TMF eTOM

The Telecommunications Operations Map (TOM) and more recent enhancements to the model (eTOM) are sponsored under the TMF. eTOM is a business process framework targeted at the development of business and operations support systems that exist within network service providers, network operators, and their suppliers. TOM and eTOM processes are developed by the TM Forum participants and are widely supported throughout the telecommunications industry.

The enhanced Telecom Operations Map (eTOM) business process is an enterprise process framework for service providers and provides direction for the development and integration of Operations Support Systems/Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS). For service providers, it provides a neutral reference point as they consider internal process needs, partnerships and alliances, and general agreement with other service providers. As cloud computing becomes more pervasive, the interoperability needs become more important between clouds, and TMF standards could help ease the interoperability pain among the cloud service providers. The following sections provide a high-level view of eTOM business processes.