Conference 7.286::digital

    Here in Belgium, we've been told that the European Directory (I have
    one dating from Jan '92) will no longer be printed. Instead, we have
    ELF.
    
    This raises a number of interesting problems. For instance, we have a
    lot of contractors, especially in development and support, none of whom
    are in ELF. The Directory contains site codes, addresses, telephone and
    fax numbers, none of which are available in ELF, or any other FAST
    retrieval form. One can't put ELF and VTX in one's briefcase when one
    travels. Not to forget, ELF is notoriously unreliable for accuracy of
    its data.
    
    Still, I'm sure it saves lots of money.
    
    Laurie.

    Try $VTX TEL for on-line access to the rest of the phone book. Not sure
    how complete it is, though.
    
    [If you're local to LKG/DSG, don't use LOOK!]

    To the best of my knowledge, the Digital Telephone Directory will no 
    longer be printed.  I have been the project manager for production of
    the book since it came in-house in 1988.  (It was previously published 
    by an outside vendor.  We saved the corporation 80% of the production
    costs by bringing it in.)
    
    Unfortunately, while production costs were low, the cost to actually
    PRINT the book was very high.  I believe this was the biggest factor
    in the decision to eliminate a hardcopy version of the directory.
    
    Personnel DTNs are available on ELF.  Other information (sites,
    departments, etc.) are available by typing VTX TEL at the VMS prompt.
    I think all information that appeared in the phonebook is available
    in one place or another.
    
    Of course, employees who do not have access to a terminal are out of
    luck.
    
    I can't say that I'm happy about the decision to cease printing of a
    corporate telephone directory.  In my opinion, a company this size, 
    with so many diverse kinds of jobs and employees, really needs to have 
    more than just online access to this kind of information.  Unfortunately, 
    I'm not the funder, nor do I have much say in whether or not we publish 
    a directory.
    
    If you object strongly, I'd complain directly to the department noted
    in the front of the phonebook.
    
    Bud
    

    >>  Not to forget, ELF is notoriously unreliable for accuracy of
    >>  its data.
    
    Not to defend the postion of eliminating the hardcopy telephone book,
    but, things being the way they are, publishing the book once a year
    doesn't introduce any more accuracy.
    
    Larry
    
    

    The Digital phone book was published quarterly.

RE: .5 

>>    The Digital phone book was published quarterly.

I don't think so.  If it was, CXO has missed out on getting copies.  
Last received was November 1992.  And the local telephone directory 
was last published June 1990 (at least the one I have).  The CXO
directory is like gold because of the maps with conference room 
names that you can look up when the systems are down and you can't
get to the on-line reservation database.

    re .6, up until the last couple of years the Digital phone book was
    definitely printed at least twice a year, if not quarterly.
    
    Personally, I think it's a mistake not to print a hardcopy.  Like other
    reason cutbacks, it's only going to result in making it harder for
    people to do their jobs.  What are people supposed to do if their
    system is down for several hours, and they can't access ELF?
    
    Lorna
    

    Not to speek of the fact when your system is up and you cannot access
    ELF because all of the VTX servers accessable to you are rejecting
    connections.
    

    
    	Rumor has it that the next DTN phone book, if any, will be
    	typed on a single 3 x 5 index card.
    

    The main reason a phone book is needed is that ELF's way of finding
    misspelt names is braindead. Unless you know the EXACT spelling ELF
    often won't show you the name. Especially if your mistake is in the
    first few letters of the name. It DOESN'T do phonetic matching.
    
    But with the phone book I can easily (with my eye) scan through a few
    pages of names and find who I'm looking for.
    
    Dave

    
    .10 is right on
    
    Give me a laptop-usable extract (even in compressed form) from the ELF
    database, and I don't need the paper form of the book. No, I don't need
    the ELF "user interface" though, thanks ;^)
    
    -tom
    

    
    
    >  I don't need the ELF "User interface"...
    
      I don't know if it's still officially available or supported,
    but we have something called ELF$CLI_FIND.EXE  running on our
    cluster  which provides a command line interface similar to 
    the old "classic"  elf.   
    
      I think it only supports the 'find'  command (and not the old
    "register"  but it's far nicer than having to deal with the 
    VTX stuff...
    
    
    						-al
    

    
    ayup - I use that one.
    
    was referring to accessing ELF-type data on a PC. No need to port ELF,
    just gimme the data, and I'll use a PC-type ap to access it 8^)
    
    -tom
    

    There are a lot of other useful things in the phone book besides names
    and phone numbers:  The outside vs DTN number list, alphabetic list of
    all location codes, administrative department numbers, worldwide DEC
    office list.  Where else are we supposed to find this info in as
    convenient a form?
    						--jim
    

    That was exactly the point I made in an earlier note. As I said then,
    I'm sure it saves a lot of money.
    
