Modernisation of Market Systems
Modernisation of Market Systems is a key programme of the MOSL Business Plan and sits within our Market Systems Strategic Priority.
Our systems are the foundation of our service offering. As the operator for the business water market, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide secure, resilient and efficient technology to meet future market needs.
Our services are largely digital, and it is our responsibility to provide the best possible user experience for our users. It is essential our systems are robust and able to recognise threats and deal with them effectively.
The programme is led by MOSL, and we work closely with our IT providers and trading parties. MOSL also works closely with members of the Operations and Release Working Group (ORWG), and provide regular updates to the MOSL User Forum and the Retailer Wholesaler Group.
Key workstream themes
- Operational efficiency
- Cyber security
- Systems modernisation
Strategic Projects
- CMOS optimisation (Azure Cloud)
- Improvements to CMOS user experience and user interface
- Bilateral Hub transition to business-as-usual
Cyber security
As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods and sophistication of cybercriminals. Cybercrimes incidents continue to increase every year with phishing remaining one of the most prevalent forms of cyber-attack therefore we will continue to invest in our cyber security improvements.
MOSL operates a 'Zero Trust Framework. It is a security approach where no user, device, or application is trusted by default, regardless of their location or network status. This means that every access request is verified before being granted, even if it originates from within the organisation's network. The core principle is "Never trust, always verify."
Ongoing work on the Zero Trust Framework will be the foundation of our cyber security plan. We will also enhance systems access control and continue monthly cyber training for all colleagues, reaffirming our commitment to protecting our systems, network and devices.
CMOS optimisation and improvements
The Central Market Operating System (CMOS) is the core IT system for the business water market. CMOS manages all the electronic transactions – processes and data management between wholesalers and retailers – involved in switching customers and provides water usage and settlement data.
With the increasing rollout of water smart meters, the data volumes submitted to CMOS are set to quadruple in the next five years. This will require a focus on operational resilience and efficiency
Using Microsoft Azure cloud environment helps us to be flexible to changes in demand.
We continue to enhance the CMOS portal, building on the valuable feedback received from trading parties regarding user experience and portal interface. These new improvements will be integrated into the regular CMOS release cycle and communicated to trading parties through the release notes and ORWG meetings.
Bilateral Hub transition
As part of the Bilateral Transactions Programme, we launched the Bilateral Hub in November 2022 to manage wholesaler/retailer communications to resolve business customer issues. It has helped to remove the friction experienced by both wholesalers and retailers’ to operate successfully in the market and, most importantly, the speed, quality and reliability of service they provide to customers.
In July 2025 the Bilateral Hub will transition from being an improvement programme to business as usual activity ahead of delivering the final phase of the Bilateral Transactions Programme.
