I wanted to share with you my vision for GRAPA in India for the remainder of the year. As you know, GRAPA activities in 2008 were many….we discussed standards for the revenue assurance professional on several web based town hall meetings, ratified those standards as a group, as well as having the opportunity to speak at a Connectiva convention.   For 2009, it would be my desire to continue those types of activities for our membership.  

I would like for GRAPA to become the single source for all solutions related to Revenue Assurance and to provide the membership with guidance on Revenue Assurance Standards. As you may know, our president Rob Mattison has recently published a new book on Revenue Assurance Standards. The book may be downloaded from www.grapatel.com.   A lot of useful information regarding standards and practices is contained in the publication.

The major issue I see facing us this year is the continued introduction of new technologies. As if the technologies themselves is not complex enough, insuring revenue streams are maintained becomes increasingly complex. Challenges with 3G, WIMAX, and NGN remain significant issues. The importance of training is critical, and the availability of training on these technologies is limited.

I would like to see our local membership in GRAPA expand in the current year. We need to see our membership increase, as well as communication within the members. It’s important that we communicate one with another, sharing issues of common concern. A means to do this is through blogging, web communications, and web based town hall meetings. I would also like to see representation from GRAPA membership increase in industry sponsored seminars and events.

If you have thoughts and ideas on these subjects, I would like to hear from you. Of particular interest is suitable times for our web based town hall meetings.