of interest:

> Telecommunications scorecard

Objective

The objective of this preliminary telecommunications audit is to provide an overall "score card" of telecommunications operations based on proven best practices.  This score card is then used as a basis to develop remedial initiatives that meet the strategic and business objectives of the organization.

Score card

• 1) Business Planning: Assess the extent of the telecommunications planning process and determine whether the plans are in sync with the business planning process.

2) Technology Inventory & Roadmap: Assess the current technology environment and plans for upgrading this technology to meet business requirements.

3) Business Continuity: Assess the ability to minimize the probability and impact of business interruptions, and to ensure prompt service restoration.

4) Information Security: Assess the information processing and telecommunications environment with respect to internal and external security exposures.

5) Network Management: Assess the extent to which networks are managed properly.

6) Problem Management: Evaluate the problem management processes and the ability to minimize the impact of problems in the production environment.

7) Resource Management: Assess whether adequate SLA and service quality metrics are implemented and tracked.

8) Change Control: Determine whether controls are in place to ensure that all changes are properly initiated, tested, migrated, reconciled and distributed.

9) Facilities Management: Assess the security, protection and maintenance of  telecommunications facilities. 

10) Expense Management: Assess the effectiveness of processes to control and manage telecommunications expenses

11) Vendor Management: Evaluate the procurement telecommunications and vendor management processes, including the focus on price paid and committed service levels. 

Scope and Deliverables

This initial assessment is based on selected interviews with key telecommunications and business personnel and on a walk-though of selected facilities. The information-gathering phase lasts two days at the most. The deliverable consists of a score for each of the eleven areas with comments for each area and a list of recommended "next steps".