Bridge manager tool for problem management

A computer-implemented method of problem management, comprising:

• receiving a problem;
• launching a bridge manager tool stored as a set of computer instructions on a memory by executing the set of computer instructions of the bridge manager tool on a processor to centralize problem solving activities relating to the problem;
• performing one or more activities on a problem resolution checklist displayed by the bridge manager tool, the one or more activities include pre-resolution activities, active-resolution activities, and post-resolution activities;
• initiating centralized coordination of the one or more pre-resolution activities to resolve the problem through the bridge manager tool, the one or more pre-resolution activities comprising:
• paging one or more individuals related to resolution of the problem through the bridge manager tool;
• and
• opening a conference bridge;
• linking at least one of the one or more activities on the problem resolution checklist with one or more applications external to the bridge manager;
• initiating centralized coordination of the one or more active-resolution activities to resolve the problem through the bridge manager tool, the one or more active-resolution activities comprising:
• documenting the activities when performed;
• flagging one or more activities if not performed within a predetermined period of time;
• and
• launching the one or more applications external to the bridge manager tool for problem resolution upon selection of the at least one of the one or more activities on the problem resolution checklist;
• and
• initiating centralized coordination of the one or more post-resolution activities to resolve the problem through the bridge manager tool, the one or more post-resolution activities comprising:
• centrally documenting the resolution of the problem through the bridge manager tool.

A system, comprising:

• a processor for processing instructions;
• a memory circuit containing the instructions, the memory circuit coupled to the processor;
• a mass storage device for holding a program operable to transfer the program to the memory circuit;
• wherein the program on the mass storage device comprises instructions, the instructions comprising:
• receiving a report that comprises problem information relating to a problem;
• launching a bridge manager tool for centralized coordination of problem resolution activities for resolving the problem, wherein the bridge manager tool comprises:
• a checklist component that itemizes tasks used to solve a problem managed via the bridge manager tool, the tasks including one or more pre-resolution activities and one or more active resolution activities;
• a timer component that tracks a time aspect managed via the bridge manager tool;
• an application launching component that links at least one application external to the bridge manager tool with at least one of the tasks of the checklist component and launches the at least one application external to the bridge manager tool upon selection of the at least one of the tasks;
• a note taking component that documents events related to a problem managed via the bridge manager tool;
• a paging component that sends a page to an individual or group;
• a database component that stores data related to a problem managed via the bridge manager tool;
• a documentation access component coupled to the database component for input and storage of data related to a problem managed via the bridge manager tool;
• and
• a graphical interface that displays the checklist component, the timer component, the application launching component, the note taking component, the paging component and the documentation access component;
• initiating centralized coordination of the one or more pre-resolution activities to resolve the problem through the bridge manager tool, the one or more pre-resolution activities comprising:
• opening a conference bridge;
• initiating centralized coordination of the one or more active resolution activities to resolve the problem through the bridge manager tool;
• and
• centrally documenting the pre-resolution activities and the active resolution of the problem through the bridge manager tool.