Automation

“Technology: No Place for Wimps!“
- Scott Adams

Yes, the Dilbert creator has yet again said what everyone in the business world is thinking. Technology can be frightening, and automation is the sort of technology that can be particularly unsettling. Consumers are averse to the topic at first glance, since telecom automation tends to translate to CRM voice mail nightmares. On the other side of the transactions, the telecom professionals are less vehemently opposed to automation, but can still have reactions ranging from caution to resignation. I suppose if Automation gives us the willies, we're in the wrong business, but the topic often means messy work.

In this issue, we take a look at automation and some of the messy work it entails. We take a look at some profiles in automation and some of the lessons that can be learned from within. We also get a look at how automation reduces OPEX, the possibilities of self-service that automation brings, and how automation can lead to new profits.

In addition, we have the latest news coverage, including a look at the death of SunRocket, and what that means for the rest of the VoIP world.

We also have a special feature from LTC International's Wedge Greene and Barbara Lancaster on a fascinating topic: Autonomic Networks. You can read Wedge’s past writings in this general area at LTC International’s Inside Out blog: a five segment series. In the context of personal examples of experience with data networks, Wedge covers many of the technical design aspects and knotty problems of autonomic communications.