    Laurie.

I tried VTX TEL.  It does not provide an index by site code, making it
very difficult to find out where a site is.  It also contains a lot of
obsolete information.  I sent these and other complaints to the "information
provider".

				Steve

    Steve, you might not need "canned" indexes anymore.
    TEL   (like jobs_us)  has context sensitive full text
    retrevial.  Interested in a site?  Try the SEARCH command.
    For example, a partial listing of a search on "LKG" reveals...
     1 >:  DEPT_LIST  : CAFETERIA                                     : 30/Jun/1993
     2 >:  DEPT_LIST  : CONCURRENT ENGINEERING                        : 30/Jun/1993
     3 >:  DEPT_LIST  : COPY CENTER (con't)                           : 30/Jun/1993
     4 >:  DEPT_LIST  : DATA CIRCUIT REPAIR                           : 30/Jun/1993
     5 >:  DEPT_LIST  : EDUCATION ---ENGINEERING (EDGEE) (con't)      : 30/Jun/1993
     6 >:  DEPT_LIST  : EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) - Telecommu + 30/Jun/1993
     7 >:  DEPT_LIST  : ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS (DECMCC) (co + 30/Jun/1993
     8 >:  DEPT_LIST  : INFORMATION DESIGN & CONSULTING (IDC)         : 30/Jun/1993
     9 >:  DEPT_LIST  : LIBRARIES ---CORPORATE - Digital Library Netw + 30/Jun/1993
    10  :  DEPT_LIST  : MAIL SYSTEMS - Mail Services (con't)          : 30/Jun/1993
    11 >:  DEPT_LIST  : MEDICAL DEPARTMENT - Emergency Only (BXC) (co + 30/Jun/1993
    12 >:  DEPT_LIST  : MESSAGE TRANSPORT SERVICE (MTS) - Cluster Nod + 30/Jun/1993
    13 >:  DEPT_LIST  : MESSAGE TRANSPORT SERVICE (MTS) - Cluster Nod + 30/Jun/1993
    14 >:  DEPT_LIST  : NAC TRANSMISSION GROUP                        : 30/Jun/1993
    15 >:  DEPT_LIST  : OFFICE SERVICES - Franklin (con't)            : 30/Jun/1993
    16 >:  DEPT_LIST  : OFFICE SERVICES - Littleton (LKG) (con't)     : 30/Jun/1993
    17 >:  DEPT_LIST  : OFFICE SERVICES - Marlboro (Cluster) (con't)  : 30/Jun/1993
    18 >:  DEPT_LIST  : OFFICE SERVICES - Maynard (con't)             : 30/Jun/1993
    19 >:  DEPT_LIST  : PERSONNEL - Chelmsford (CTC) (con't)          : 30/Jun/199320 >:  DEPT_LIST  : PERSONNEL - Littleton (LKG) (con't)           : 30/Jun/1993
    21 >:  DEPT_LIST  : PLANT ENGINEERING - Franklin (con't)          : 30/Jun/1993
    22 >:  DEPT_LIST  : RSVP PROGRAM                                  : 30/Jun/1993
    and there's more,  you can go into the SITE section for...
     1 >:  USA_SITES  : (LITTLETON)Network and Communications Enginee + 05/Oct/1993
     2 >:  USA_SITES  : (LITTLETON)Network and Communications Enginee + 05/Oct/1993
     3 >:  USA_SITES  : (LITTLETON)Simon Tuttle Conference Center Sit + 05/Oct/1993
    
    as for updates, the "entire corporation" (or everyone connected) :-)
    can have an entire new phone book and site listing in about 2 hours
    after receiving the exact same feeds that would go to the printers.
    Of course, no user or system manager has to update anything on their
    system, this is all done by one command file (downsizing you say,
    how 'bout a corporatewide update that requires 0 people? :-)  )
    
    As for not being able to connect to ELF, it's possible to configure
    the network side of it for 146 failovers/redundancy servers.  If
    it's a local issue (a terminal or pc or system down, that is, of
    course, a different problem); if it's the net, and there is a problem,
    it can be changed.
    
    Don't confuse information avaibility with the delivery systems...
    
    We now return you to the bashing :-)
    _bill

>I tried VTX TEL.  It does not provide an index by site code, making it
>very difficult to find out where a site is.

If what you need to know is "Where is the FOO site?", try VTX SITES.

    btw, a way to get close to the equivalent of "a finger in the
    book from a particular point" is F/nof/su=(letter,letter,...)(*)
    where F is find, nof is "nofull", su is for surname, =
    type as much of the name as you want/know, * for wildcard.
    Example:
    F/nof/su=too*
    
    /nof optional, but briefer.
    
