Opinion ID: 622296
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Level 3's Anticipated Network Integration Process

Text: As Level 3 acquired telecommunications companies, it faced the significant task of merging the new systems with its own. According to the amended complaint, Level 3 had a multiple-step network integration process in place to facilitate the combination of the acquired businesses' physical network[s] with that of Level 3's then existing assets. JA, Vol. 1 at A83. The first step in the process was physical network analysis. Id. at A84. [D]uring this phase[,] . . . Level 3 determined where network `circuits' [5] were physically located, the design of circuits, what equipment had been utilized to `light' circuits, [6] and which circuits were leased or owned. Id. at A84. [7] The second step was identification of network efficiencies. Id. During this phase . . ., Level 3 merely identified where redundant network elements existed and might be later targeted for elimination. Id. The third step was network design. Id. Here, Level 3 sought to design the most optimal and efficient combined network. Id. The fourth step involved building interconnects and capacity. Id. This was the single most time intensive and challenging . . . phase, and it involved physically joining elements of the network, such as . . . WilTel's and Level 3's networks . . . [and] connecting dark fiber to laser equipment to create operating circuits. Id. at A85. The final network integration step was route integration. Id. During this phase, network redundancies identified earlier . . . are . . . physically decommissioned and customers can be moved onto new, more cost-efficient network infrastructure. Id. at A85. By the end of 2007, defendants hoped to transfer all the complex business systems utilized by the acquired businesses (referred to as the `legacy' systems) onto a common operating platform. Id. at A78, A89. Ultimately, Level 3 intended to achieve fluid provisioningthe end to end process starting with a signed sales order and ending with field installation, testing and activation of service necessary to begin billingacross all the acquired networks. Id. at A78.