Integration of expert systems into network operations and management

The authors report the experiences gained through the planning, design, development, and deployment of a prototype expert system for Bell Canada´s special services provisioning. The prototype, circuit design and management system (CDMS), is currently undergoing field trials. The authors show how the telephone company´s environment can be examined to select the appropriate functionality of the system and how it can be properly positioned within the existing operational environment. They also show how cost-effectiveness and organizational constraints can influence the design and implementation of a system and its integration into the existing operations environment. Emphasis is on problem selection, knowledge base representation from the users´ viewpoint, and the integrations between the system and the Bell Canada operations environment