Executive Summary

Anticipating the growth of Internet usage and digital interactive media, Channel X has already set up a number of websites to support and extend its programming output. However, these were done in an ad hoc fashion using a mixture of technologies from a number of suppliers.

Business Challenge

Channel X, a leading independent broadcaster, offers quality and innovative programming across a range of different markets. Anticipating the growth of Internet usage and digital interactive media, the Channel has already set up a number of websites to support and extend its programming output. However, these were done in an ad hoc fashion using a mixture of technologies from a number of suppliers. What's more, the sites' host was inadequate to support future audience demand, while the small team responsible for service delivery was wholly dependent on the broadcasting organization for technical and back-office support.

How Wability Helped

In 2001, Channel X Board decided to create an independent Interactive Services arm to develop and enhance its offerings in a number of areas. These included: Channel X portal, Sports: Racing, Education: School and Entertainment (music, fashion, etc.).

Wability was asked to provide project management and technical development support. The team would be responsible for creating the technical platform for all the websites, helping the CEO with the day-to-day management of Interactive Services and coordinating activities with the Channel X Information Services Division. Further resources would be drawn from Wability as necessary during the life of the project.

Wability helped define the target processes, technology and people underpinning the technical Interactive Services. It also created an action plan to bridge any gaps. An immediate priority was to move the existing sites to a more robust host. In late 2000 and early 2001, Wability assisted in the selection of a new hosting partner for Channel X and oversaw the subsequent migration work.

Throughout 2001, we were responsible for program and project management of all Interactive Services activities and for supporting other members of the Interactive department (e.g. contract negotiation and definition). In addition, we helped define and implement processes to manage the delivery of commissioned projects across Channel X.

Value Delivered