    
    That's all some of the CLI interfaces do.
    _bill

I went looking for the internal Field Service number in VTX TEL. Field Service
In-DEC region referred me to Digital Services In-DEC Portfolio - a NON-EXISTANT
entry! I had to call our computer services people and get the number (an OUTSIDE
800 number!) from them. This is a fairly important number to be missing! This
probably cost the company the price of a couple of phone books.

Yes, I did report this.

(If any of you are interested, the number I used is 800 354-9000; then I had to
listen to the automated system (If you forgot to plug in your PC, press 666;
etc.) and 2 levels of menus, before I  got to a person. The person handled
everything just fine.

Re: .18

Oh, I know all about the keywords.  Now - from that listing you showed me,
tell me what LKG's street address and FAX number are.  Then tell me how
you managed to pull up the Littleton listings in the SITE index starting
from "LKG" (the SITE index is by state!)  Then, even if you can figure out
that you want Littleton, MA, which of the three listings are LKG?  Nashua
has four listings nowadays, and I have to try each of them before I find
the right one for ZKO.

I'm not saying that VTX TEL is a bad idea - if the indexing was applied with
a bit of common sense from a user's perspective, it would be fine (except
when the VTX server is down or I can't get at a terminal.)

VTX TEL still lists TTB and GSF which are long gone.

				Steve

    
        Seems that every time someone looks for a piece of information, 
        it's in VTX Mumble-Mumble.  All you need to know is what the 
        Mumble-Mumble is.
    
        Is there a directory or listing of these various VTX options, 
        along with a short description of what they offer?  I'm at the 
        point of constructing my own list, but there must be a better 
        way.
    
    
        Thanks,
        Peter
    

    Complaints about the various online services should be followed up with
    the service providers.  Let's get them improved!
    
    I just cannot imagine that a decision maker will be compelled to order
    new phone books to take care of "system downtime".  Come on now!  If
    your operations people can't keep a system running, then get rid of
    them.
    
    Mark

    Re: ..23 by CARROL::SCHMIDT:
    
    >    Is there a directory or listing of these various VTX options, 
    >    along with a short description of what they offer?  I'm at the 
    >    point of constructing my own list, but there must be a better 
    >    way.
    
     Yes. It's called the Corporate VTX Library and it shows up as the 
     fourth option on the Site VTX Server menu in ZKO.  On your local menu,
     the order may vary.

re: .24

>    Come on now!  If your operations people can't keep a system
>    running, then get rid of them.

Some might say that you could be confusing "cause" and "effect" here.

Ray

                            Corporate Videotex Library
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
            The TEL infobase is currently unavailable.
    
    
            This prototype infobase is still under development.  Watch for
            official announcement to appear in LIVEWIRE in the near future.

>If what you need to know is "Where is the FOO site?", try VTX SITES.
    
    Okay, I tried this, and got the following response:
    
    		
    		That information is not available.	
    
    		There is no next page.
    
    Also, I have a basic question about VTX.  HOW THE $%^^% AM I SUPPOSED
    TO KNOW ALL THE &*^*(^&> KEYWORDS????
    
    
    Oh, you say -- use FIND keyword.  I did -- it doesn't work.  I looked
    through the alphabetical listing -- SITES isn't listed.  Very often
    there is little or no correlation between the topic and its keyword.
    
    Trying to find something within VTX is very similar to getting
    directions in New England -- both expect you to already know where
    you're going, and to recognize local landmarks.
    
    	 				andrew

    It's all very well bringing in these ideas to "save" money, but it's
    imperative that the replacement procedures and tools are IN PLACE FIRST.
    
    Laurie.

    In my opinion the European phone directiry DOES need to be reprinted.
    
    The current one has a numer for a FAX machine in Basingstoke. This fax
    recieves all sorts of company critical documents. These documents
    includes such things as bids being put together, details of high level
    CVs of prospective employees (!) etc.
    
    Unfortunatley the number in the book is wrong. It went to the phone of
    another company. The owner of that phone put his phone to the mail room
    where there was a fax machine. That mail room also served a direct
    competitor to Digital. If it wasn't for a friend of mine who heard
    about these faxes and passed them onto me, I hate to think what would
    have happened. 
    
    
    Simon

    The keyword for the menus of all registered infobases is 
    LIBRARY.  So, if you click on and/or enter library, from
    any server with the remotes, you should get there.
    If you don't have sites, you may be using a server that doesn't
    have the library loaded.  By the way, the processing for the
    remotes is done by Wednesday at 5, so the date on the VTX LIBRARY
    page should be the previous Wednesday - sometimes Tuesday.
    
