Title: The operations explosion

Authors: Eric E. Sumner

Addresses: Vice-president, Operations Planning, AT&T Bell Laboratories

Abstract: The key discipline for managing the explosive growth of technology is control and maintenance of communications networks by means of operations systems. These large software systems arose 20 years ago in order to cope with increasingly large and complex networks. Today they are essential to the survival and prosperity of businesses around the world that rely heavily on communications networks. These networks are increasingly characterized by growing data traffic, extensive use of digital systems, and increased control by end-customers. Operations systems not only make such networks possible, but have reduced network capital and operations costs, and have enriched the jobs of people who engineer, design, install, maintain and operate networks. However, if operations systems are to continue to be of benefit, a more inclusive architecture is needed and means of improving software productivity are required. Some solutions are examined.

Keywords: operations systems; communications networks; software productivity; network systems architecture; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1990.025834

International Journal of Technology Management, 1990 Vol.5 No.1, pp.65 - 69

Published online: 25 May 2009 *

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