 protection etc. In order to do this the process must be repeated for each traffic type on each network and these traffic flows aggregated where common transport exists. This is further complicated by the fact that the input forecasts are quoted in the number of services and must be converted to traffic. A converged network eliminates the parallel traffic engineering processes and collapses it into only one aggregated matrix, which is further simplified by the non-meshed or partially meshed ATM network topology. The example in Figure 4.49 illustrates how the process of traffic planning can be simplified if all products and services are provided on one common platform. The network diagram on the left is a telephony network taken from a real example but simplified, since only transit routes are shown. In practice this would be even more complex with hundreds more routes. Similar networks of differing complexity would exist for each product or service type. Service Provisioning and Customer Care When all services are provided on one common platform it is easier to migrate customers from one service to another, both in the procedures required and the physical changes required. No longer are you disconnecting the customer from one network and reconnect- ing them to another. This is especially important in keeping operations costs down and in particular where exchanges are remote or no longer manned. See Figure 4.50. Single activation and configuration systems can be adopted. All the activation systems that are needed for 'vertical networks' require training of operator staff. Deficiencies in competence imply errors and delays in getting services to the market or connected to the customer. The same user interfaces can be made available for all services. This maintains the familiarity with the configuration procedures. This familiarity can dramatically reduce the cost of processing churn in competi- tive markets There are fewer elements to update, interact with, upgrade and activate services on. The importance of custom