    Steve, the search feature isn't keywords.  We can take it
    to mail if you have suggestions/question/comments.  I might
    be able to drop by if you want a demo.  You might not have
    the current release available, also.
    _bill

    >The keyword for the menus of all registered infobases is 
    >LIBRARY.  So, if you click on and/or enter library, from
    >any server with the remotes, you should get there.
    
    So: why isn't this on the first or second screen of the Corporate 
    VTX Library?   This is EXACTLY what I mean about "already having to
    know where you're going."  
       					andrew

    The general layout of the vtx service is a site or group
    will decide to set up a server with things of interest to them
    at the top.  These are like private notesfiles or unannounced
    conferences, they don't need to be registered, the site or group
    just makes the services available to their customers.
    Next level is typically a region or organization.  Europe, the
    U.K have great vtx services, in the U.S., most see vtx through
    the ACCESS program (keyname for that presentation is ACCESS_US) :-)
    Last, for any information that people want to make available
    to the entire net (and perhaps soon, the Internet), the corporate
    library has all the rest.  
    
    So, the menus you see, the presentation you get, varies.
    However, once you see something you like, keep track of it's
    keyword.  Using the keyword, you'd be able to get to ANY
    information from ANY platform in 19 keystrokes or less from
    ANYTHING connected to the net.  (Some restrictions apply.
    Your mileage may vary.  Void where in a surf backwash.  Surfing
    is so 60's :-)  )
    _bill

    >The general layout of the vtx service is a site or group
    >will decide to set up a server with things of interest to them
    >at the top.  
    
    SO, if I type VTX at the DCL prompt, what I see depends on the whim
    of some local administrator?  Okay, at this site, one of the choices
    is "Corporate VTX Library."  I chose that, and tried to find SITES
    and later, LIBRARY.  Neither is listed.  Now, does the Corporate VTX
    Library list all Corporate-wide VTX services, or not?
    
    >However, once you see something you like, keep track of it's [sic]
    >keyword.  
    
    How do you find something that isn't listed?  I just tried to find
    LIBRARY.  It isn't listed anywhere in the Corporate VTX Library.
    
    As far as I can tell, there is no way, from within VTX, to find
    out about what's in VTX. (Don't tell me there is.  I couldn't
    find LIBRARY, the place where I could find out what else is in VTX).
    
    While I'm all for online information access, I can be much more
    efficient with an out-of-date DTN phone book than with all the
    inadequate online services available.

    re : SO, if I type VTX at the DCL prompt, what I see depends on the
    whim of some local administrator?
    
    	BINGO!  This, of course, assumes you are lucky enough
    to HAVE a local administrator.  VTX has been running itself
    for about 8 years or so.  (sounds like on your server, one
    of the pointers went astray).
    
    Coporate only goes as far as trying to keep track of the
    network and announced infobases.  We make (free) services
    available to those running servers, but do you really think anyone
    tagged with "CORPORATE" can actually get the entire corporation
    to DO anything?  If there are only 3 ways to do the same thing
    worldwide, we're lucky!  (Those days may be changing).
    I invite you to try to (find and) go to all sites and say
    "you MUST" run this on your machine"  :-)  And you
    have to stay current.  Roughly 24% or more of the corporation
    doesn't even know what vtx is, or how it's changed in, oh, the past
    2 years.  If they're only 2 years out of date, it's pretty
    good.
    
    I'll discuss your server situation in mail.
    _bill

It seems we have two problems here.

The first is that the phone book is not just a phone book.  It has other
useful information that is being eliminated because the phone book is going
away.

The second is that many people find VTX and its interface to be non-intuitive,
hard to use, and generally annoying.

Combine the two and you get the mess we see here.

Bob

Don't like VTX?  You may get your wish...
    
From:	MR4DEC::MROMTS::MROMTS::MRGATE::"SALES::A1::CHOICE.READERS" "26-Oct-1993 1357" 26-OCT-1993 14:12:12.39
To:	@Distribution_List
CC:	
Subj:	Integrated Repository Meeting - November 10th                          1

From:	NAME: Readers Choice                
	FUNC:                                 
	TEL:                                  <CHOICE.READERS AT A1 at SALES at MRO>
To:     See Below

From  DEBI FLECK, 297-7307, SALES::DFLECK

DATE:   November 10th
TIME:   8:30-1:00
PLACE:  General Doriot Conf. Room - Mill

AGENDA: 

Presenter			Topic				Time
---------			-----				----

Bob Gregorio			Introductions			8:30-8:45
  Corporate Communications
  Strategic Resources

Charlie Holleran		Communications Strategy		8:45-9:15
  V.P. Communications

Len Levy	         	IM&T Strategy			9:15-9:45
  Worldwide Sales & Marketing 
  IM&T Manager

BREAK								9:45-10:00

Al Goldsworthy		    	Integrated Repository		10:00-10:45
  Worldwide Sales		
  Communication Manager
				Technology Demos:		10:45-11:30

Doug Carpenter			- Information Collection Tool
  Worldwide Information Provider 
  Processes Manager
Lorraine Morse			- Information Mapping
  Learning Products Manager 
  for Health Industries

All				Q&A				11:30-12:00


		12:00 		Tim Walsh - Horizons Demo


Due to limited seating, please RSVP to Debi Fleck (SALES::DFLECK) by November
3rd, with your name and organization, if you plan to attend this meeting.
Also, we encourage you to send a minimum number of representatives per group to
ensure space for a wide variety of attendees.  Let me know of any
issues/concerns you may have, when you RSVP, so we can address them at the
meeting. 

