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Data Interchange Focus Group Update for OBF SAG. Venkates Swaminathan (Swami) November 17, 2003 OBF#84 Vancouver, B.C. Charter.
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Data Interchange Focus GroupUpdate for OBF SAG Venkates Swaminathan (Swami) November 17, 2003 OBF#84 Vancouver, B.C.
Charter • The Data Interchange Focus Group, comprised of mid-to-senior level management experts from ATIS member companies, will develop a work plan for a service-neutral e-commerce framework • This framework will ensure the development of standard, secure processes, data models, protocols, and implementation agreements by which services can be ordered, provisioned, billed, settled, and managed. • Companies will benefit from this effort by realizing quicker implementation timeframes and reduced implementation costs, as a result of repeatable, reusable processes.
Framework Components • Processes • Preordering, Ordering/Provisioning, Management, Billing, Settlement • Data Models • e.g., XML schema, EDI transaction set definitions • Protocols • e.g., SOAP, Connect:direct • Implementation Agreements • e.g., Version management, sunrise/sunset periods
Issues • Multiple protocols and record formats require multiple interfaces. • Multiple definitions and record lengths exist for the same data element. • Legacy solutions, existing standards and protocols inhibit rapid implementation of new services. • Existing implementation guidelines allow significant variability which compromises interoperability. • Detailed business requirements for new services need to be provided as input to the framework activities defined in the Data Interchange Work Plan.
Issues (continued) • Existing standards and protocols are not flexible enough to support “real time” processes when required by new services.
Recommendations • Adopt the Unified Modeling Approach (UMA), including a standard XML protocol. • The Framework should include migration plans for Legacy Systems. • Generic Telecom Data Dictionary (GTDD) work should be expedited.
Recommendations (contd.) • The Framework should include Implementation Guidelines that drive standard implementation agreements. • Detailed business requirements are the expected input for Framework activities to begin. • The Framework should enable “real time” processes when required.
Relevant Standards Bodies • ATIS Ordering & Billing Forum (OBF) • ATIS Committee T1 (i.e., T1M1) • ATIS Telecommunications Industry Forum (TCIF) • Internet Protocol Detail Records Forum (IPDR Forum)
Input Required • What OBF documents should be converted to UMA/tML and what are the associated timelines? • How to “speed up” work on Generic Telecom Data Dictionary (GTDD)? • Requirements for “real time” provisioning and what will it take to make this a reality. • What will it take to enable standard implementation agreements? • What are the ordering and billing requirements for VoIP?
Challenges & Next Steps • Challenges: • Obtaining necessary resources. • Standard implementation agreements. • Legacy solutions. • Next Steps: • Responsible SDOs to finalize timeframes for recommendations. • Additional Data Interchange Focus Group conference calls have been scheduled through the end of 2003. • Anticipated completion date: 1Q04