Alcatel-Lucent has unveiled a new consulting and professional services practice based around the development of application programming interfaces (APIs).

According to the France-based vendor, operators can create new revenue opportunities, improve operations and enhance customer experience by developing APIs that provide access to technology assets and content within their networks.

“APIs are the glue that ties together all the elements of the data economy – apps, the cloud and big data,” said Laura Merling, SVP of application enablement at A-L.

“But launching and supporting a dynamic API strategy is not easy - these programmes need to be monitored, nurtured and directed as they evolve over time.”

The new practice aims to provide operators with a “repeatable model for innovation” through a three-step methodology and an experienced team of API “veterans”.


Further, it aims to attract and support developers as part of “a vibrant community”.

“Operators need to offer a programme that lowers the barrier to entry for developers and creates a more supportive environment,” said Marling.

This is the first new service that A-L has launched since CEO Ben Verwaayen announced last month that the compnay must embark on "a more aggressive transformation”.

In Q2 A-L revealed losses of €243 million, including 5,000 job cuts.

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