CSC launches network operations MGMT solution for communications companies - Computer Sciences' Proactive Service Management - Product Announcement

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Sept 2, 2002

Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE:CSC) has announced that it is launching Proactive Service Management (PSM), a solution that enables communications companies to more efficiently manage their networks and improve customer service.

CSC is bringing the PSM solution to market through a teaming arrangement with Sun Microsystems Inc. and alliances with Auspice, Inc. and Sterling Associates, LLC.

PSM is a network operations solution for service providers in the communications market that combines technology, industry and operational expertise, program management and business acumen to integrate and automate operational systems resulting in dramatically improved service levels and reduced cost. The solution leverages existing network operation assets, delivers real-time integration of applications and network element devices, and automates monitoring and recovery actions. PSM can be expanded across product and service lines and into traditional operational support systems areas, such as order management, billing and provisioning.

In a 90-day pilot test, PSM enabled a leading communications enterprise to eliminate 90 percent of the manual processes used to support network surveillance, automate 75 percent of its technical problem identification and reduce mean time to repair by 30 percent.

"Customers are more aware of service management levels than ever before and, indeed, are making their carrier selection, not so much on price, but on service expectations," said Verne Anton, principal analyst at Gartner Inc. "What is needed are responsive, professional services that provide experienced resources to manage and perform the implementation, testing, rollout and ongoing management of the carrier's support systems infrastructure."

"Communications companies must leverage intangible assets such as superior network management and differentiated customer service to drive customer buying decisions," said David Zevenbergen, a partner with CSC's Consulting Group. "We developed the PSM solution to help clients pinpoint issues that adversely affect customer service while enabling them to dramatically improve their cost structure."

PSM is based on a reliable architecture combination of Auspice TLX and Sun Microsystems. TLX was originally written for NASA as a highly reliable, fail-safe, autonomous remote device monitoring and control solution for the international space station. PSM is built exclusively on the Sun platform and is supported by Sun's highly available, scalable and reliable servers, storage and Solaris Operating Environment platform, mission-critical data center experience, and proven market share leadership.

"Our collaboration with CSC, Auspice and Sterling addresses the needs of communications companies looking to reduce the complexity, challenges and risks of operating global enterprise networks," said Phil Sasso, director, Industry Solutions at Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The PSM solution helps broadband communications companies increase operational efficiencies, improve strategic advantage, raise customer satisfaction and speed time to a tangible return on investment."

Sterling Associates is a women-owned and Women's Business Enterprise National Council certified consulting firm with deep telecommunications/broadband technical, functional and executive management expertise. As part of the PSM alliance, Sterling will provide professional services throughout the solution delivery cycle. PSM-related services provided by Sterling include process analysis and improvement, methods and procedures development, business rules development, organizational modeling and operational subject matter expertise.