Abstract

Established in 1 990, Logical Design Solutions Incorporated (LDS) was among the first to recognize the World Wide Web (Web) as a platform for deploying serious enterprise solutions. LDS provides Global 2000 companies, such as AT&T Corporation (AT&T), with Internet, extranet, and intranet applications that solve real-world business problems. A leader in Web consulting, LDS offers a comprehensive set of solutions and services, from design to development, tailored to organizations with complex enterprise technology needs. In late 1997, AT&T requested LDS to begin developing an intranet strategy that would support AT&T's Cash Balance Pension Plan. AT&T, formerly known as the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, is the largest telecommunications company in the United States, and a worldwide leader in communications services. The objective of this thesis project was for the author to learn, create, and document the Analysis and Design, Development and Implementation, and Quality Assurance Testing phases of AT&T's Pension Update Information Center Intranet Website. The author, the HTML developer, was a key team member of LDS's project team. The LDS project team acted as an extension of AT&T's internal management team providing industry-specific knowledge and Web expertise throughout the development of Pension Update Information Center. While the primary business objective of Pension Update Information Center was to maximize internal communications and at the same time, reduce the rollout cost of AT&T's pension benefit program that impacts 72,600 employees, the LDS project team also had to meet the following secondary business objectives: e To reduce call and work volume at AT&T's Customer Care Center (CCC). e Support AT&T's overall pension communication strategy. Establish the intranet Website as a credible, reliable, and engaging source of information. In order for the LDS project team to meet these business objectives, the following three evolutionary phases of Pension Update Information Center had to be achieved: 1 . Analysis and Design during this phase, the LDS project team worked closely with AT&T's management team and formulated Web strategies and requirements that mirrored the business objectives. 2. Implementation and Development during this phase, the LDS project team integrated the formulated business requirements with leading edge technology, a usable interface design, creative "look and feel" design, and optimized content. 3. Quality Assurance Testing during this phase, the LDS project team thoroughly tested the implemented the Website until all erroneous information was fixed and business objectives were met. After the above three phases were implemented and approved, the LDS project team delivered a Website that contained a viable, successful Web strategy that balanced AT&T's business and enterprise objectives for user needs and competitive market challenges. The documentation that follows discusses the lifecycle approach that the LDS project team used to meet AT&T's objectives and that the author used to gain an understanding of intranet methodology.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Intranets (Computer networks)--Design and construction; Intranets (Computer networks)--Management; Business enterprises--Computer networks--Planning; AT & T

Publication Date

8-1-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Print Media (CIAS)

Advisor

Freckleton, Marie

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HD30.385 .S24 2000

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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