ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications 375 9 Conclusions These Technical Specifications collected a broad theoretical background regarding developing an SSC ICT architecture, which was strengthened with literature findings and experiences for various SSC cases in order to define a common SSC ICT architecture development process. This process returned a common SSC ICT meta‐architecture, accompanied by a useful set of principles, functional requirements and guides for this architecture. However, it was concluded that no‐unique physical SSC ICT architecture exists, but various alternatives are produced from the above process. Indicative architecture snapshots were depicted with regard of the software engineering and communications views respectively. Moreover, an analysis of the SSC ICT architecture in its subsystems and modules have been presented. The content and supplementary information contained in these Technical Specifications allow the following general reflections: Multi‐tier architecture secures SSC ICT good management. The proposed multi‐tier meta‐architecture covers hard and soft SSC facilities and delivers the required SSC services. The selected layers match completely to the SSC KPIs. Modular architecture secures flexibility and it is applicable to almost any SSC. The proposed modules focus on SSC synthesis and on ICT management. The selected modules with their components perform a perfect match to the SSC KPIs. The illustrated architecture concerns a technical architecture, which can [14]: a) Enhance SSC ICT operation: better‐defined structure and modularity in the ICT environment leads to a much more effective ICT operation: ▪ Lower software development, support, and maintenance costs ▪ More application portability ▪ Improved interoperability and easier system and network management ▪ A better ability to address critical SSC organization‐wide issues such as security and privacy ▪ Easier upgrade and exchange of system components b) Secure an improved return on existing investment and reduced risk for future investment: the structure of existing and planned systems is clearly defined, leading to: ▪ Reduced complexity in ICT infrastructure ▪ Maximum return on investment in existing ICT infrastructure ▪ The flexibility to make, buy, or outsource ICT solutions ▪ Reduced risk overall in new investment and the costs of ICT ownership c) Enable faster, simpler, and cheaper procurement: there is a clear strategy for future procurement and migration, with the result that: