Implementation Issues

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Implementation Issues
Presented by Stephen Kankus, NYSERNet Quilt
Regional Optical Networking Workshop June 22,
2004
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Implementation Issues
Brief Background on NYC Dark Fiber Project

• Custom build.
• Multiple strands spanning Manhattan.
• Recently expanded into the Bronx.
• Designed to reduce lateral costs.
• Diversely routed fiber loops.
• Diverse colocation facilities.
• Seven participating institutions, to-date.
• Twenty-one connected sites (sans colocation
  facilities.)
• A remotely managed project.

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Implementation Issues
Project Milestones

• Primary colocation facility complete 5.30.03
• XYZ ring complete 10.31.03
• First customer loop (AMNH) accepted 2.2.04
• Last phase of backbone fiber placement complete
  3.1.04
• Last (phase one) customer loop accepted 9.1.04
• Expansion into Bronx completed 9.1.04

Anticipated, of course.
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Implementation Issues
What Worked In No Particular Order

• Consultants.
• Customer Collateral Materials.
• Operational Development.
• Soup-to-Nuts Approach.
• Dedicated Project Teams.
• Project Planning.
• Remote Project Management.
• Communications.
• Vendor Management Relationship.
• Product Development.
• Web Site.

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Implementation Issues
What Didnt Work Qualified Not Absolute.

• If it didnt work, we fixed it.
• Consultants, ultimately.
• Customer qualification.
• Stakeholder management, initially.
• MOUs and LOIs.

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Implementation Issues
Key Lessons Learned

• Qualify participants.
• Use consultants judiciously.
• Identify core group - design and build for them.
• Get contracts with participants.
• Begin developing staff early.
• Dont underestimate the LOE.
• Dont underestimate the legal.

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Stephen Kankus Director of Operations NYSERNet,
Inc. 100 Elwood Davis Rd. Syracuse, New York
13212 315-413-0345 x5234 kankus_at_nysernet.org