scope:

The present document explores different existing means or approaches to achieve automation. Such means may exist at different level of management and managed systems, e.g. at service and network management level, at managed network function level and at managed network level for autonomous optimization. All these means can have a value to achieve the ZSM goals.

The present document does not address a systematic survey of all standardization activities, open-source or other means to achieve automation. Rather it evaluates selected existing and proven means of automation at different levels of managed and management systems, provided by members of the ISG. That comprises for example:

• Alternatives for classic modelling such as intent vs. imperative vs. declarative modelling.

• Lessons learnt from 'model driven automation' of service and policy orchestration, including closed loop.

• Framework for self-managed VNFs based on cloud native network functions and implications.

• Delineate service modelling against 'machine learning'-inspired 'closed loop automation' modelling.

• Autonomous management of networks.

Means of automation may be single elements or composition of elements which enable service and network automation. They are made visible by this report, and may be considered by the ISG as elements in other work items for specifications.