MCI Communications Corp has bought into the concept that lies behind AT&T Corp’s now-abandoned AT&T Network Notes (CI No 2,863) and is planning to launch a package of integrated intranet, electronic mail and groupware services (CI No 2,889). MCI has, however learnt from AT&T’s mistakes, and is to include Internet integration as part of the package. Also unlike AT&T, it is plans to use Microsoft Corp’s BackOffice suite – including the new Exchange Server (CI No 2,840) – running under Windows NT rather than Lotus Notes. Digital Equipment Corp is also a big winner from the plan, since it will be supplying its Alpha server systems, while MCI’s recent systems integration buy SHL Systemhouse Ltd (CI No 2,840) will be providing consulting and implementation services, which will be marketed through MCI’s Enterprise Network Solution. It is intended to provide one-stop-shop installation and management of hardware and services; messaging (ranging from basic electronic mail to services including directories, message storage and gateways); network and applications management using MCI’s global network management capabilities and DEC’s TeMIP management software; and groupware services including bulletin boards, discussion databases and sales- tracking applications using Exchange Server public folders. Also planned are a range of intranet networking services which will initially comprise WebSite Services, for content creation, hosting, access and Internet security, and Enterprise Connect for intranet and Internet communications over MCI’s Internet backbone including dedicated Frame Relay, Switched Multi-Megabit Data Services, ISDN and remote dial-up access. DEC will provide search engine and indexing capabilities, while Microsoft’s Internet Information Server will be used as the system, and its Internet Explorer the browser. MCI also said it is to standardize its own internal messaging system on Exchange Server, and will integrate it with its existing MCI Mail infrastructure to provide enhanced messaging and groupware capabilities. Michael Mael, MCI’s director for the MCI-Microsoft alliance, acknowledges the similarities between the new service and the original Network Notes, but says MCI’s service is more comprehensive as it provides stronger messaging alongside the groupware capabilities. These features, as well as MCI’s existing relationship with Microsoft, led to the decision to go with Exchange and not Notes. Using Exchange rather than Notes does have a drawback, however, in that MCI’s partner and 20% owner British Telecommunications Plc is planning to launch a Notes-based service, and MCI has missed the opportunity to have an integrated offering via their Concert joint venture. Mael says this is not an issue at present, as it is focusing on the US and will then talk with its Canadian and Mexican partners, but it may still offer a service with British Telecom later on.
