NTT Case Study
Unlocking Digital Solutions
To meet the demands of partner-led innovation
PROBLEM: Solution partners were hindered by the high cost and complexity of integrating their applications to use NTT communications and data center infrastructure. New applications required high up front investment and complex contracts.
SOLUTION: By adding a rich API management layer and using telecom industry standard interfaces, NTT unlocked an ecosystem of solution partners to build custom applications at much lower cost. Eliminating up front investment made it possible for applications start small and use infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Design for Digital Ecosystems.
The NTT team had selected a new API platform, and had proven technical competence to build integrations. The question remained how to provide infrastructure connectivity at scale, so it could be used by hundreds of partners with thousands of developers and leave bespoke point-to-point integrations behind.
With the help of Precise Change, the team formulated an API architecture that would be easily understood by non-telecom developers, to build communication services for enterprises in various domains. The strategy included a survey of sophisticated monetization approaches that would encourage adoption and growth, and supporting services including account management, SLA and metrics tracking, billing and customer support.
The project included executive briefings of the initiative, and advice on cultural aspects of digital transformation.
An extension of the initiative included a digital transformation workshop for Docomo, a retail unit of NTT operating at arms length from NTT infrastructure services. The workshop was designed and delivered by Precise Change, and spanned insights from telecom digitalization and deregulation worldwide, attended by key executives and decision makers.
“As the technical lead for NTTs digital transformation, I discovered Michael when he was running the transformation advisory practice at Apigee. Michael worked closely with me in designing and delivering NTT-specific workshops for our team and for executives. Michael brought unparalleled cross-cultural communication skills, and engaged thoughtfully with our Japan-specific business culture and objectives. I recommend Michael’s new consulting practice to enterprises who need to create a digital and data-first foundation across their functions, and guide their internal teams with vision and actionable plans.”