Putting Numbering Transactions On- Line

Nicholas Good Numbering Allocations Manager 2 August 2001

Outline Background What is being proposed How this will effect users What we need from users

Background - Technology MS Access 97 NU existing database - MS Access 97 - which combines 2 mid-’90s databases Internal security need to get this on Oftel’s SQL server Tried quick-fix end ’00 & didn’t work Have budget for re-write database for Spring ’02 Opportunity to put more functionality on the Oftel web site

Background - more transactions

Background - more users

Background - solution Two ways to cope with that growth: More staff, More automation Solution: Combine new Database Project (and opportunity to have improved functionality on web site) with more automation ie, On-Line Applications

The Proposal “NUDTS” Numbering Unit Database and Transaction Service - “NUDTS” Three Elements to NUDTS Database (SNS & other Codes) Web-based application procedure Internal Workflow system

Internal Workflow System Through Oftel’s Electronic Records Management Project (ERMS) that is scheduled to deliver electronic workflow internal in May 2002 working with RA as part of move to “OFCOM”

Database (SNS & other Codes) Reproduction of Data from existing Database Internally: more functionality more Reports better, simpler management Externally: information presented at “Highest Common Factor “ level replace need for Warwick University site

Web-based Application Procedure - 1 Provide Secure Access/ Registration in accordance with “Government Gateway” rules Access Levels I & II Electronic Signatures or just UserID? Assimilate existing Application Forms into an electronic “Shopping” environment Needs to be user-friendly!!

Web-based Application Procedure - 2  But how will it look?  We don’t know but we want your help as users  When will it happen?  Hopefully May 2002 (alongside ERMS)  Now it gets interesting… We’ve identified lots more Requirements…

Registration - 1 Need to Register to get UserID, Password, verify Electronic Signature (?) What security level would you favour? Company Access or Individual Access? NB: Registration in this way is for NEW USERS - existing users would be registered in advance of launch by Oftel & issued with appropriate UserID, Password, etc...

Registration - 2

Applying for Numbers - 1 Register - enter UserID, password (E-sig?) Select Number Blocks & Codes (“shop”) Then complete “Application Form” - options: one “Form” per number type/ code or “Composite Application Form” Forms maximise pick-lists & tick boxes

Applying for Numbers - 2  Application Forms Forms maximise pick-lists & tick boxes Confirmation steps when selecting numbers/ codes: eg, “this is an X… is that what you want?” Prompts Pull-down info boxes (in accordance with Number Conventions or existing Application Form texts) Maximum numbers to be applied for in an area no need for 2nd/ 3rtrd choices

Applying for Numbers - 3 Submit “Form” (“checkout”): automatic confirmation allocation of Transaction Number(s) Block(s) or Code(s) appear as “Not available” on SNS on submission & during processing NB: SNS will change in real time - not weekly

Applying for Numbers - 4 Application arrives in Oftel’s Post Box: Allocation to NU Officer Process - consider - allocate - refuse Applicants view Progress on-line Oftel confirm decision Certificates, s or just Changed SNS?

Operator Contact Details List Currently known as “A6.2 List” Contact details available to all who are Registered Self-up-datable on-line? Oftel also update when informed and checked Split it down to Numbering Contact & Regulatory Contact lists?

NUDTS is... New Database Better more up-to-date information on- line searchable & downloadable at “Highest Common Factor” level Secure Access Application Procedure coping with single & multi-applications progress checking Numbering Contacts List: Secure viewing self-updateable of other registered

NUDTS should... free Oftel from administration make it easier for existing users/ those Registered to apply for numbers speed up processing times