Team Centrex
During the discovery phases of the then proposed BT-MCI merger, I was seconded to MCI's Local Capabilities Development Team in Vienna, Virginia. My expertise at the time was in the design and configuration of FeatureNet branded Centrex and VPN networks, and I was the Technical Design Authority for solutions for the London Stock Exchange and Lloyds of London.
MCI was looking to develop its own Centrex product to spearhead its attack on the local US telecoms market (local as in not long distance) and with a shortage of specialists in final mile systems and products, they turned to merger partner BT for some short term assistance.
The people I worked with and met in the USA were the main reason I had such a good time. The people at MCI couldn't have been nicer to me and regularly went out of their way to take me out or show me the sights. Special thanks are due to Barb & Scott, David, JP, Carolyn, Toni, Chris, Bill, Linda and Suzanne.
At the Sequoia Restaurant, Washington Harbour, Washington DC
From Left: Suzanne Stelmock, Diane Perino, Ian Fowler, Toni Thompson, Bill Saba, Barb Tenley, Paul Fuller, David Liss.
And you thought American food was all Hamburgers and Pizza. This place was very nice indeed, and it helps if you like sea-food. Didn't get carded either!
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The MCI Local Capabilities Development Team Picnic, Mount Vernon VA.Back Row, From Left: Suzanne Stelmock, Chris Borsos, Linda Morgan, Paul Fuller, Toni Thompson, David Liss, Barb Tenley. Front Row, From Left: JP Grillo, David Rainey, Ian Fowler, Bill Saba. The annual (?) team event. About twenty minutes before this photo was taken, the skies were pitch black and raining harder and heavier than Glasgow! |
More Team Silliness at Mount Vernon, VA
C David Liss
E Chris Boursos
N Paul Fuller & Ian Fowler
T JP Grillo & Bill Saba
R David Rainey
E Linda Morgan
X Suzanne Stelmock
! Toni Thompson & Barb Tenley
BT Colleagues Paul Fuller, left, and Ian Fowler who were also working on the Enhanced Centrex Project. Paul & Ian work on the BT Centrex VPN Service FeatureNet and were perfectly placed to advise on the setup and operation phase of the new product.
Mike and Carolyn
My Colleague on the Enhanced Centrex Project, Carolyn Thomas, and her fiancee Mike at the edge of the reflecting pool watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July. Carolyn was also on Secondment from another Telco, in her case Bell Canada. She thought I was certifiable in wanting to stay longer in the US. Humph!
(How many simultaneous calls can a DMS-100 handle assuming a busy hour mix of calls-in-set-up and calls-in-progress?)
The Car Pool Bar, Arlington VA.
Bill Saba, Carolyn Thomas, Barb Tenley, David Rainey, JP Grillo, David Liss, Chris Borsos.
My last night in the US before heading back to London.