The first phase of a R 22-million network management system designed to increase operational efficiency, rationalise staff deployment and optimise existing computer operating systems at Telecom Namibia`s 200-site network has been completed. Designed and developed by BSW, the telecommunications management network (TMN) system is designed to improve network fault handling and trouble shooting, enhance management of Telecom Namibia`s network operating infrastructure, improve monitoring of network performance, and deliver focused customer care and service management. The system also interfaces with the Telecom Namibia`s network switching and transmission environments, as well as its telematics and satellite environments. "In addition, BSW will also address key issues such as network configuration, element management, event correlation - to enhance network efficiency under event storm conditions - and operating cost management," says BSW`s account manager (Namibia and southern Africa), Colin Haynes. "The system is geared to improving operational efficiency and fast, effective fault tracing and correction across Telecom voice, data, and radio communications services," stresses Haynes. "The system addresses a number of key network disciplines including switching, data and voice transmission in several forms (via fibre optic media, digital radio and analogue radio), as well as housekeeping alarms throughout the network." He says the installation was divided into two phases: "The first focused on the placement of the hardware and installation of the major software program - the HP OEMF TMN platform - based on HP OpenView. This has been completed. The second phase is concerned with interfaces to network elements, testing, training and implementation." Haynes adds that telecoms operations support solutions represent a fast-growing, consumer and technology driven area that must provide the competitive edge that communications operators, such as Telecom Namibia, are looking for today. BSW was awarded the tender in December 1996 and has worked with two main subcontractors - HP and Atio Corporation. BSW also partnered with a number of other suppliers: Grinaker, who provided the network interfaces relating to the telematics environment; and Siemens and Marconi (in Italy) who supplied the switching and transmission network management interfaces. "There are also software elements which BSW has added, including Remedy ARS - an action request system - and the interface to the telematics system. "We also added the SCADA alarm system which involved the installation of BSW`s own AccessView management solution linked to Octave devices which collect data from the various sites," he says. Heinrich Bader, general manager (Network Development and Implementation) at Telecom Namibia, said the new system is a step towards consistent and standards-based management information across Telecom Namibia`s widely differing technologies and platforms. "It will enable us to move towards our goal of a service- and quality-orientated environment throughout the organisation," he says. "In order for Telecom Namibia to achieve an entrenched customer service management philosophy, it is crucial for us to have control, predictability and a high quality network infrastructure. "We believe that, with the new BSW system, we will achieve these goals." Bader says that the major - and most important - element in the project is the establishment of a single, centralised 24-hour-per-day control and management centre. "At all times we will know what is going on in the network and, by interpreting early warning signals, we will be able to identify approaching problems at a very early stage. Proactive action will then eliminate possible failures. "This project - which integrates our entire telecommunications network into a single TMN platform and Centre - positions Telecom Namibia among the few international trend-setters," he adds. "By guaranteeing and improving the uptime and availability of the telecom infrastructure and simultaneously enhancing the quality, the total traffic flow will increase - all to the benefit of our customers." Telecom Namibia has also invested in a significant training programme and will embark on a joint exercise with BSW to assist with the integration of the system into the organisation from a human resources perspective.
Share
Editorial contacts