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Stephen McClelland, editorial director, Telecommunications® International
Implementing best practices and avoiding stumbling blocks means a difference of many zeros on the bottom line
Major network operators around the world face a major technology overhaul - and one that will probably last for many years. I am hardly reporting news on this one. But while we hear a lot about the technology - which is really prospective technology - the more significant challenges will be the behind-the-scenes work that goes to implement it.
Implementation involves a cast of thousands, a need for seamless and timely cutover from legacy to IP networks, an understanding of market and business needs, and yes, people with experience. You don't have to be a philosopher or a semantics expert to realise that knowledge and experience are two different things. Conceptual or technical knowledge of what makes network pieces work is different to implementation knowledge...