Putting the Numbering Application Process on-line Nicholas Good Numbering Scheme Manager 20 August 2002

Putting the Numbering Application Process on-line Introduction Timescale Operator concerns last year What’s proposed Next Steps

Introduction haven’t we been here before? –Yes - 2 August 2001 to be precise so what happened? –Oftel’s plan’s for Electronic Records Management got caught up in “OFCOM” developments –we were forced to drop plans for “on- line” aspect of database

Introduction and now? –NU has had backing for full end-to-end system –ie, new database, NU-specific transaction system, & on-line application process) –cleared internally & with OFCOM finance boards NU has a Budget & a Mission!

Introduction & the new baby has a name... “ONUS” “ONUS” Oftel Numbering Unit System

Timescale Summer 2002Summer 2002 confirm & clarify both Internal & External User Requirements early Autumnearly Autumnout to tender late Autumnlate Autumn commission database Winter - SpringWinter - Spring build & test June 2003June 2003 Internal System in operation Autumn 2003Autumn 2003 on-line element in operation*

operators concerns last August contact list(s) (questions on) application forms security & electronic signatures/ certificates updating of SNS from on-line applications SNS: –ease of view ( “Warwick”style & historic info.) –ease of download

how we’ve fared contact list(s) –new Yahoo Group (questions on) application forms –fully reviewed & will be reviewed again re Comms Bill criteria electronic signatures/ certificates –dependent on OFCOM policy

how we’ve fared Security issues updating of SNS from on-line applications SNS: ease of view & download –issues to take up with designers (but please tell us if you have any specific IS requirements)

key points ONUS won’t be successful unless it helps all users speeds up transactions takes into account all possible requirements of Communications Bill provides security for Oftel & users may even be a commercial proposition! (CBA shows ONUS investment is cheaper over 5 years than employing more NU staff to keep up with 50%+ increase in transactions each year)

Oftel can... work out what helps us internally: eg: –fields in database –easy pick-up & progress monitoring of applications –more management tools work out basics of on-line processing (coming up…)

but we need to check our assumptions against external user requirements usedto ensure ONUS will be useful & used!

so... we have worked out what we think are key external processes (ie, bits applicants will use) comments please… we’re taking notes!

Step 1: Registration

Register/ log-in Security Oftel proposals –company ID –user ID –password (user to select & update as appropriate) –always communicate with a nominated e- mail address (but that may be individual or, eg

Step 2: Applying for numbers

3: Geographic Numbers

4: “find me anywhere” numbers

5: Access Codes

Principles each category/ type of numbering has a similar process as much as possible we will use pick lists & tick boxes, eg

Special Services Form Special Services select: Tariff (£pm) Adult/ Call Cap Internet

Special Services Form Special Services select: Tariff (£pm) Adult/ Call Cap Internet proceed> Adult 1.35

“proceed” “proceed” = move on to select suitable number range OR = if new price point move to available free ranges to begin new price point

essentials easy to use instant updating: –once a “Reservation” made this will be reflected on SNS on web sit –until either number(s) Allocated, Declined OR an applicant “times out” during original application standard screens: –ie, just like using any other on-line ordering system

N.B. specification & database will be designed by experienced, carefully selected, professionals (so no more awful mocks ups!) recruited via competitive tendering (S-Cat & G-Cat) high level of internal scrutiny

what’s next? & your commentswe build our thoughts & your comments into our “User Specification” we’ll circulate notes of this meeting & keep you up to date via web site out to tender in October

What’s next? early 2003 further workshop : –some actual processes to go over –maybe a demonstration –& in due course… choices of screen displays, colour schemes etc!

other issues