Question 2 : Today, the available computing and telecommunications environment i

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Question 2: Today, the available computing and telecommunications environment is dramatically changed from just a few years before. Drummond’s telecom expectations are also changed. VOIP phone calls are expected, as well as cell phone calls from anywhere within Drummond’s Colombian operations. Internet access, private cloud-based accounting, human resource and production control services, and remote computer system administration from Birmingham are highly desired. The company had recently begun exploring how to deliver realtime on-demand video inspection and oversight of mine and port operations. Due to the critical nature of these current needs and the desired video services, Drummond requires redundancy, robustness and options for future growth in whatever telecommunications infrastructure it uses.

In the world of today, Colombia still has relatively few providers of broadband Internet services, though fiber optic cables are available. International telecom companies now have high-speed circuits to the U.S. available. The wired telephone infrastructure so common in the USA is largely absent in Colombia. Instead, the Colombian phone companies have built an extensive cellular network. Satellite bandwidth has increased dramatically, but still lags behind the rapidly increasing bandwidth that fiber provides.

Based on the needs of today and the plans for the future, select a telecommunications solution or craft one of your own for Drummond and EXPLAIN why you chose that answer.

1. Partner with in-country telecom providers to provide robust communications capability for all three sites. Continue to use the much improved in-country telecommunications facilities to provide for local phone service and international long distance. Backhaul only necessary information to corporate headquarters to meet required reporting and management requirements.

2. Take a mixed strategy of partnering with in-country providers to connect all three sites via VOIP. Extend the knowledge gained in US telecommunications/VOIP to operations in Colombia. Select a specific in-country Colombian site as the hub of US communications. Use this single point of connectivity as the link to the US to meet both data and communications requirements.

3. Develop strong ties with in-country communications providers. Commit to long term contracts in an effort to enhance existing infrastructure and continue the build out of the fiber infrastructure. Tie all sites together via a combination of terrestrial links. Work with international service providers to connect each individual site back to the US. Provide for redundancy via your own network topology.

4. Acquire advanced bandwidth on satellite(s) for communications between port and mine, and Colombia to Birmingham. Establish a cellular network at both the mine and port and connect to the PBX. Route long distance calls over the satellite channels

5. Craft your own solution.

Time Costsframes Availability Reliability Speed In country capabilities have grown significantly Drummond now has multiple vendors available both nationally and internationally. This has given rise to some competition that allows Drummond more flexibility and capability $35,000 3 to 6in obtaining required Drummond's needs today Satellite communications $11,000 Immediate Existing Local telecom fiber optic Monthly Monthsc connections Excellent6Mbps 512Kbps to Excellent756Kbps Fair to Good S6,000 Immediate Existing 100Mbps cables International fiber optic Carrier Provided Governmentally Negotiated 6 to 12 months $21,000 Good |>=10Mbps cables Good to2Mbps to Excellent 6Mbps bonded T-1/E-1 carriers $13,000Immediate Existing New under-sea $130,000 1 to 2 telecom cableMonthly vears Carrier Provided Governmentally Negotiated Good 100 Mbps

Explanation / Answer

Develop strong ties with in-country communications providers. Commit to long term contracts in an effort to enhance existing infrastructure and continue the build out of the fiber infrastructure. Tie all sites together via a combination of terrestrial links. Work with international service providers to connect each individual site back to the US. Provide for redundancy via your own network topology.

#1: IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

Telecom services provide the network for information to be exchanged electronically, through wired or wireless methods. This information is shared from room to room or across the country. Examples include telephone, Internet-connected computers, fax machines and handheld communication devices. Smartphones and tablets have increased capabilities through mobile communication. Employees can use these devices to access information and applications, work on documents, send and receive emails and join conversations via teleconference.

#2: ENHANCED TEAM COLLABORATION

Do you have cross-functional teams within your organization who work on corporate initiatives, new products, programs and/or marketing campaigns? They likely get together on a regular basis to discuss progress and share ideas. Telecom services enable the access and communication needed to bring employees together and make progress on their joint ventures.

#3: INCREASED FLEXIBILITY

According to Global Workplace Analytics, 3.3 million people work for an organization from home, and this number has grown drastically in the last ten years. If you have remote employees in your organization, or your employees are required to travel frequently for training and client meetings, the appropriate telecom services can help them stay connected.

#4: PREMIER CUSTOMER SERVICE

Since its creation in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone remains one of the most relied upon methods of communication. Customers will pick up the phone and call your organization because it’s convenient, reliable and provides instant gratification. The ability to connect with you through the Internet 24/7 has become essential to your ability to service these customers. The communication between your organization and your customer can reinforce your brand and your relationship with your prospective and current customers, but to do this you need a dependable connection.

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