A transcript and/or slides from the presentations will be available for those 
that cannot attend, but would like to be informed of status and future plans 
of this initiative.


			INTEGRATED REPOSITORY
			=====================

INTRODUCTION:

In today's competitive environment, the need for quick and easy access to
information is critical to the success of Sales and Marketing.  The
information needs are changing rapidly and the structure of the systems
must be flexible in response. 

Although volumes of information are currently available online, it is
difficult to find, often out of date, and nearly impossible to manipulate,
customize or localize.  A wide variety of search capabilities have been
implemented on an infobase to infobase basis with little consistency, no
integration and no standard set of terms.  Screen design, keystroke
commands and file formats vary widely.  Users are forced to adjust,
depending on which database they have accessed, and information owners are
forced to deal with multiple formats to multiple sources to be assured wide
coverage. 

The concept of the Integrated Repository was developed by a worldwide,
cross-functional team including the Territories, IM&T, Corporate
Communications, Product Marketing and the Business Units.  Since February
1993, the program team has been addressing the following: 

*  Identifying and streamlining the current infobase structure
*  Addressing the currency and relevancy of information
*  Creating standards for information creation, storage and retrieval
*  Developing a common method of indexing to facilitate search
*  Extending the search capability across the information sets
*  Improving the collection process to enable efficient updates

Ultimately, this initiative is aimed at maximizing the value and
versatility of marketing communications to sales, marketing, partners and
customers. 
                                                                          
We need to improve the current situation for information creators and
consumers, an environment characterized by tens of thousands of documents
and VTX pages that are currently buried within 150+ VTX infobases today. 

The effort to build an Integrated Information Repository is not something
that will occur in a few months.  The definition and design phases will
take several months of work by the business and IM&T.  Many technology
decisions need to be made and migration plans need to be developed to make
current information available through the new repository.  Marketing and
Sales IM&T is committed to using rapid prototyping and other efficient
approaches to accelerate our time-to market with information creator tools
and with the Integrated Repository itself. 


MISSION:

Increase the worldwide effectiveness of the electronic creation, storage and 
distribution of Marketing and Sales information.

INTEGRATED REPOSITORY KEY CONTACTS:

  Deb Bennett		Corporate Communications	MR4DEC::DBENNETT 
  Debi Fleck		Corporate Communications	SALES::DFLECK
  Marge Duplessis	Marketing and Sales IM&T	MR4DEC::MDUPLESSIS
  Tim Walsh		Marketing and Sales IM&T	MR4DEC::TWALSH

INTEGRATED REPOSITORY OBJECTIVES:

o Rationalize and consolidate 150+ marketing and sales information infobases 
  into 12 logical information sets to reduce redundancy

o Establish a common vocabulary for information indexing and retrieval 
  which works across all information sets using a cross-database
  search engine for easier access of information

o Establish standards for information content and format for each of the
  information types to assure consistency

o Develop a PC-based Information Creation Environment for Information 
  Creators to standardize and simplify the submission process

        
USER BENEFITS:

o Improved data quality and currency 
o Information is easier to find and has broader use
o Customization is easier
o Increased overall efficiency in information development, storage, and 
  retrieval leading to more time to do the core work of selling and 
  marketing


INFORMATION PROVIDER BENEFITS:

o  Submit information once, use often in automated, standardized fashion
o  Simplification of information submission process
o  Through statistical reports specific information can be monitored
   for usage


DIGITAL BENEFITS:

o Cost efficiencies through elimination of redundant systems
o Efficient use of network

INTENDED AUDIENCE OF REPOSITORY:

	Direct Sales
	Marketing
        Other Digital Functional Groups requiring Sales & Marketing Information
	Business Partners (at a later date)
	Customers (at a later date)
	Influencers (at a later date)    



THE 12 INFORMATION SETS AND CONTACT NAMES

A large cross-functional team has met for several months to define
12 logical information sets, each of which is composed of multiple
information types.

Below is a listing of those information sets and a contact assigned to each.
  
