The design approach to integrated telephone information in the Netherlands

The Integrated Telephone Customer Information System (ITCIS) is a computer network system, which was initiated by the Dutch Post, Telephone and Telegraph (PTT) and PANDATA N.V., a Dutch software company partly owned by PTT, in June 1970. The initial definition study concerned the feasibility of integrating several data files each containing telephone customer data (Billing, Directory Preparation, and Work Order Administration). In addition, there were efforts under way by a PTT research group concerning the automation of the Directory Assistance Service and, by another group, the Telephone Cable and Pair Administration. The conclusion reached in the definition study indicated that integration was not only feasible, but, that a completely integrated online system, including Cable and Pair and Directory Assistance would be economically desirable.