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Next-generation collaborative e-business networks present both opportunities and penalties for network managers. On the one hand, there's the opportunity to make the value of networks and the ROI of network [...]

To speed their time to market, a growing number of industries--including pharmaceuticals, complex manufacturing and high-tech hardware and software--are collaborating on research and development, often linking global teams across regional [...]

Network service providers have started using application services to extend the value of their service offerings. Also known as network-based applications, the application services are characterized by by application co-marketing agreements, remote system management and user support, and novel billing algorithms. These offerings have made information technology mangers rethink how they determine service requirements and how they should pay for such services., Current value-added services just don't add enough value. Here's what's next. Network service providers are constantly challenged to extend the value of their service offerings. In the last decade, enhanced [...]

The development of computer network software offering applications services has expanded the outsourced alternatives of information technology (IT) firms. The services offered range from customized knowledge management and collaborative shareware. In addition, networked-based sourcing provides faster implementation, higher service and security levels, systems integration and cost predictability. To benefit most from these services, IT companies should evaluate the reliability and support services offered., A new breed of outsourcer is offering more comprehensive, networked-based sourcing. Network applications services are hitting the market in a big way, in offerings ranging from outsourced provision and support [...]

Northeast Consulting Resources Inc.'s survey of this publication's readers reveals that Internet access in many companies is largely uncoordinated due to lack of official Internet policies. According to the 99 respondents, most use the network for electronic mail and data gathering. Despite problems, many remain optimistic about the Internet's potential as a business tool in the future., The Internet is a force, but it's not mission-critical. One hundred companies share their experience. During the past two years, the phenomenal growth in the use of and access to [...]

Businesses should identify their reasons for joining a global alliance for business networks and determine if their goals align with the alliance's mission. The technology scope of the alliance should support the transport and services offered by the business. The alliance should have a big geographic coverage to ensure a high level of support and service and to allow the business to expand. It should also have management capabilities that will allow the business to provide efficient and effective management services., Managing global networks is tricky, and lots of folks want to help you do it their way. But what do you want? As more business networks transcend national boundaries, carriers [...]

Simple network management protocol management services were introduced by interexchange carriers in 1993. They offer information on specific simple operations of networks, such as error and performance reports, but not more complex command and control operations. These management services are optional, additional services and as carriers identify what operational information is the most important more complex management services will be developed., As the carriers roll out services like frame relay, SMDS and ATM, they are also having to deliver new, more robust network management capabilities. The operation and management of modern [...]

A number of telephone companies have expanded their global management network service levels, which offer network managers increased monitoring and control of their systems. US carriers entered into agreements with overseas firms to add more management capabilities to their networks. Network managers can shop around for international carriers to obtain the specific range of services they need at a favorable price., The global communications infrastructure that links home and overseas offices to one another and to customers, distributors and suppliers, has a critical effect on the competitiveness of U.S. companies. For [...]

Multinational corporations should have access to international intelligent voice and data networks by the mid-1990s. New types of networks include standalone intelligent networks, standards-based bilateral/multilateral negotiated networks, best-of-breed platform alliances and standards and platforms. Corporations that are selecting global intelligent network services must balance the need for proprietary features with the need for standards-based solutions., Network managers in multinational corporations have long sought transparent, flexible and consistent voice and data networking that masks national boundaries. These managers, who need to reach new markets and support [...]

Global Network Services Update The major U.S. long-haul carriers - AT&T, MCI and Sprint - have recognized the importance of the burgeoning international communications marketplace and, during the last several [...]

Network Management Services from AT&T and MCI During the 1990s users will be forced to make tough choices about network management: How much is it really worth, and what type [...]

Network service providers are carving their niches in the high technology industry by expanding their international Internet-oriented services. These services include basic connectivity and Internet access, managed Intranet/Extranet services, hosted services, application-specific service packages and outsourcing. However, choosing service providers should not be solely based on their service offerings but on carrier infrastructure, alliances and computer networking experience as well., Providers are ready to offer a range of international services. But before you sign up, see what their network is made of. The Internet is a worldwide phenomenon, and network [...]

The distinctions between local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks are being blurred as common telecommunications carriers begin to offer LAN servers and on-premises equipment such as asynchronous transfer mode switches and routers. Common carriers such as AT&T, MCI and US West have traditionally confined themselves to supplying the raw infrastructure for private data networks. Their expansion into LAN services may facilitate the shift from LAN-based private networks to virtual workgroups that link remote sites., The carriers are betting that virtual services will become as successful for data as they've been for voice. But what will customers receive from this change? The carriers, long seen [...]

Telephone management services companies are developing new products in anticipation of new marketing opportunities that will be spawned by the imminent portability of 800 toll-free telephone numbers. The development of hybrid network management products for business communications network managers indicates that managers must create closer relationships with their vendors to fully understand the range of available options. Technology should be chosen which precisely matches the managerial and operational needs of a firm., Managing hybrid networks has been more art than science, but new offerings may shift that balance. Public carriers and private network managers both invest heavily in network management. The carriers [...]

Before you depend on an ASP, find out who the ASP depends on. A wide range of businesses are considering contracts with application service providers (ASPs), so that they can [...]

The way you evaluate and purchase telecom services (local, long haul, Internet and wireless) is about to change as major carriers begin carving up the business into wholesale and retail […]