Under the Microscope

‘Dialogue’ is essential for the success of 21CN. So since launch a key element of the programme has been the creation of a forum where people can get together to share their views and find out what is happening. It was recognised very early on, however, that the scope of 21CN is so huge that it would be too overwhelming to try and take it all in and discuss it meaningfully as a whole.

An alternative strategy was needed – as BT’s Consult21 Programme Manager Bill du Cann explains: “We’ve taken a far more down to earth approach by cutting the subject into ten easily digestible pieces and putting each one in the ownership of a different Working Group. This means we’ve been able to bring together a team of people who are experts in a specific area and who can focus single-mindedly and pro-actively on the discussions, problem-solving and feedback gathering relating to their speciality. And that means we can make faster progress.”

The Working Groups fall into three types: ones relating to the essential building blocks of 21CN – the basic enabling structures; ones relating to key product areas; and ones that overlie both: the practical processes needed to migrate end users to 21CN plus the strategy required to communicate the excitement and potential of 21CN to the UK population. In summary the Working Groups are:

Architecture and Framework

• Network Structure Working Group – concentrating on the 21CN infrastructure

• Systems and Processes – concentrating on processes for the ordering, repair and billing of 21CN products

• Network Hooks – concentrating on the standards and principles that govern networks and systems.

Products

• Point to Point – concentrating on data connectivity

• Broadband – concentrating on broadband/Local Loop Unbundling

• Line Access – concentrating on voice access

• Interconnect and Portfolio – concentrating on interconnect.

Making it Happen

• Implementation and Migration Group – concentrating on the management of the switch from legacy networks to 21CN

• Conformance Testing – concentrating on assuring system/technology compatibility

• Customer Migration Communications – concentrating on devising an industry-wide campaign for keeping all informed about migration.

Each of these Working Groups has at least three core members. At its head is an ‘industry representative’: a leading figure from a Communications Provider or Service Provider organisation who provides vital expertise from outside BT and ensures that the voice and the viewpoint of the industry is present and heard at all times. Next, there’s what’s termed ‘a Consult21 Key Player’: a BT specialist who supports the industry representative as co-chair.

Thirdly, there’s a ‘buddy’ – a BT person whose role is to organise, facilitate and record what’s discussed at the meetings then take away and drive through the action points.

Each Working Group meets formally about once a month but there’s naturally a lot of interaction between its members by phone and e-mail in between – and in his over-arching management role Bill is also responsible for ensuring that Group knowledge and learning is shared across all the Groups so that any time-consuming ‘wheel re-invention’ is kept to a minimum.

Bill added: “What’s really important is that these meetings aren’t closed shops. They are open to everyone. We like to think of them as ‘the engine room of consultation’. So if you’re interested in a particular business area and want to be where the action is and join in some very lively Q&A sessions, make sure you’re there. All meetings are posted on the Consult21 website and all are very welcome to attend.”

This is the first in a series of monthly articles that will be putting the work of each Working Group under the microscope, plus an update on their progress. So look out for the first profile in the next issue of News21.

For a diary of forthcoming Working Group meetings, please visit the Consult21 website regularly: www.btwholesale.com/consult21