New Business Models for Converging Communications
Transforming the Enterprise
By Alcatel-Lucent

Published October 2007, Posted March 2008

Abstract:

Enterprises need to transform their networks to increase productivity, lower costs, build revenue, and gain a competitive edge. The network is becoming a key business asset as applications made available over the infrastructure are vital to an enterprise’s business strategies and processes and provide new opportunities for growth and innovation.

For IT/telecom executives, the challenge is how to take advantage of next generation technologies without disrupting current service levels, manage increased voice and data traffic, ensure security, and match network capacity to demand.

Several proven outsourcing models meet these needs. They include selective engagements, managed/hosted applications, and strategic outsourcing. In the selective engagement model, the enterprise outsources specific management functions to a third party that has the required expertise and infrastructure capabilities. Managed/hosted applications are network-based services located either on the customer’s premise or at the hosting partner’s data center. Strategic outsourcing entails the creation of a relationship between the enterprise and outsourcing partner, in which the purpose is to facilitate the seamless migration to a next generation of services in order to realize long term financial and business objectives.

Outsourcing partnerships are for the long term so selecting a partner is not without some risk. To ensure the right choice is made, a set of criteria should be applied in selecting the right partner in order to achieve value-sustaining success.