	Information Set			Contact
	---------------			-------

     1.	Business Operations and Standards   TBD	
     2. Company Information		Chris Hallgren
     3.	Competitive Information		Chris Hallgren
     4. Corporate Strategies, 		Deb Bennett
	Information and Positioning 
     5.	Customer Consumables		Charlotte Locke
     6.	Customer Endorsements		Karen Cadrin
     7.	Events and Training		Carol Sidoti
     8.	Industry 			Chris Hallgren
     9.	News, Analysis and Commentary	Chris Hallgren
    10.	Product and Service Offerings	Debi Fleck
    11.	Research and Measurement 	    TBD
    12. Resources (People) 		Margot Walthall


Each category will have someone responsible to manage the information and
give final authorization to install that information in the repository,
recommend strategies for improving the information set contents and
processes, analyze statistical reports, manage content feedback, and assist
in the quarterly update of the Business Plan. 


THE PC-BASED INFORMATION CREATION ENVIRONMENT  

One of the challenges in building the Integrated Repository is the need to
streamline the information creation and information operations (indexing,
document handling and maintenance) functions.  Too often, in the current
environment, we rely on time-consuming, manual processes that don't allow
us to "reuse" (unless we re-key) information.  We're investing in building
a PC-based Information Creation Environment to give the information
creators a more standard design in developing information that is truly
"portable" across various end-user needs.  This information creation
environment will be built using MS Windows and MS Office as standard
underpinnings and will be designed to be internally consistent with the
Horizons "access" environment.  We will be expanding this tool over time by
providing templates, samples and guidelines for each of the information
types within each information set. 

THE COMMON STANDARD LANGUAGE   

A corporate standard language has been established, containing interrelated 
terms and synonyms to facilitate the uniform organization and retrieval of 
Digital's worldwide sales and marketing information.   Classes of terms 
defined include Digital and third-party products, Company names, Industries, 
Applications/Solutions, and Business and Marketing terminology.  Consistency 
of terms is essential for cross-database searching.
Benefits of implementing the CSL;
o Ensures users access to all pertinent information on a given topic
o Eliminates currently redundant and/or conflicting language developing and 
  indexing efforts
o Establishes a consistent platform in support of current and future 
  communication deployment initiatives



CROSS-DATABASE SEARCH 

The cross database search integrates the selling and marketing information
systems through a common technology.   All of the integrated repository
information sets will be included, as well as various other databases 
(e.g. DPDS).  Through one search query information will be returned from
various areas. 
Benefits include; 
o Saves time when searching for information
o Increases productivity 

KEY ASSUMPTIONS and RESOURCES REQUIRED:    

	o Capital Investment
	o Human Resources
	o Management support
	o Education/Training
	o Support of standards
	o Elimination of funding for current infobases from budgets
 	o Funding/resources allocated for Program Management

MEASUREMENT:

This initiative's success will be measured on;

o Cost savings to the corporation through elimination of redundant systems 
  and efficient integration of information
o Increased productivity by the user via easily accessible, timely, and
  relevant information

MAJOR MILESTONES:

Q1 FY94
	o Business Plan created and distributed
	o Common Standard Language - terms available via public directory
	o Finalize Information Sets and contents within each
	o Identify which existing infobases to migrate first and meet with 
	    the appropriate owner to work details

Q2 FY94
	o Implementation kick-off meeting
	o Contributor Guides developed and distributed
	o Training plan developed and implemented
	o Cross Database Search Field Test complete
	o PC-based Collection Tool prototype developed and tested
	o The following information sets established:
		Resources
		Events and Training
		Corporate Strategies, Information, and Positioning
		Customer Consumables
		Customer Endorsements 
	o Begin migration of information within the new information sets
	o Begin consolidation of infobases 

	
Q3 FY94
        o PC Information Creation tool extended to cover additional 
            information types 
	o The following information sets established:
		Product and Service Offerings
		Competitive Information
		Industry
		News, Analysis and Commentary
	o Initial migration of information to the new information sets
	o Continue migration of other information
	o Continue consolidation of infobases

Q4 FY94
	o The following information sets established:
		Company Information
		Research and Measurement
		Business Operations and Standards
	o Begin migration of information to the new information sets
	o Continue migration of other information
	o Continue consolidation of infobases


Distribution:
You received this message because you have a Marketing or Communications 
job function.  To update your job functions or other information 
selections, access Readers Choice using one of the following methods:

- VTX keyword PROFILE
- U.S. Field: In ACCESS select READERS CHOICE under #19, "Selling Tools."  

If you have questions, please send mail to Readers Choice @MRO or 
SALES::READERCHOICE.

UNIX Users:
- to send VAXmail:    READERCHOICE@SALES.enet.dec.com
- to send ALL-IN-1:   READERS.CHOICE@MRO.mts.dec.com
  

re .37


>>The second is that many people find VTX and its interface to be non-intuitive,
>>hard to use, and generally annoying.


