Spectrum Management Systems

Future Developments in Spectrum Management Systems

Generally we all know where the future lies when it comes to storage and access of data: the Internet (or at least an Intranet). And it's no different with the storage and access to spectrum management data. Today the norm is client- server architecture with a central spectrum management database with all the records of who is licensed to use what spectrum. Numerous clients make use of this data: policy, administration, finance, engineering, monitoring and enforcement. In a conventional spectrum management system for a small regulator with a few thousand discrete licences, one client of each type probably suffices.

Although computer aided, when many tens of clients are to be served, managers start to look at the labour effort deployed and at the prospect of harnessing the power of the Internet to reduce costs and enhance productivity. Licensees can connect to the central database to buy spectrum products through e-Commerce. Where spectrum is to be allocated through auction, these can be run on-line. And all stakeholders can be better informed through spectrum information systems.

The spectrum management system supply industry is changing. Momentous failures abound however. The more complex the ambition, the more risks need to be controlled. InterConnect consultants have helped numerous spectrum regulators to manage their future system development and acquisition embracing EFIS (European Frequency Information System) portals, e-Government, E-Commerce, on-line filing, on-line licensing and on-line consultation.