Set-top supply [vendor management]

Telecomms operators have spent significant amounts to build new infrastructures for Internet, cable, mobile and other communications projects. These projects are technically complex and therefore generally driven by the technical business function. They absorb huge amounts of investment and require complex commercial and legal negotiations to safeguard the interest of the service operators in their dealings with suppliers. Vendor management (VM) was originally created to support the requirements of the Cable and Wireless Digital TV programme and was successful in achieving its objectives by adopting the relationship management approach. When C&WC´s Digital TV business was acquired by NTL, VM was integrated into the broader NTL management structure. Roles and responsibilities were similar to before but a dialogue with a new procurement leadership in supply chain was required to clarify the respective roles.