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 Autumn out to tender• late Autumnlate Autumn commission database• Winter - Spring Winter - 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

• to ensure ONUS will be useful & usedused!

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: RegistrationCommunications

Provider accessesweb site

Log in

Newoperator?

REGISTER

ie, submit:1. company name2. info of system etc

(similar to existing Annex A)

Yes No

Quit

System automaticallyacknowledges

Issues temporary User ID

States Terms & Conditions

Send

Proceed to Application Screens

OR

Quit

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 “numbering@x.co.uk”

Step 2: Applying for numbers

Registered CommunicationsProvider Logs on

Select“Apply for Numbers”

Selects category of numbers(eg, Geographic, PRS, IA Codeetc)

Select numbering fromthose available on

Tables

Answer appropriate questions:eg, as relevant,- current utilisation- forecasts- confirmation of order- confirmation of purpose

Application complete? Yes

No

Continue Shopping

Numbers Reserved

“Checkout”

Applications Submitted

3: Geographic NumbersGeographic Numbering

Selected

Select Area Code

Type in CodeNumber or Name Pick from List

OR

Checkout

OR

Carry on shopping

Double click on chosennumber block

Provide appropriate supporting infoeg, current utilisation etc

as per current Application Form

NB: SYSTEM REPRESENTS NOCHANGES OF POLICY

4: “find me anywhere” numbersMobile/ Pager/ Personal Numbers

Selected

Mobile numbers onlyvisible to those who haveconfirmed at registrationthey have suitable system

Double click on chosennumber block

Provide appropriate supporting infoeg, current utilisation etc

as per current Application Form

SYSTEM REPRESENTS NO CHANGESOF POLICY

Checkout

OR

Carry on shopping

5: Access Codes

Access CodesSelected

Checkout

OR

Carry on shopping

Provide appropriate supporting infoas per current Application FormSYSTEM REPRESENTS NO CHANGESOF POLICY

Type B

Advised to contactOftel / OFCOM todiscuss

Which Type?

Type CType A

DQ IndirectAccess

Select Code

Display Guidance onuse of Type Cs

Select 118xxxCode

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 Special Services

select:

Tariff (£pm)

Adult/ Call Cap

Internet

Special Services Form

Special Services 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?

• we build our thoughts & your comments& 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