Azotel SIMPLer reduces the costs and simplifies the business of delivering telecommunications services. The SIMPLer platform delivers everything a wireless Operator needs - other than the radio equipment via a single box platform which can be seamlessly integrated with an access network such as Canopy from Motorola's Wi4 range or similar.
Simplification is the key to the Azotel approach. By delivering all the technology in a box and following a prescribed simple business process, we significantly reduce both the operating cost and increase reliability. This in turn enables the delivery of a quality service to your end users. The Azotel system was first deployed in 2002 and has since been proven many times both in Ireland, Europe, Africa and North America.
Traditionally, WISPs tend to build up their core network and management solution using various equipment from a number of different vendors to address all necessary functions — advanced routing, network health monitoring, provisioning, bandwidth management, CRM etc. SIMPLer delivers all this functionality via a single interface. All portals, CPU intensive tasks and data are provided via the SIMPLer servers hosted in a controlled data center. The SIMPLer server communicates with the WIB-C (which is physically located in the Operators network) over a secure connection. The WIB-C stores all the information for running the network at that node. If the WIB were to lose connection to the server, the WIB would continue to function as normal with the rules that have been set on it.
Rather than having to design, integrate and maintain multiple servers/equipment nodes, the Operator simply needs to plug two cables in to the WIB-C — one connects to the upstream IP connection (which can be provided via fibre, leased line, ADSL/DSL, Cable, or Satellite) and the second to the Access Network (e.g. Motorola Canopy, Tropos Mesh, etc). This greatly simplifies the setup and operations.
By simplifying all that is involved in deploying a network, there is now the added benefit that allows you as an Operator to deliver more reliable and superior service to your end customers.
|
Core Network Functions |
| WISP in a BOX (WIB-C) |
Thin Client Hardware Device installed in the Operators Network which supports Contract Customers. Can be installed in conjunction with HIB-C — see next |
| Hotspot in a Box (HIB-C) |
Thin Client Hardware Device installed in the Operators Network which supports Hotspot/Token Customers. Can be installed in conjunction with WIB-C — see previous. |
| Advanced Core Network Routing |
Performs all required traffic routing, traffic prioritization, advanced port and P2P options, etc. |
| Bandwidth Management |
Performed centrally which gives complete flexibility in specifying bandwidth and contention to end users. This significantly differs from Access Point to CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) bandwidth management whereby offering dedicated bandwidth is difficult in networks with multiple APs. The ability to offer dedicated bandwidth means you as the Operator can now offer lucrative leased line type services. |
|
Provisioning |
| Automated Customer Provisioning |
SIMPLer detects new installations and automatically moves customer to
"current" state. The system completes the provisioning by allocating bandwidth and triggering billing start date. |
| Automated CPE Provisioning |
SIMPLer completes configuration of CPE (e.g. Canopy SM) and collects details for inventory database (MAC address, distance from AP etc.) |
| Integrated Canopy SM Support |
See WIB-C |
| Integrated Ruckus CPE Support |
See HIB-C |
|
Network Operations Centre (NOC) |
| Network Health Monitor |
The SIMPLer Network Health Monitor collects, stores and displays various information regarding the health of the network. |
| Network Health Dashboard |
SIMPLer provides all critical network health information via single web page to the Operator. The information can be viewed securely from any location using any web browser. |
| Alerts and Alarms |
SIMPLer provides the Operator with the flexibility to configure various triggers and alarms which are sent via SMS/email to specified Mobiles/Email addresses. |
|
Accounting & Cash Collection |
| Debtors Ledger |
SIMPLer contains complete Debtors Ledger functionality allowing all accounts activity to be tracked within the one integrated system. Totals for Nominal Accounts are available at month end allowing for quick and easy importation to the Operator's preferred accounting system — regardless of system used. Solution works across currencies and tax rates. |
| Auto Invoice Generation |
SIMPLer automatically generates invoices for all end customers. Email or regular post of invoices to end customers is supported. |
| Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Direct Debit Interface |
SIMPLer supports various Direct Debit / Electronic Funds Transfer interfaces enabling automatic cash collection from end users. NOTE: Some customisation may be required depending on your preferred bank interface. |
| Non EFT Payments tracking |
SIMPLer supports tracking for all other methods of payment. |
| Credit Card Payments |
SIMPLer has integrated Credit Card payments for both fixed and token/portal based payments i.e. contract access and hotspot or Metro Mesh type access. NOTE: Some customisation may be required depending on your preferred bank interface. |
|
CRM |
| Customer Records |
SIMPLer stores all details with respect to each end customer. Each customer is associated with a state — pre-sales, waiting for install, current, post etc. allowing tracking against each phase of the customer life-cycle. |
| Customer ticketing/Issues |
SIMPLer has a facility for recording and routing all issues that arise with respect to a customer. |
| Billing Issues |
Similar to Customer Issues, but used for tracking billing and administration issues |
| Installation Tracking and Scheduling |
SIMPLer contains integrated functionality for scheduling, assigning and tracking customer installation, repairs and collections. |
|
Metrics |
| Customer Records |
SIMPLer stores all details with respect to each end customer. Each customer is associated with a state — pre-sales, waiting for install, current, post etc. allowing tracking against each phase of the customer life-cycle. |
| Customer Tracking |
SIMPLer tracks all metrics with respect to new customers e.g. business/residential per month, ARPU,
total recurring
subscriptions etc. |
|
General Administration |
| User Accounts |
Add multiple users to manage or help operate your business. Users with
"Operator" privileges have the ability to add and change the access levels for each user account. |
| User Accounts Levels |
Each User Account can be assigned a different access level, restricting viewing of sensitive data and statistics etc. |
| Multi-Language Support |
SIMPLer string content is database driven. This allows for rapid addition of language support. Current supported languages include Norwegian, Spanish, French, Polish, English and U.S. English Language is selected on a per
"User Account" basis. |
|
Options |
| VoIP Gateways |
Azotel offers a variety of supported VoIP gateways. These allow the Operator to roll out a telephony service in conjunction with broadband. The VIB-C allows Operators to define their own Call Plan and offer integrated billing to their customers. |
| Advanced Technical Support |
In the case of all non-stand alone systems, Azotel engineers will have the ability to view configuration and investigate any issues (such as radio network configuration) in real-time. This has proven tremendously powerful to our Operators. They can get on with the business of building out network and adding subscribers in the knowledge that there is full support available to them in times of critical issues. |
|
Finally |
| Designed by Operators for Operators |
The SIMPLer platform was first developed in parallel with network rollout starting Oct 2002. The current functionality set has been developed in response to the ongoing feedback from our Operators. |
