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Improving Visibility and Creating a Single Source of Truth for Network Operations
Introduction
Thüringer Netkom GmbH is the telecommunications subsidiary of the municipal TEAG Thüringer Energie AG and specializes in providing digital fixed-line connections, professional Internet and voice connections, IP bitstream access, and the operation of comprehensive corporate networks for voice and data transmission. The high-performance, high-speed data transmission network is based on a fiber-optic network spanning 7,800 km. The company operates 150 technical sites, offers colocation space, develops radio masts and sites, and builds multiservice networks. Thüringer Netkom has been actively involved in the FTTC/H broadband expansion in the Free State of Thuringia since 2009 and, in this context, also offers multimedia products for residential customers.
Challenge
Thüringer Netkom used a database application based on the HCL Notes™ groupware platform, formerly Lotus Notes, to document all processes from sales through construction. VertiGIS ConnectMaster™ has been in use since 2000, but initially only to manage fiber-optic connections in the backbone network. As the company grew, a decision was made three years ago to replace the central groupware platform with specialized applications for network infrastructure management (VertiGIS ConnectMaster), customer management (EVI™), and service management (Matrix42™).
Solution
Following the decision to implement VertiGIS ConnectMaster as the central system for network infrastructure management, the following tasks were completed during the first phase of the project in close collaboration with the Thüringer Netkom project team:
- Configuration of the component types used and migration of inventory data from HCL Notes to VertiGIS ConnectMaster, with a strong focus on data completeness and consistency.
- Development of an interface to the Ribbon™ network management system to synchronize OTN and MPLS multiplexers with the VertiGIS ConnectMaster inventory database.
- Development of an interface to the Matrix42™ service management system.
- Establishment of a work order workflow for technical service based on automatically generated schematic Visio network diagrams.
- Deployment of the system for 20 users, including VertiGIS ConnectMaster Online, providing browser-based access to network inventory data in the field, with redlining functionality.
Results
The first implementation phase was completed on schedule and has been in productive use since the end of 2025. This ensured that day-to-day operations could continue without interruption during the migration, while also establishing a solid foundation for the further implementation of Thüringer Netkom’s OSS/BSS system strategy.
“It is also particularly important to us that we now have a single source of high-quality network infrastructure data, which improves all processes across the company, from planning and construction to operations,” emphasizes Steven Simon, Head of IT Systems & Organization.
In addition to the capabilities of VertiGIS ConnectMaster, Thüringer Netkom project manager Kerstin Rahming cites the excellent collaboration with the VertiGIS Professional Service Team as another key success factor.
Outlook
Phase 2 of the implementation project will begin in 2026 and will focus on the interface to the customer management system (EVI) as well as the introduction of the “Planning & Change Management” module.
Planning for Phase 3 is already underway. “In addition to the results achieved so far, we are very interested in other ConnectMaster features. Outage management and automated FTTH design would make our operations and planning even more efficient,” said project manager Kerstin Rahming.
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