International Business Machines Corporation

Level 3 Communications, LLC

Russell Alan Rushmeier

Brenda Lynn Dietrich

James Q Crowe

Robert Y Wang

Sarah Jean Hood

Daeki Kim

Paul J Koster

Jose F Alvarez

Thomas O'Leary

Mark A Reynolds

David Lawton Shannon

Indraneel Das

Lorraine Lotosky

A method and computer program product are presented for selecting and arranging an appropriate combination of network components, or elements, in a communications network. The selection of network components is done in a manner that maximizes the net present value of cash flow resulting from the provision of communications services between nodes of the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving information that constrains network design and price establishment, and then using the constraint information to select a combination of network components for each link in the communications network. According to the invention, the selection of network components is performed for each of several successive time periods, effectively planning the evolution of the network. The selections are made so that the network components satisfy demand over time while maximizing the net present value of the cash flow that results from the provision of communications services.

System and method for determining an evolving combination of network components to maximize the net present value of a provider's cash flow

A computer implemented method pertinent to yield managed service contract pricing. The method comprises the steps of inputting first information comprising a baseline profiling services contracted to zero or more existing customers; inputting second information comprising a profile of the services to be contracted to one or more new customers; and analyzing second information in the context of first information for the purpose of determining a range of prices to be considered for the services to be contracted.

Method and system for yield managed service contract pricing

A proactive planning methodology and system. The invention reconceptualizes current (delimited) calendar-based planning approaches, where planning is done at fixed or arbitrary times, in favor of a proactive planning methodology which can use information about real time changes in input data used for planning, for determining when a revised plan should be generated. The proactive planning methodology may determine, inter alia, that immediate planning is necessary, or it may schedule the generation of a new plan at some time in the future.

Method for proactive planning

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Mount Kisco, NY, United States of America

Russell Alan Rushmeier