There is a lot of work gone on recently to change this. A new MS-Windows client
will be available soon which is VERY MUCH easier to use. So that's OK for
PC users.

For those of use who still have to use VT's and ALL-IN-1, there is an improved
interface from ALL-IN-1 to VTX with new features that do indeed make it easier
to use. 

Getting these improvements to the end user is the hard part. There seems to be
a lot of people who want to spend a lot of money to invent new things (see 
note .39!). While there are a few people trying to spend a little money to
make what we have now much more useful. Unfortunately, inventing hugh new 
programmes is much more exiting for most people and so that attracts attention.
Ways of spending a little money and improving what we have now appears less
exiting and does not attract much interest. Hence, we can't get our 
improvements to VTX out to the end user who needs them. Hence the end user,
(ie the authors of notes just before this reply), think that the product (VTX)
is bad. 

Here, in the UK, we have upgraded our VTX software and made available the
new user interface for ALL-IN-1 users. This has helped greatly to improve the
impression of VTX -- and it does help people get the information they need
out of VTX which, after all, is the whole point of tools like VTX.

One more comment, it's much easier to sell VTX to customers outside of Digital than
it is to sell VTX to Digital. Customers at least appreciate the value of the 
product and how to use it.

regards,

	Tom

    Great note, Tom.  Couldn't have said it better myself.....
    
    Gita

  I just tried VTX TEL and got a message screen saying it is not yet oper-
ational but will be "shortly".
  I just tried VTX SITES and found it very cumbersome.
  I hate being dependent on computers and databases (and the faceless people
who support them) to find out something basic like where the DLO site is. I
have learned to live with ELF to find people's phone numbers, but there is no
substitute for a HARDCOPY listing of the other data in the DTN phone book. Can
we afford to have periodic hardcopy updates of this material, which comprises
about 40% of the book? 

    Oh yeah, one of the really, REALLY neat things about ELF:
    
    It lists Digital employees.  
    
    Well, currently my group has three Digital employees, and seven
    consultants (two are more or less "full time, five are working
    on a specific project).
    
    You cannot find the phone numbers for these people anywhere.
    
    					andrew

    Hi again, Bob.  Re .42, well, then the answer (getting to the base
    note) is no.   Or, not planned now.  As for can we afford to have
    periodic hardcopy updates - perhaps not if we use MS-WORD or 
    MS-OFFICE or WWW (exclusively) without something with added value
    to sell.  :-)
    .40 also didn't mention the new TCP/IP support, the ability to
    launch MS-WORD, Powerpoint, audio and video files, scalability...
    
    I think it was .37 - Something missing out of the electronic version.
    As far as I know, the only function missing was the coupon to clip
    out and send in for changes.  When the "phone book" service goes
    on-line "for real", there should be that link, too, to attempt to
    keep the information more accurate.
    As for point 2, they don't like vtx (but can finally live with ELF)
    I suspect interfaces will be designed compatible with the service.
    Always have in the past, no reason to stop now.  At least for the
    forseeable future, if you have a favorite platform or device,
    we'll be able to bring vtx to you; work with us and it might even
    be a way you like it.  Having something ultimately in vtx - after all
    it's just a server, has no real impact on its' final presentation.
    You can use vtx clients, try/field test the new clients (when available)
    or give us your protocol and it'll serve you, too.  (Paper
    excluded :-)  )
    _bill

re: .44

From the table of contents of the last phone book,

Departmental Listing

Domestic Suggested Calling Times (U.S. Map)

International Time Differences

TDD

Electronic Mail Services

Mail Services

Mail and Small Package Shipping Guide

DECdirect In-house ordering

DIAL

Site Reference System

Site Codes, Locations, DTN (alphabetical)


Bob

    Thanks, Bob.  From your list, Departmental listing was 1/2
    of what it's all about... U.S. Map - not there! I suppose
    we can scan one in.  Thanks for the comment.
    Time Differences, TDD, Electronic Mail Services, Mail Services
    DECdirect, Dial (it's own infobase), Site Reference system -
    might have had a name change to Digital Reference System for
    Sites and Building were all on a lower menu  (when it last
    was there, choice 3 - Informational pages) Perhaps a better
    title is needed?  Your opinion?
    A fiscal calendar has also been added.
    The coupon might be coming.
    
    So, final tally, we missed a map.  I'll see if we can't add that
    for all those who look in the phone book for that map.  If you
    know of one that looks good in ascii, we'd take it.
    _bill
    

    Excuse me, but where's "there?"
    
    I have no idea about how to find any of these things.
    
