Abstract: In an OSS, storing a plurality, typically less than all, of name-value pairs from a sample space and calculating a “representative” value based on values in the entire sample space. Optionally, a “remainder” value can be generated based on name-value pairs in the sample space that were not stored as part of the plurality of name-value pairs. Displays may be generated based on the top “M” name-value pairs, with “M” typically being set by the user at some number less than “M.

Abstract: In an OSS, storing a plurality, typically less than all, of name-value pairs from a sample space and calculating a “representative” value based on values in the entire sample space. Optionally, a “remainder” value can be generated based on name-value pairs in the sample space that were not stored as part of the plurality of name-value pairs. Displays may be generated based on the top “M” name-value pairs, with “M” typically being set by the user at some number less than “M.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for presenting data in an operations support system. In one illustrative embodiment, a user is present with a list of aspects of a network for which graphical displays are available and allowed to select an aspect for which a graphical display is desired. A default graphic is displayed based on the users selection. Thereafter, when the user performs a predetermined process, a list of available alternative graphic types and or related data sources is displayed based on the data used to generate the graphic. When the user selects an alternative graphic and or related data set from the displayed list, displaying another graphic based on the user's selection.