What is Azure Operator Service Manager?
Azure Operator Service Manager (AOSM) helps telecommunications operators manage network services across hybrid cloud sites, including regular Azure regions and Azure Arc-connected locations (for example on-premises or edge sites combined with Azure Operator Nexus). The service simplifies management of complex, multi-vendor network functions.
At its core, the service defines Network Service Designs (NSDs) consisting of one or more virtualized (VNF) or containerized (CNF) network functions. Using Azure resource models and a dedicated AOSM CLI extension, these functions can be onboarded, configured, deployed and updated during ongoing operations.
The service targets telecommunications companies and network operators that run network functions from multiple vendors on Azure infrastructure or on Azure Arc-connected sites and need unified, role-based operational processes.
Core Features
- Design, versioning and onboarding of Network Service Designs (NSDs) for VNFs and CNFs
- Role-based persona model for publishers, operators and other roles
- Safe upgrade practices with controlled rollback behavior on failed upgrades and post-install/upgrade tests
- Edge registry and Private Link connectivity for secure access to artifacts at edge sites
- Onboarding and management via a dedicated AOSM CLI extension
- Management of publisher tenants, subscriptions and regions across multiple sites
Typical Use Cases
5G Core and RAN Deployment: Orchestrating the provisioning of network functions for mobile networks across distributed, partly Arc-connected sites.
Multi-Vendor Network Function Lifecycle: Managing the entire lifecycle of network functions from different vendors with unified onboarding and upgrade processes.
Hybrid-Site Rollout: Deploying new network services across a mix of Azure regions and on-premises/edge sites with consistent configuration.
Benefits
- Unified management for VNFs and CNFs from different vendors
- Safe upgrade practices with rollback options reduce operational risk
- Tight integration with Azure Operator Nexus for hybrid telecom infrastructure
- GDPR-compliant with European Azure regions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Azure Operator Service Manager intended for?
The service targets telecommunications providers and network operators that want to automate management of network functions across hybrid sites - Azure regions and Arc-connected edge locations.
Does the service support network functions from different vendors?
Yes. Operator Service Manager is designed to be vendor-agnostic and orchestrates VNFs and CNFs from different network equipment manufacturers through standardized onboarding processes and Helm package requirements.
What does Azure Operator Service Manager cost?
Billing is usage-based per underlying Azure resource (for example compute, storage, networking of the underlying infrastructure). For an up-to-date cost estimate, refer to the Azure pricing calculator or the official product page.
How does the service integrate with Azure Operator Nexus?
Operator Service Manager uses Azure Operator Nexus as the infrastructure layer for deploying network functions. Orchestration is handled through Azure resource models, enabling unified management of network and cloud resources.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure Operator Service Manager: from architecting Network Service Designs to automating network deployments and integrating with existing operational processes.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