    I tried Electronic Mail Services:
    
    	- not listed alphabetically
    	- keywords MAIL, EMS, ELECTRONIC didn't work
    	- not listed under Data and Information Management
    
    
    So, as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't exist.  I suspect if I wnet
    search for any of the other "services" you listed, I'd have equal
    success in finding them.
    
    By the way, I'm not sitting on some backwater system, I'm located
    at the Spit Brook facility.
    					andrew
    
    					andrew

re: .46

Yes, could you please tell us how to find those things???

Bob

    You're not the only ones to miss it, so perhaps when it
    returns it'll be changed.  Too much information on a screen
    makes it look too cluttered, but people are missing it.
    It was vtx tel (the prototype phonebook) choice 3 (informational
    pages).  Perhaps if we just said table of contents someplace, it
    would be clearer?  And again, with cbr it might have been found.
    _bill

    In note 2738.3, I wrote that the phonebook would no longer be printed.
    Well, the funder must have received plenty of negative feedback; I
    got a phonecall yesterday afternoon informing me that the book
    would be printed after all.  The print schedule has not been revised
    yet, but they want the book "as soon as possible."
    
    Just to clarify a couple of points:  The phonebook used to be printed
    three times a year.  In 1989, we went to twice a year, and since
    November, 1991, it has been an annual book.  
    
    At this point in the company's history, we would have to print the book
    monthly to keep up with the personnel, site, and organization changes.  
    Printing the book annually will not (obviously) always provide the most
    current information, but it will remain a useful tool for about a year.
    
    So, the book will be printed and I expect it will available in late
    December or early January.
    
    Bud

    Are they soliciting information to assure that personal phone numbers
    are as accurate as possible?
    
    					andrew

It's save for a few tress at least...

    re: .51
    
    To be sure your info in the phonebook is correct, you can do two
    things:
    
    1. Check your ELF info.  Correct any mistakes.
    
    2. Check with your PSA to make sure your info in the Employee Master
       File is correct.
    
    That will cover all the bases.  The personnel information in the
    phonebook is extracted from these databases.
    
    Bud 

I know my phone number will be changing as of 19 Nov - but I don't know the new
one, so I can't verify the info.

All of the Components and Perhipherals PBU is moving from leased space to MRO by
that date. This is about 500 people, so the people producing the phone book
might want to wait until this info can be updated.

	Or even better, if your phone number listed in ELF is not
	correct, send mail to ICS::DIRECTORY.  Be sure to include
	name, badge, old dtn and new dtn

	/Robin

While we're reprinting the telephone book, why not make it truely
representitive of Digital by including all the employees.
Digital's world is, after all, bigger than the region bounded by
the Mainland USA.

With all the 'restructuring' over the last few years, the book shouldn't
be much larger when this is done :-)

David from Australia

From:	NAME: CNS East Site Delivery        
	FUNC: CNS - Eastern Sites             
	TEL: PKO/MSO/MLO/OGO                  <SUBSCRIBER.CNS AT A1 at ICS at PKO>
To:     See Below



                      DIGITAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY


      The latest edition of the Digital Telephone Directory dated
      December 1993 is now available. MLO employees may get their
      books from the Mailroom (MLO 3-1 pole 25c) open 7:00 a.m.
      to 5:00 p.m., or from Shipping/Receiving (MLO1-1 pole 21) 
      open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

      If you require a large quantity, and wish to schedule delivery,
      call DTN 223-2308 to make arrangements.

      For security reasons old books must be turned in when new books
      are issued. 



To Distribution List:

[deleted]

    Bet the new one's alot thinner! :-)

    
    	It is. 
    
     From about 5/8-3/4" to 3/8-1/2"
    
    
    		Oh well, at least I'm still in it.
    
    				DanF

    about 50 pages thinner
    but they got my number wrong
    
    Mark
    

This was printed just before Components and Perhipherals moved from site DSG
(leased space in Westford) to MRO. DSG is now closed, but I'm still listed as
being there.

RE .61>  Title:  They got at least 500 entries wrong

I'll call [sic] your 500 and raise you 30,000!



As always, there are again only US entries in the directory.
Does the rest of the world not really count?

Are folks from the Europe & GIA field organizations not equally likely
to need to contact some central function as some from the field in the US.

Is anyone not equally likely to need a resource in PRL (Paris, France)
as a resource in WRL (Palo Alto, US) ?

Does not just about every site in Europe also have DTN access and if not,
the directory does have the abilty to print Direct Inward Dial numbers?!

Is it perhaps that there are different organization responsible for the data?
So What? Is that not an excellent opportunity for further integration and to
reduce overhead? And at any rate, are we not supposed to be a number one Data
and/or System Integrations company? Let's use what we (try to) sell!

Hein (currently First Class Citizen, formerly Second Class Citizen)


[Yes, i will send this message to ICS::Directory]