Cloud Connect portal development for BICS

BICS, part of Proximus Global, is a global voice and data service leader, providing innovative messaging, roaming, connectivity, 5G, IoT, and cloud communications solutions. Headquartered in Brussels, BICS provides services to 900+ operators, across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, carrying over around 50% of the global data roaming traffic. 

The rapid shift to cloud is driving demand for leased lines — private circuits that provide secure, low-latency connectivity between enterprise sites and cloud data centers. As cloud connectivity and capacity management gain momentum, BICS set out to expand its presence in this space.

Leased lines provisioning is a complex and time-intensive process, involving RFQs, feasibility checks, manual routing, testing, and activation. It could take days or even weeks, as there was no streamlined process for customer intake and onboarding. To address this CX friction point, BICS set out to transform the entire provisioning lifecycle with a convenient digital front for simplified ordering and faster access provisioning. 

The vision took shape as a Cloud Connect Portal: a platform that uses Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles to integrate multiple OSS/BSS systems for seamless order processing. 

As a long-term partner to BICS with over 20 years of telecom expertise, Tieto Tech Consulting led the development of the Cloud Connect Portal.

At the core of the solution is the integration of three key OSS/BSS systems — a capacity management tool, an internal project management system, and a leased line monitoring solution. These were customized and unified into a single backbone, alongside Inmanta, an intent-based service orchestrator that automates provisioning workflows and accelerates connectivity to hyperscalers.

On top of this foundation, the portal was designed with a strong focus on user experience. A clean, intuitive interface reduces the complexity of leased line ordering to just a few steps. Customers can quickly select their preferred point of presence, cloud provider (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, or a European CSP), bandwidth, routing type, and contract terms — all within one convenient workflow.

Once submitted, orders are processed with minimal manual intervention, and customers receive automated updates on activation and billing. The result is a faster, more transparent ordering experience.

To support BICS’ growth ambitions, the platform was also built as a white-label solution. Telecom partners can customize the interface, offer it under their own brand, and resell connectivity services to end customers — from banks to retailers — seeking reliable, low-latency access to cloud environments.

The Cloud Connect Portal has become a core growth driver for BICS’ Cloud Enterprise services. By unifying fragmented systems and introducing a streamlined, user-friendly interface, the platform significantly improved operational efficiency and elevated service delivery.

Manual processes across the provisioning lifecycle were automated, reducing time, cost, and operational effort. Quote-to-bill cycles that once required seven employees and several days of work now take just minutes. Customers can place and manage orders directly through an intuitive interface, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth and improving overall experience.

At the same time, the platform opened new revenue opportunities. With its white-label capabilities, telecom partners can offer connectivity services under their own brand, extending BICS’ reach into new markets.

The solution has also gained industry recognition. In 2022, the Cloud Connect Portal was shortlisted for the Network X Awards in the “Outstanding Cloud Automation Solution” category. In 2023, BICS was further recognized for its CPaaS innovation in the “State of CPaaS report”.

Looking ahead, BICS and Tieto Tech Consulting continue to evolve the platform, with the next phase focused on API integrations, bandwidth expansion, and cloud-to-cloud connectivity.