WorldCom's Problems and the NSP Crisis 4 September 2002 Back To Enterprise Networking Focus Area

	No single event has shaken up the already turbulent network service provider (NSP) marketplace as WorldCom's problems have. The NSP market, particularly in the United States, has all but imploded. For example, the list of carriers entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection continues to grow; the share prices of most NSPs are at all-time lows; revenue is falling; and service is generally deteriorating. The problems faced by WorldCom — the second-largest long-distance service provider in the United States — are acute and run the gamut of issues from financial to deteriorating investor and customer confidence, having to reduce its capital expenditures, major staff reductions, and so on. WorldCom's problems have made us all think differently about a market that was, at one time, stable and growing rapidly. Overall, vendors, enterprises and even regulators need to pay more attention to the changing marketplace dynamics. In this Spotlight, we examine WorldCom's plight in the context of the ongoing NSP crisis and offer guidance to enterprises, NSPs and equipment vendors.  Read more		David Neil Vice President and Research Director, Gartner Research

			WorldCom and the NSP Crisis: Where We Go From Here 4 September 2002 Jay E. Pultz  No single event so crystallizes the crisis among network service providers as the bankruptcy filing of WorldCom, the second-largest long-distance provider in the United States. The implications are profound.

	WorldCom Is at the Center of the Telecom Storm 30 August 2002 Steve Koppman  Alex Winogradoff  The endemic weaknesses of the U.S. telecom market have been exposed by recent events culminating in the bankruptcy of WorldCom. What are the near-term and long-term implications?		WorldCom Crisis: Implications for Enterprises and Vendors 17 July 2002 Eric Paulak  David Neil  WorldCom's financial woes will have major market implications for telecom customers, carriers and suppliers. Enterprises must ensure that they have well-thought-out contingency plans ready to be activated quickly, if needed.
	Gartner Views on Five Key Questions About WorldCom 29 August 2002 Jay E. Pultz  Enterprises must be ready to address a near-continuum of potential WorldCom futures — and their implications for network service provider selection, service levels and the telecom industry as a whole.		What Will Happen to WorldCom in Europe? 22 August 2002 Neil Rickard  WorldCom will likely focus on the few key markets that generate most of its European revenue. We do not expect large-scale network closure, but service levels are at risk and must be closely monitored.
	WorldCom's Future in the Asia/Pacific Region 22 August 2002 Geoff Johnson  WorldCom's Asia/Pacific subsidiaries haven't filed for bankruptcy and have significant, valuable customer bases. However, WorldCom's service ability is threatened worldwide; enterprises should consider alternatives.		The Double-Edged Sword of Telecommunications Regulation 5 August 2002 Ron Cowles  Wm. L. Hahn  Regulation is the single-most influential factor in the telecommunications industry. Understand that, and plan capital expenditures accordingly.
	Digex: Last of the Independent Pure-Play Web Hosters 21 August 2002 Ted Chamberlin  Will WorldCom's troubles have an impact on Digex's future as an independent Web hosting provider? Digex must secure immediate funding sources to solidify its future operations.		The Sky(Tel) Is Falling on Paging 22 August 2002 Phillip Redman  With the bankruptcy of WorldCom, wireless-paging provider SkyTel will most likely be spun off. Enterprise users should not see a disruption of service, but should be prepared to transfer services or look to alternative technologies.
	What To Do If Your Carrier Goes Chapter 11 10 July 2002 Jay E. Pultz  David Neil  A number of major network service providers have filed for bankruptcy protection recently, and yours could be next. Enterprises must quickly develop contingency plans and be ready to act on them.		Are You at Risk if an NSP Files for Bankruptcy Protection? 5 July 2002 Jay E. Pultz  David Neil  Despite a positive spin from network service providers, all bankruptcy protection filings pose risks for enterprises, but risk severity can vary significantly. Enterprises must evaluate the risks.
	Contracting for Network Services in These Troubled Times 19 August 2002 Jay E. Pultz  Network service provider turmoil means renegotiating contracts now — especially commitment levels, pricing and "out" clauses.