Two years ago, Chuck Yoke of Network World entered into the world of Six Sigma methodology. He did so because he was searching for that thing that will provide him with the skills to attack two evolving areas of network opportunity: converged networks and reduced operational costs.
In the field of product development and process management, network convergence is a challenge. Convergence describes a networking environment where voice, video, and data transmissions are integrated within a single, unified system. This network is based on Internet Protocol (IP) standards, the same packet-based architecture that drives the World Wide Web.
A converged, intelligent IP-based network that integrates data, voice, and video provides an endless set of applications for people to become more productive and businesses more competitive – all by increasing efficiency, saving time, and reducing costs.
While most data networks boast of their availability anytime all the time, they do not actually provide the same level of service as their voice counterparts. In reality, a data network that maintains 99% availability is considered quite good. However, on a 24-hour by 365-day basis, this equates to 88 hours of downtime, which is unacceptable in a voice network. In the voice world, 99.999% availability is considered the norm.
To be successful in the corporate world, however, converged networks must learn how to meet higher service requirements at the same time learn how to be cost-effective. In other words, data network companies should be able to provide 99.999% availability with reduced infrastructure and operational costs.
Chuck further explains, “network architects and managers will need to take a step back from technology and look at the network from a holistic perspective. To keep development and operational costs to a minimum, areas of potential savings such as process efficiencies or operational synergies will need to be identified. To ensure ongoing customer satisfaction, post-implementation service levels will need to be constantly measured, analyzed, improved and controlled. Programs such as Six Sigma can provide network professionals with the disciplines, skills and tools to ensure their converged networks bring the highest level of quality with the lowest operational costs. The future of converged networking lies not in technology, but in the overall service and value it brings to the user.”
