Speaking at the 21st Century Communications World Forum conference in London, Paul Reynolds, Chief Executive of BT Wholesale, shared his perspective regarding what is changing the telecom sector � and specifically BT�s plans as they learn to adapt to this change.
Reynolds said that established service providers can learn a lot from business models like Google and Skype. In fact, BT is in the process of preparing the launch of Web 21C, which is a strategy of �services designed in software.� More details about this new vision will be shared within the coming months.
Regarding BT�s previously announced 21st Century Network (21CN) vision, Reynolds recapped the company�s goals. First, shrink the product launch cycle from the prior 18 month window, down to 6 months or less. Second, radically enhance the customer experience. Third, reduce the company�s cost base, both radically and continually.
Regarding BT�s lessons learned from implementing the above mentioned goals, he had the following insights to share with the audience at the Forum.
1. Make it �carrier class� so that it can scale. Base it on open standards, with built in interoperability.
2. Be open and transparent about business plans. Deliberately be more �public� than ever before.
3. Be fast. Maintain the current PSTN, while developing new IP platforms. A five year plan may be too slow. Ask is there a better, cheaper, and less duplicative way.
4. Don�t start unless you intend to transform your business and network �everywhere.� BT has attained 99.8 percent broadband availability in the UK.
5. Be global. It�s no longer a UK business. In fact, BT is more advanced outside the UK, and it�s now bringing the national network in alignment with international. The first customers will migrate to 21CN in Cardiff, during November.
In summary, Reynolds conceded that breaking the �proprietary vendor� influence and stranglehold on BT�s business was by far the toughest challenge the company has encountered thus far, in reaching its 21CN transformation vision.
Reynolds said that established service providers can learn a lot from business models like Google and Skype. In fact, BT is in the process of preparing the launch of Web 21C, which is a strategy of �services designed in software.� More details about this new vision will be shared within the coming months.
Regarding BT�s previously announced 21st Century Network (21CN) vision, Reynolds recapped the company�s goals. First, shrink the product launch cycle from the prior 18 month window, down to 6 months or less. Second, radically enhance the customer experience. Third, reduce the company�s cost base, both radically and continually.
Regarding BT�s lessons learned from implementing the above mentioned goals, he had the following insights to share with the audience at the Forum.
1. Make it �carrier class� so that it can scale. Base it on open standards, with built in interoperability.
2. Be open and transparent about business plans. Deliberately be more �public� than ever before.
3. Be fast. Maintain the current PSTN, while developing new IP platforms. A five year plan may be too slow. Ask is there a better, cheaper, and less duplicative way.
4. Don�t start unless you intend to transform your business and network �everywhere.� BT has attained 99.8 percent broadband availability in the UK.
5. Be global. It�s no longer a UK business. In fact, BT is more advanced outside the UK, and it�s now bringing the national network in alignment with international. The first customers will migrate to 21CN in Cardiff, during November.
In summary, Reynolds conceded that breaking the �proprietary vendor� influence and stranglehold on BT�s business was by far the toughest challenge the company has encountered thus far, in reaching its 21CN transformation vision.