service activation; and billing.

Alan Cohen, senior director of marketing for Cisco's communications software group, says the system will help service providers quickly generate services that give their customers greater bandwidth. "Traditionally, the Internet has been about short messaging such as sending E-mail and accessing Web sites," Cohen says. "Newer applications such as online catalogs will drive the need for greater bandwidth."

Analysts agree that the new system will speed the process through which service providers offer expanded broadband services. But, says RHK senior analyst Larry Goldman, "this would have occurred anyway due to the demand for access to richer content."